A few years ago, Google introduced a sweet new feature for Discover users called the "heart" button. This button will allow you to give feedback on article recommendations. It also enhances your personalized experience. And now these pages have a special place to reside.
9to5Google, a recent Google Discover update will enable users to access a webpage called "Interests" which features three top tabs. If you want to use this feature, open the Google app on Android and tap the "Saved" icon in the bar at the bottom. This will take you to the Interests page that has three tabs: "Saved," "Liked," and "Followed."
Saved: This tab will show a list of videos and articles that you have bookmarked.
Liked: This tab has a grid of all the articles and YouTube videos you have hearted in Discover.
Followed: This tab will show a list of searches that you may be following.
To add an article or video to the "Liked" section you can simply tap the icon in the Google app while on the page in Discover. If you want to remove the articles and videos from the Interests, tap the icon again. The update is going to work on Android only. There is no word on when it might be available on iOS.
It may not be a big update as such but this tweak can enhance the daily content navigation experience. Google is encouraging the use of the "Saved" button as a convenient read-it-later service. You can also share your curated collections with other users which will add a touch of social to the feature.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
All those pesky YouTube Ads are turning out to be a boon for YouTube. For the end of the quarter on September 30, 2023, tech giant Alphabet, the parent company of Google, reported a total ad revenue of $59.6 billion. The ad revenue touched $44 billion, which was brought in by Google’s search business, which marked a hike of 11.3 %.
YouTube has generated $7.95 billion in ad revenue for Q3 2023. It has been a 12.5% increase from the previous year. The corporation has credited the positive outcome to brand and direct-response advertising. The total ad revenue for the company has grown by 9.5%.
The ad revenue in the previous year had been a far lesser number- a mere 1.9% since 2021.
At an investor call, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, reported that daily views for the short-form video platform have increased significantly. YouTube Shorts has increased in views to 70 billion per day. It was 50 billion earlier this year. He even added that the company is planning to introduce enhancements for Shorts, including AI-powered editing tools along with other features.
In his statement, he said, “I’m pleased with our financial results and our product momentum this quarter, with AI-driven innovations across Search, YouTube, Cloud, our Pixel devices and more. We’re continuing to focus on making AI more helpful for everyone; there’s exciting progress and lots more to come."
Google has registered a total profit of $19.7 billion for the third quarter of 2023. It marks a 46% increase from that of Q3 of 2022. The company’s total revenue has reached $76.7 billion (11%).
Google’s cloud computing services, Google Cloud, have also seen an increase in profit margins due to increased business in AI training tools. It marked a growth of 22% year over year in revenue.
Interestingly, Google Cloud’s performance in Q3 revenue of $8.41 billion fell short of investor expectations. It missed the planned $8.64 billion. Alphabet is even facing an antitrust trial, where it has been alleged of monopolistic practices in search dominance.
This has led to Alphabet’s shares declining over 6% in after-hours trading, despite YouTube’s otherwise strong performance.
Read Also:
Whatsapp Drops Support For Android KitKat: Latest Updates
WhatsApp Is Testing Pinning Feature With Specific Timeframe
Manish Rawat's Zinmatt Is Making Learning Free And Accessible
The term “Fake News” has existed since the 1800s but has resurged in the last decade.
Often, one political side uses it as a defense mechanism against negative articles. The result is societal confusion over what’s true and what’s not.
When health news becomes unreliable, the consequences are more severe. This trend, fueled by political partisanship, has become increasingly dangerous.
Generally, mainstream media like television and print journalism maintain enough integrity to avoid spreading fake health news. However, in the social media landscape, fake stories spread rapidly with a simple click.
The Causes
The primary cause of fake health news is profit. More shares and likes equal more advertising opportunities. The healthcare industry, especially pharma, spends heavily on advertising.
With every click generating potential revenue, it’s no surprise that some lesser “news” services embellish or even lie to grow their following.
For example, a fake article on “Natural News” claimed the cancer industry was a scam for profit. It received 5.4 million hits, and the site’s Facebook page gained over 3 million followers.
Popularity pays!
In social media monetization, influencers can earn about $10 per 1,000 followers for sponsored content.
Once they hit 1 million followers, they can make up to $1,000 per post solely through advertising.
The Consequences
As social media continues to expand, the potential for spreading fake news also grows. The issue needs attention because the consequences can be real and even fatal.
Some stories don’t cause direct harm, such as one claiming ginger is a better cancer treatment than chemotherapy. Still, they mislead people away from proper care.
For patients with terminal illnesses, hope is everything. False stories, like one about a diabetes cure in Mexico, can give false hope to those desperate for solutions. The most harmful fake news encourages the use of FDA-unapproved products.
Although these stories often remain on social media, even the U.S. president once promoted a chemical as a COVID-19 cure.
Clinical trials showed that the chemical increased heart attack risks and was not safe for such use.
The Cure
Given social media’s global reach, the best way to combat fake news is through education.
Teaching about its dangers can prevent this from becoming a generational issue, unlike other falsehoods rooted in fear.
Currently, many prominent social media platforms flag posts containing false or misleading information.
People believe in fake news because it aligns with their existing beliefs. This makes government regulation challenging, especially as new social media platforms arise, vowing not to flag any content. Again, this approach is money-driven.
How to Check Whether a Health News Over Social Media is Fake
With the deluge of health news filling up your Facebook feed, it’s important to know how to spot real from fake.
Sure, fake news can be damn convincing these days — but there are a few good tricks of the trade to protect yourself.
Check the Source
First and foremost, always check the source. Is the article coming from a reputable organization or a well-known health authority?
Credible sources include government health agencies, recognized research institutions and trusted news outlets.
If the source is obscure or lacks a professional presence, be cautious. A questionable source can be a red flag even if the information seems convincing.
Reference Studies
Legitimate health news should reference studies, expert opinions, or credible data. If the article cites scientific research, look for links to peer-reviewed journals or established medical websites.
Beware of articles that make sensational claims without backing them up with evidence. Even when there’s a study mentioned, ensure it’s recent, relevant, and conducted by recognized experts in the field.
Watch for Emotional Triggers
Fake health news often relies on emotional triggers to generate clicks.
If a post uses language like “miracle cure” or “secret the government doesn’t want you to know,” it appeals to your emotions rather than your intellect.
Real health information is rational, calm, and devoid of sensationalism.
Compare against other Reliable Sources
If you’re not sure if a piece of information is accurate, see if other reliable sources report similar news.
In fact, if the news article is true, it will likely be reported by more legitimate organizations or outlets as well.
If you only find that news on questionable sites or personal blogs, it’s better to ignore them.
Check the Writer’s Background
Who wrote the article? Is it a doctor, a journalist with a strong history of health reporting, or an expert in the field?
If you can’t tell, don’t know what the writer has for credentials, or don’t tie closely to health, their information may be iffy.
Watch out for Biased (and sponsored) Content
Sometimes, content is created to sell something, whether it’s a product or an idea. Sponsored articles, particularly those highlighting supplements or treatments, are usually biased.
Check for disclaimers and consider whether the article is more about making money than offering accurate health information.
Publication Date
Health guidelines and research are constantly evolving. An article that’s a few years old may not be accurate or relevant anymore.
Be sure to check when it was published to get the most current information.
Use Fact-Checking Websites
Lastly, consult fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or Health Feedback to fact-check a suspicious claim.
These platforms research and investigate viral stories and can usually verify whether something is true or not.
Read Also:
How to Keep up on the Latest News
How Cutting Edge Technology is Helping Dubai Improve its Healthcare Services
Health Tips For Managing High Cholesterol
This week, several key players in the retail sector are slated to reveal their quarterly earnings. The spotlight is on companies navigating these turbulent waters in a year marked by economic challenges and fluctuating consumer confidence. Those prioritizing discount goods over discretionary items have emerged as industry leaders.
Predicting Earnings Surprises
Investors eyeing these retail giants have a powerful tool at their disposal—Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction). This tool aims to identify companies experiencing positive earnings estimate revisions, leveraging the belief that recent information holds predictive power during earnings season.
Historically, combining a Zacks Rank #3 or better with a positive Earnings ESP has yielded positive surprises 70% of the time, boasting a 28.3% average annual return over a 10-year period.
Earnings Anticipation In Retail
In the challenging landscape of retail, this year has been a litmus test for what resonates with consumers. Despite varied stock performances, all eyes are on a group of retailers forecasted to beat earnings estimates, indicating a bullish sentiment among analysts.
Walmart
Walmart, a standout performer this year with a 20.3% year-to-date rally, holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The retail giant's strategic focus on discount offerings and a robust e-commerce expansion have contributed to its success. Walmart's Q3 earnings report, set for November 16, is anticipated to exceed estimates, with a Zacks ESP forecasting a 0.8% beat.
The TJX Companies
Benefiting from its discount pricing strategy, TJX Companies has seen an 18% YTD gain. Operating across 4,900 stores in nine countries, this off-price retailer is set to report earnings on November 15. The Zacks ESP projects a 2.6% earnings beat, reflecting a mixed earnings outlook.
Ross Stores
With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), Ross Stores has capitalized on the discount retail trend, gaining 10% YTD. Expected to report on November 16, the Zacks ESP suggests a 2.08% earnings beat. Ross Stores offers in-season, branded, and designer merchandise at prices 20% to 60% below regular department store rates.
Target
Facing headwinds this year, Target's stock has dipped by -23.7% YTD. Target reported on November 15 that it had experienced a significant drop in comparable sales as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. Despite a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), indicating falling earnings estimates, there's a glimmer of hope with a Zacks Earnings ESP projecting a 1.97% earnings beat.
While Walmart continues to lead the pack, Target's dip in valuation raises questions about its future trajectory. Investors are advised to stay vigilant and monitor shifts in earnings estimates for potential investment opportunities in this dynamic retail landscape.
Learn More About:
Walmart Deals On Black Friday: Apple Watch, PS5, And More
Elon Musk To Introduce New Products That Will Challenge YouTube And LinkedIn
