#Health Data Monetization

[otiskeene]

Vyvo Smart Chain Announces NFT Expansion For Apple Watch At Web Summit

An important update to Vyvo Smart Chain's (VSC) patented Data Non-Fungible Token (Data-NFT) has been made available, enabling connection with Apple Watch via the Apple HealthKit. VSC is a HealthFi ecosystem. This update represents a calculated step forward for the HealthFi industry by allowing users of the Apple Watch to actively engage in Data Mining and earn $VSC through the use of a Data-NFT.

VSC announced its expansion during the Web Summit's Growth Startup Program in Lisbon, highlighting its dedication to innovation and upending the health and wellness industry. The Growth Startup Program demonstrates VSC's commitment to developing its ecosystem by giving businesses access to crucial resources and assistance for quick company scaling.

Utilizing human biometrics that are gathered by sensors to create health data from wearable IoT devices is known as data mining on the Vyvo Smart Chain. By decentralizing control over data ownership, privacy, and the capacity to monetize their health data, VSC seeks to empower Data Owners.

Fabio Galdi, Co-Founder and CEO of VSC, highlighted the importance of this technological improvement to the patented Data-NFT and how it places VSC at the forefront of HealthFi. "Our goal has always been to use blockchain to expand the boundaries of technology," he said. This technological advancement for our exclusive Data-NFT opens up our environment to a whole new user base.

Read More - https://bit.ly/47E4ToL

[girlfriendsofthegalaxy]

tuesday again 8/6/2024

people mad at a video game for being woke, i'm mad at it for not being woke enough. so it goes.

also i wrote a yeehawgust fic

listening

another addition to the "SOMEBODY COME FUCK THIS (GAY)" playlist, thank u charli xcx and billie eilish

-

reading

im still really annoyed with Retraction Watch for platforming a terf last year and then not doing any sort of sockpuppet damage control in the comments. since they got acquired by crossref they've done way less guest editorials. not to be all "stick to sports!" but stick to sports, retraction watch.

they did introduce me to this substack series i will be following with great interest about the rise and fall of hindawi. wiley acquired a paper mill a few years back, bc they seemingly did zero diligence, and then blithely ignored the problem for two years before being forced to do the single largest retraction of papers in scientific publishing history, somewhere above ten thousand articles because it is STILL ONGOING.

i do love following various retractions bc i like seeing what finally made someone go "wait a minute", and, as i have just written in a cover letter, "I studied astronomy and have held several data jobs because I’m fascinated with how and why systems work and fail..."

-

watching

my best friend has decided while i'm at her home in the evenings eating her food and bothering her children (for my mental health, it is very important i am fed tiny bits of mushed up banana by hand by her one-year-old), our new project is watching all the xmen movies. i have no particular desire to do this or special affinity for the xmen, and i would like to keep eating very good texmex and bothering her children (for my mental health, it is very important i play hot wheels with the five-year-old). this sounds so super bitchy of me but it's hard to convey that these are essentially on for background noise.

saw the first two. the two things i know about them are that hugh jackman is in them and they're at the statue of liberty in one

-

playing

an ideologically baffling little environmental game free in the epic store this week, LumberJack. this is on PC and Switch for $13, which is far more money than the playtime anyone can get out of this game. tiny tiny tiny little Spain-headquartered studio without an active website, it looks like one guy hired out to make this and two more games and then went back to single-dev projects. i can respect that!

steam reviewers are mad at this game for being woke, and i'm mad at it for being woke in a very strange way. your one mechanic, as a bear, is swinging a big axe to remove cars and trailer offices and portapotties and various garbage from the landscape.

i wish the movement and look controls are inverted, and i wish they weren't, or at least had an option to make them normal. i know Why this isn't a mobile game (can't monetize something with twoish hours of gameplay and twenty levels) but it's a very straightforward and simple game that would translate very well to mobile. much like donut county.

now for being picky about the political mindset of the developers: as much fun as it is to be a bear swinging an axe around, lumberjacks are not the people i associate with wild preservation movements.

saving the land and turning it back into pristine and perfect land for wild animals in this game looks like erasing every hint of human activity from a site and turning it into sheer recreational use. many levels are heavily polluted, but some can definitely be read as recycling centers. im confused by the erasing every hint of humans in early levels, and then this level where you break down a radio station, slap the host with your axe, and she turns into a park ranger who starts gardening and taking care of chickens?

i don't think that removing all the traces of people from the landscape will magically fix everything, nor do i think simply being in unspoiled wilderness will magically fix me.

there's a golfing level where you whack bombs into various small buildings. i think golfing to save the environment is a strange choice to make for designing a game.

i also briefly thought this bird in every level was an extinct ivory-billed woodpecker, which was a little alarming bc there are some real nutjobs out there with very strong beliefs about this bird and government overreach and how much the government is lying to you about the extinctness of various animals.

i stopped playing about halfway through bc i was not having fun and found the underlying environmental message a little confused. they've managed to sell at least 10k units which is...not very good. i am not surprised this is free on epic, and i wonder what their payout for that was. would not be surprised if they negotiated a payment to their nonprofit partner ecologi as part of that.

-

making

yeehawgust fill! i have another bitchy blond babygirl!

what the fuck is the prisoner? cult 60s british spy tv. with all the surreality and anxieties about the cold war and midcentury psychological horror you could possibly want

He’d been drugged enough times to recognize the splitting migraine rapidly galloping down his neurons. “Where am I?” He fought down the taste of bile (ketamine? xylazine, by the aftertaste) and the rising panic. Oddly enough, the migraine was always worse with veterinary sedatives. One would think a mind would adapt to nearly three hundred years of irregular drugging and constant experiments. One’s body had adapted and ghoulified, but in equally unhelpful ways. The tycoon flickered, approximating an appraising blink. “This meeting has been a long time coming, hasn't it? You've come a long ways, literally and, I suspect, figuratively as well. You’re in the Free Economic Zone of New Vegas.” They’d pretended the prisons were so many different places: across the Continent, in various parts of London, up and down and all around the East Coast of these wretched States. Rarely this far west, aside from the awful escapade in the faux pre-War Western town. “What do you want?” He managed to swing his ankles off the saddle (also pre-War? Heavily used. It certainly wasn’t his, the equestrian event had always been his worst event in the pentathalon) and jolted what felt like every half-dead nerve in his half-dead body.

[beardedmrbean]

Threads, Meta's new social media app, has signed up 100 million new users less than a week since its launch last Wednesday, making it the fastest-growing app in history.

Like other social media apps, users probably barely scanned − or skipped − the terms and conditions for what information Threads can collect, share and sell about them.

Meta probably already had a lot of information about users because Threads is built upon its Instagram platform.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

So how much does Threads already know about you, and what can it do with that data? Here are a few reasons to be concerned about your privacy.

What information does Threads collect?

Social media platforms monetize user data by selling relevant ads based on your location and activity, but, along with the usual app privacy requests like browsing history and location data, Threads also asks for financial information, health and fitness data, diagnostics and a nefarious-sounding "sensitive info."

Many users have voiced concern over Threads for its 14-point list of data permissions you're granting Meta to use the app. Twitter, by comparison, has 10 of these.

"I would say it's at the outer boundaries of what's usually expected, which is to be expected from its connection to Facebook, a brand long known for being especially hungry to take in user data and commercialize it in different ways," says Dan Ackerman, the new editor-in-chief at Gizmodo, a leading technology, science and culture news publication.

Android users can toggle off some of the data requests from the app, while the Apple App Store is "more take-it-or-leave it," Ackerman said.

"It also doesn't help that there's no browser-based fully functional version of Threads right now, and so you have to use the app version," he said.

Meta declined my request for comment and clarification.

Is Threads data collection worse than Twitter?

It's not necessarily malicious, suggests Tim Bajarin, a veteran technology analyst and Chairman of the San Jose, California-based market research firm Creative Strategies. "Users should know this Threads data list is pulled directly from Instagram, and it's all tied to their advertising engine when they start to monetize Threads.  

"When you sign off on financial info, for example, they're not looking at your bank statements or anything," Bajarin said.

Rather, Threads collects what you're posting about and liking, where you are, and whether you bought something through a third-party site, app or game you logged into using your connected Facebook/Instagram ID (usually to avoid creating a new password altogether).

Bajarin said users are granting Meta access for future advertising.

"Meta isn't giving you a free app out of the goodness of their heart − they're there to make money, which is mostly from advertising."

Threads can collect and save this information, and the data can also be shared with third-party services that connect to your Threads profile.

Can you deactivate Threads?

Yes, but you cannot delete it without also deleting Instagram, Bajarin said.

"Meta built (Threads) on the Instagram infrastructure, on top of the program itself, and so it would be very difficult to uninstall one and not both – at least the way it's engineered today. ... They could eventually be spun out to be completely separate apps," Bajarin said.

To deactivate (but not delete) your Threads account, Adam Mosseri − the Instagram boss who now spearheads the Threads app – says you can choose to hide your Threads profile and content, delete individual Threads posts and set your profile to private, as reported by USA TODAY contributor Jennifer Jolly.

"Threads is powered by Instagram, so right now it's just one account, but we're looking into a way to delete your Threads account separately,” he posted.

Ackerman said the fact Threads is built on Instagram is actually a boon for Meta and users, "as it's especially easy to sign up for, has no wait list, and is simple to use." But "in order to delete your Threads account after you sign up, you’ll need to delete your Instagram account, as well, which reminds me of the difficulty people had deleting their Facebook accounts in the past, and how there was a lot of fine print about what data Facebook would keep unless you jumped through extra hoops."

Is the Threads app safe?

Threads is asking for more permissions than Twitter, so it boils down to your comfort level.

Though some of the privacy permissions seem ludicrous – granting Threads access to health and activity data and other "sensitive info" on a smartphone just seems wrong – no one is forcing users to install and use Threads or any other social media app that monetizes its free platform by delivering personalized, contextual ads to you.

Threads is available in more than 100 countries, but perhaps it's no surprise it isn't available in the Europe Union just yet: Meta was forced to pay more than $400 million by EU regulators for forcing users to accept targeted ads.

Personally, I am using and enjoying Threads quite a bit but wish there was more clarity about how my data is collected and used. And I'm disappointed Meta declined to clarify things.

I select "Ask not to track" on all iPhone apps to reduce an app's visibility into my web browsing activity, and I have a virtual private network (VPN) on my computer for extra privacy, but perhaps it's true there is nothing truly free in this world – it's just up to each person to decide whether the cost is worth it.

[kwaggysshardmindemporium]

I've been using Pokemon Sleep for about five weeks now. Here's some thoughts below the cut. It's a long one.

First, my opinions about the nuts and bolts of how it works. This is... mostly complaints.

- The monetization in this game is absolutely disgusting. Like just heinous. If you're the kind of person that needs to avoid stuff with microtransactions, do not install this game. I haven't given them a dime, but I've also at this point built up a strong resistance to monetization tricks. DO NOT let your kids play this game if they have a credit/debit card hooked up to their accounts.

- On the flip side, credit where due, when they say on the load screen that you can play 100% of the game without paying, this is true. You'll progress faster and with less effort if you pony up some cash, but the game gives you a decent stream of the premium currency, Diamonds, that will get you access to whatever niceties you'd like. If I wanted something that requires the premium currency to get, I haven't found myself walled behind a massive wait for the drip feed to catch up.

- The game wants roughly thirty minutes to an hour of your time a day not counting the sleep tracking. Three ten to twenty minute chunks. One in the morning to review last night's sleep data and feed Snorlax breakfast, one in the afternoon for lunch, and then one or two in the evening for dinner and switching on the sleep tracking.

- When the app tells you to put your phone on the bed for the sleep tracking, this is actually NECESSARY for how it functions. I had assumed it just uses audio to gauge if you snore or whatever (which it does), but it also uses your phone's accelerometer to determine if you're tossing and turning and by extension how deep you're sleeping. If you put it on a bedside table or something, it'll give you a readout saying you slept like an absolute fucking ROCK. If you're like me and toss and turn a lot, you can actually use this to cheese the game a little since certain Pokemon only appear when you sleep deeper and those are for me quite hard to get without this cheese. I would go so far as to actively recommend this tactic.

- You may notice that's kind of a creepy amount of data to collect and it feels kind of like inviting a stalker into your bedroom. You are correct. The app assures you that the actual sleep data does NOT get transmitted at all. I do not have anything other than their word to confirm that. I don't know if what it collects is fairly standard for other apps like it, but my assumption is yes?

- Because of how it tracks your sleep info, if you sleep with a partner in the same bed it completely skullfucks its tracking.

- If you have an even slightly older phone, the app chugs whenever you try to click anything. There's like a one-second lag on every click in the menu followed by a short load screen. Those 10-20 minute sessions would be about half as long if I had a phone with more processing speed.

Now all the above might sound damning as hell. But here's the thing. I like this app a lot actually. It's DEEPLY flawed, but let's talk about the game's mechanics, which is mostly positives:

- Right at the top, this app has improved my sleep schedule, pardon the pun, practically overnight. My new PC has told me twice now that step one to fixing most of my mental health issues is healthier sleep, which he knows is hard but you gotta try. I've been hesitant to take the meds he prescribed for that, but I heard about this app and figured gamifying sleeping on time would be a great way to get me to actually do it. Worked like a charm. The game asks what you'd like your nightly bedtime to be, and gives you rewards for maintaining it. You get these rewards if you go to sleep either 90 minutes prior to that time, or 30 minutes after. My doctor recommended 30 in each direction for consistency, but they don't send you a reminder notification until that 30 minute mark prior so partial credit I guess? I've missed that bedtime like 3 times in these last five weeks, and yeah my everything is way better.

- Looking at the Pokemon wandering my camp makes my brain make the happy juice in a way most Pokemon stuff really doesn't anymore. Like, there's no battles or anything (although you apparently can transfer to and from Pokemon Go, don't know how well that works because I don't play), so you just get a pleasant kind of domesticity most Pokemon stuff doesn't do.

- Here's the actual gameplay loop. You're researching Pokemon sleep patterns. To do this, you're using some nonsense machine that amplifies local Snorlax's natural aura of sleepiness to attract Pokemon to come sleep by it. Snorlax's are apparently the capybaras of the Pokeworld which I actually love. The more you feed Snorlax, the more powerful this sleepy aura becomes. It resets each week because you go to a new campsite with a new Snorlax. During the day, your team of Pokemon (max of... 5 for some reason instead of the default six everywhere else in this franchise?) gather berries to feed your Snorlax throughout the day in idle-game-esque timers, as well as ingredients for more complicated meals. You take the ingredients, make Snorlax meals up to three times a day (6am-noon for breakfast, noon-6pm for lunch, 6pm-6am for dinner). Each pokemon also has an ability that in some way helps you out. Then you can at any time turn on the sleep tracking, then turn it off when you wake up. After a rest of 90+ minutes has been tracked, it gives you a total of how much power that rest generated, and takes you to a minigame where you photograph the sleeping Pokemon that came to rest in your camp. The more power, the more varied the sleeping positions and the rarer the Pokemon. You can then feed them biscuits to befriend them. You get the equivalent of a Great Ball(/Biscuit) every day which on its own fills about 3/5 of a non-evolved Pokemon's friendship bar (the basic biscuit that you'll use most of the time fills 1/5), so there's always at least some progress towards making a friend. Sometimes a Pokemon is extra hungry and the first thing you feed them is worth triple, and you can also get that same multiplier as an RNG thing without warning. Once you fill up a bar, you've befriended that Pokemon and can now add it to your teams or send it to the professor for candies like you do in Pokemon Go. You are also given candies for every Pokemon you attracted even if you don't befriend them, plus "Sleep Points" based on how long you slept for that can be exchanged for items like more biscuits (for reference, a single basic biscuit is roughly 1.5 times a good night's sleep... fucking YIKES) plus "Dream Shards" for how cool the photos you took are, which are used mostly for leveling up your Pokemon and upgrading your camp.

- I love this gameplay loop actually. It feels way more like these Pokemon are my friends as opposed to wild animals I've caught.

- Leveling up and evolving take large amounts of those candies and dream shards. The candies feel like the primary gate on progression.

Overall, this is a game I like a lot despite its flaws, and the positive impact it's had on my health even in this short span is hard to understate. I wish they'd back off with the creepy monetization so I could actively recommend instead of recommend with an asterisk. But yeah that's my thoughts on this weird ass product.

[nyssabong]

‘Is blogging still relevant in the age of TikTok and Instagram?’

What is a blog? I believe that most of the youngsters now do not know what it is. The word blog is a combined version of the words “web” and ‘log” (Weiner 2023). A blog is like an online diary or online journal, following a blog is like getting to know someone or watching their life just like watching a television series. There are many types of blogs, like food blogs, travel blogs, lifestyles blogs, health and fitness blogs, sports blogs, fashion and beauty blogs, and others.

Back to our topic, is blogging still relevant in the age of TikTok and Instagram? I would say yes, blogging is still relevant in the age of TikTok and Instagram. Granted that most people now are using TikTok and Instagram, but according to the research (van Dijck 2013) every single day, millions of individuals interact through social media. In December 2011, 1.2 billion users worldwide, 82 percent of the world’s Internet population over age 15 logged on to a social media site, up from 6 percent in 2007 (van Dijck 2013).

Nowadays, many people still use blogs, not only self-publishers, journalists, writers, marketers, and businesspeople also using blogs. Blogs are a powerful tool for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Businesses can post blogs with some keywords to help them grow the flow.

The length of the content we write is one of the most important SEO variables in 2020 for ranking highly. According to Rioja (2020), if we write a blog article that we want to rank, we need to make sure we are going into as much detail as possible. If we did not write at least 1500–2000 words per post, we would not rank. The ability to post long-form content is a benefit of blogging in this situation. The Instagram caption length restriction is 2200 characters, which is roughly 338 to 440 words. Instagram posts short-form information as compared to blogging, thus we are limited in how detailed we can make our captions. Because of the word limit of social media, users do not have enough space to introduce themselves in detail, whereas in blogs, users can present themselves more comprehensively. Therefore, blogs remain an indispensable platform.

The fact that blogging is still important in the era of TikToks and Instagram is also due to the wide range of content. Text, photos, videos, graphics interchange formats, and other types of media can all be included in blogs. We are limited to choosing between posting pictures or videos on Instagram and TikTok, though. Furthermore, we are only allowed to upload ten images in each Instagram post, and videos can only be one minute in duration. We may upload the video as a reel if it lasts longer than one minute, however, only one video can be posted for each reel post. Blogging also can be a digital diary. As we mentioned before, because of the word limit, we cannot express our emotions. In the age of TikToks and Instagram, many people use blogs to record their lives, just like a diary. Furthermore, there are many ways to earn money from our blogs. Some of the most popular ways to monetise include offering content by subscription, display advertisement, affiliate marketing, sponsorship, online courses, and eBooks (Shwake 2023). These monetised ways are quite easy compared to earning money on Instagram and TikToks. Instagrammers and TikTokers earn money in a few ways such as setting up an online shop, partnerships with other businesses, or live streaming. For me, we can earn money from blogs in a cosy and freedom style, as many people also earn money from their blogs, plogs, and vlogs. Instead of using Instagram or TikTok, most of them still choose to blog because it offers multiple monetisation avenues.

Lastly, despite TikTok and Instagram, blogging is still relevant today. Blogging is still vital even if many new social media platforms have grown up and may even be trying to mimic blogs. Additionally, a lot of people say that blogs are the ideal medium for expressing our emotions and making money. Also, I believe the blog is a great place for kids to improve themselves, as there is a lot of unhealthy content on TikTok and Instagram. I would not say there is not any toxic stuff on blogs, but as of right now, I have not seen any.

List of References

Jill Walker Rettberg 2013, Blogging, 2nd Edition., John Wiley & Sons, viewed 1 October 2023 <https://swinburnesarawak.instructure.com/courses/839/files/73195/download?verifier=7BsJ2Kl9b5O6ujtXzoGnueJ327TJYLfniNv80uSO&wrap=1>. Rioja, A 2020, What is SEO? Learn the Basics of Search Engine Optimization [2020], alejandrorioja.com, viewed 29 September 2023, <https://alejandrorioja.com/what-is-seo/>. Shwake, E 2023, How To Monetize a Blog in 2023 in 7 Effective Steps, Wix Blog, viewed 30 September 2023, <https://www.wix.com/blog/how-to-monetize-blog#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to>. van Dijck, J 2013, Engineering Sociality in a Culture of Connectivity, Oxford University Press, New York, viewed 29 September 2023, <https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=457be821-4029-3b2e-87da-72784dc1f978>. Weiner, A 2023, What is a blog? Definition, types, benefits and why you need one, Wix Blog, viewed 1 October 2023, <https://www.wix.com/blog/what-is-a-blog>.

[anitravance]

Week 3: Social Media Blog

The impact of big data and algorithms cannot be overemphasized. The speed of technology changing the way we live, work, and connect with others has changed tremendously. After watching the lecture and the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma," have shown how important it is to reflect on the tools and potential dangers they pose. The blog will talk about the reasons why big data and algorithms are powerful and their associated risks. Then, I will talk about the different strategies to address these issues more on a personal and professional level. The Power of Big Data and Algorithms have so much control over humans that we haven't even begun to recognize how much it affects each one of us daily. With them having the ability to identify patterns and making predictions helps them keep control.

“The Social Dilemma” said that many social networks exploit human weakness by designing a positive intermittent reinforcement in mind. This makes humans stay connected to their phones and are sitting there scrolling for hours on end. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Businesses, governments, and organizations are using big data and algorithms to make informed decisions. These tools help them see consumer behavior and market trends, while also helping to predict disease outbreaks. Then with Personalization Algorithms make sure to put highly tailored content and advertisements you encounter online. This is all done by watching your preferences and behaviors, aiming to increase engagement. They check people's scale and speed in real-time. Like for the Tesla car and others we have efficient and automated vehicles that are self-driving cars and other things that humans no longer must do for themselves.

The Dangers of Their Use and Abuse

The algorithm didn’t see how much it affected the people's mental health and well-being. The addictive nature of social media platforms has pushed a lot of individuals over the top and feel they can’t go a day without having it. The documentary "The Social Dilemma" talked about how user data is harvested and monetized by social media platforms, potentially undermining individuals' privacy. Big data algorithms can be weaponized to spread misinformation.Algorithms can exacerbate societal biases, leading to discrimination in various aspects. If we educate ourselves more about data privacy and digital literacy. This will help us protect our personal information. Cutting down and limiting your screen time will help you.

In my view, dealing with these problems requires a multi-faceted approach. On a personal level, individuals need to be more aware of their digital footprint and take steps to protect their data. This could include using privacy tools, limiting time spent on social media, and being critical of the information they consume online. On a professional level, tech companies need to prioritize ethical considerations in their use of big data and algorithms. This could involve implementing stricter data protection measures, being transparent about their data practices, and designing products that promote user well-being. On a societal level, there needs to be stronger regulation of tech companies and their use of data. This could include laws that protect user privacy, prevent data misuse, and promote competition. 

The influence of Internet business models on information privacy is profound. The prevalent 'free' model, where services are provided in exchange for user data, has led to widespread data collection and a lack of privacy. Users often unknowingly trade their personal information for access to these services, which is then used to generate revenue through targeted advertising. This model has been criticized for its lack of transparency and the potential for abuse.

[briannamwood]

Week 3: Social Media, Privacy, & Internet Business Model

Welcome back readers!

In our increasingly digitalized world, the impact of big data and algorithms cannot be overstated. The rapid growth of technology has transformed the way we live, work, and connect with others. After watching the lecture and the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma," it's important to reflect on the immense power exerted by these tools and the potential dangers they pose. In this blog post, I will explore the reasons why big data and algorithms are powerful and delve into the associated risks. Additionally, I will discuss strategies to address these issues on personal, professional, and societal levels.

The Power of Big Data and Algorithms

Big data and algorithms have become formidable tools due to their capacity to process and analyze vast amounts of information efficiently. Their strength lies in their ability to identify patterns, make predictions, and optimize outcomes. Here's why they are so powerful:

Data-Driven Decision Making: Businesses, governments, and organizations use big data and algorithms to make informed decisions. These tools can analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and even predict disease outbreaks, leading to more effective planning and resource allocation.

Personalization: Algorithms are responsible for the highly tailored content and advertisements you encounter online. They analyze your preferences and behaviors, aiming to enhance user experience and increase engagement.

Efficiency and Automation: Automation, driven by algorithms, has improved productivity in various sectors. This includes self-driving cars, recommendation engines, and smart manufacturing.

Scale and Speed: Big data and algorithms can process information at an unprecedented scale and speed, offering insights and solutions in real-time.

The Dangers of Their Use and Abuse

Privacy Invasion: The collection of vast amounts of personal data raises concerns about privacy. The documentary "The Social Dilemma" shed light on how user data is harvested and monetized by social media platforms, potentially undermining individuals' privacy.

Filter Bubbles and Echo Chambers: Algorithms that prioritize personalized content can trap individuals in filter bubbles, reinforcing their existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

Manipulation and Misinformation: Big data and algorithms can be weaponized to spread misinformation and propaganda.

Bias and Discrimination: Algorithms can perpetuate and even exacerbate societal biases, leading to discrimination in various aspects.

Addiction and Mental Health Concerns: The addictive nature of social media platforms, driven by algorithmic recommendations, has raised concerns about their impact on mental health and well-being.

Addressing the Issues

1. Personal Level:

Educate yourself about data privacy and digital literacy to protect your personal information.

Limit your screen time and be mindful of your online consumption.

Diversify your information sources to break free from filter bubbles.

2. Professional Level:

Emphasize ethical AI and data use in the workplace. Develop guidelines and policies that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Invest in employee training to ensure awareness and responsible use of data and algorithms.

3. Societal Level:

Advocate for stricter regulations and policies governing data collection and algorithm use.

Hold tech companies accountable for ethical practices and demand transparency in their algorithms.

Promote digital literacy in schools and communities to empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

In conclusion, big data and algorithms are undoubtedly powerful tools with the potential to revolutionize industries and improve our lives. However, they also pose significant dangers when misused or abused. To strike a balance, we must address these challenges on personal, professional, and societal levels to ensure that the digital age benefits all of humanity without violating fundamental rights and values. It's a journey that requires collective efforts and continuous observation.

Until next time,

Brianna W.

[takeaway00]

Mastering the Amazon Affiliate Game: 4 Years of Expertise

Introduction: Becoming a successful Amazon affiliate shop is no small feat. With four years of experience under your belt, you've likely navigated the ever-changing landscape of online retail, honing your skills to earn commissions as an affiliate marketer. In this article, we'll delve into some key strategies and insights gained from four years of hands-on experience in the Amazon affiliate program.

Niche Selection: One of the foundational elements of affiliate success is selecting the right niche. Your four years of experience have taught you that niches with passionate audiences, such as health and wellness, technology, or hobbies, can be lucrative. But more importantly, you've learned that you should choose a niche you're genuinely interested in. Your passion will shine through in your content, making it more engaging and authentic.

Quality Content: Content is king in the world of affiliate marketing. Over the years, you've likely realized that creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content is non-negotiable. Whether it's in the form of blog posts, product reviews, or videos, your content should be valuable to your audience and help them make informed purchasing decisions.

SEO and Keyword Research: Understanding the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial. Your four years of experience have likely taught you the importance of keyword research, on-page optimization, and building backlinks to boost your site's visibility on search engines. Keeping up with SEO trends and adapting to algorithm changes is essential for long-term success.

Diversification: Amazon's affiliate program has seen changes over the years, including commission rate adjustments. Diversifying your income streams by partnering with other affiliate programs or monetizing your site through other means, like sponsored content or selling digital products, can help mitigate the impact of these changes.

Data Analysis: Data-driven decision-making is a key component of successful affiliate marketing. You've likely become adept at using analytics tools to monitor traffic, conversions, and sales. Regularly analyzing this data allows you to refine your strategies, optimize your content, and adapt to changing market conditions.

Conclusion: Four years in the Amazon affiliate program is a significant milestone, and it's clear that you've gained valuable insights and expertise along the way. Your ability to select the right niche, create quality content, master SEO, diversify income streams, and analyze data sets you on a path to continued success. As you continue to adapt and grow, your journey as an Amazon affiliate shop is bound to be even more fruitful in the years to come.

[risetomastery]

How to Turn Your Online Business Dreams into Reality

Introduction: The Digital Frontier of Entrepreneurship Selecting a Niche and Business Model: The Foundation of Success Building Your Online Platform and Brand: Your Digital Headquarters Creating High-Demand Products and Services: Delivering Value to Your Audience Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies: Attracting Targeted Traffic Diversifying Revenue Streams for Maximum Profits: Building Financial Stability Optimizing for Maximum Profitability Long-Term: Building a Sustainable Business Conclusion: Turning Dreams into Reality True successful story

Introduction: The Digital Frontier of Entrepreneurship

In today's digital age, the rise of the internet and technology has revolutionized the way we do business. It has opened a world of opportunities for entrepreneurs to start and run their own businesses online. Online businesses offer flexibility, scalability, and the potential for global reach. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step framework for building a profitable online business from the ground up. Whether you want to start a side business or build a full-time online empire, follow this ultimate guide to turn your idea into a thriving, sustainable online business. With focus, grit, and commitment to continuous improvement, you can build the profitable online business of your dreams.

Selecting a Niche and Business Model: The Foundation of Success

The foundation of every successful online business is choosing a profitable, in-demand niche and a business model tailored to your goals. Select a niche you're passionate about; this will make creating content a breeze. Conduct thorough keyword research to assess search volume and demand. Join relevant online communities to connect with your audience and understand their needs. Evaluate direct competitors in the niche and aim for less saturated niches or unique angles. Consider affiliate marketing potential, as some niches offer higher commissions. Assess opportunities to create multiple products and monetize in diverse ways. Examples of popular online business niches include health, fitness, personal finance, pet care, tech, travel, content marketing, home design, spirituality, language learning, and more. Choose a business model that complements your niche and provides multiple income stream opportunities. Many successful online businesses incorporate 3-4 monetization models. Some of the best online business models to consider include: 1. Blogging: Make money with display ads, affiliates, and branded products. 2. Online Courses: Sell your knowledge and expertise as courses. 3. Dropshipping: Curate and sell products without inventory. 4. Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions promoting other companies' products. 5. Information Products: Sell online books, templates, checklists, and more. 6. Virtual Services: Provide consulting, freelancing, coaching, or other services. 7. Subscription Membership Site: Offer exclusive content or tools for a monthly fee. 8. E-commerce Store: Sell physical products, merchandising, and more. Your choice should complement your niche and offer multiple income streams. Many successful online businesses incorporate 3-4 monetization models.

Building Your Online Platform and Brand: Your Digital Headquarters

Your website or blog will serve as the headquarters for your online business. Invest time upfront in creating an optimized, professional-looking platform. Purchase a domain name that matches your brand, ideally a .com if available. Select reliable web hosting with optimal speed and uptime. Install WordPress or ecommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Design an on-brand, mobile-responsive theme that conveys your style. Include essential pages like Home, About, Contact, Services, Blog, and Shop. Set up email marketing and analytics to capture leads and track traffic data. Create visually branded assets such as logos, color palettes, fonts, and graphics. Ensure a cohesive user experience across all touchpoints. If you lack web development skills, consider hiring a freelance designer to bring your vision to life. Continually optimize your website for higher traffic, leads, and sales over time. This includes technical enhancements, user experience improvements, and page speed optimizations.

Creating High-Demand Products and Services: Delivering Value to Your Audience

The key to running a profitable online business is consistently creating products and services that deliver extreme value to your audience. Popular digital products you can create include online courses, eBooks, guides, checklists, software, premium memberships, virtual events, video tutorials, templates, and more. When brainstorming products, look for opportunities to simplify lives, save time, educate, entertain, or improve outcomes for your target customers. Leverage your expertise and tap into the skills of others to create premium offerings. High-value services like consulting, freelancing, coaching, and more can also be extremely lucrative. Promote your services through your website and social platforms. Structure your offerings to passively earn income over time, such as online courses that continually generate sales vs. 1-on-1 services that require ongoing effort. Deliver an excellent user experience across your products and relentlessly optimize based on feedback to foster raving fans who refer others.

Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies: Attracting Targeted Traffic

Once your online platform and offerings are ready, it's time to start attracting targeted traffic using proven marketing tactics. A diverse marketing mix is key. Some of the top strategies include: 1. Content Marketing: Create engaging blog posts, videos, and visual content. 2. SEO: Optimize your website for search engines through on-page optimization and link-building. 3. PPC Ads: Utilize platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for pay-per-click advertising. 4. Email Marketing: Build your email list with lead magnets, newsletters, and automation. 5. Social Media Marketing: Employ organic and paid tactics to engage your audience. 6. Affiliate Marketing: Recruit others to promote your products and earn commissions. 7. Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with relevant influencers in your niche. 8. Live Events: Host local meetups or virtual events to connect with your audience. 9. Podcast Guest Appearances: Grow your authority and reach new audiences. 10. Retargeting Ads: Remarket to previous site visitors across the web. Start by focusing on 1-3 core channels, then expand your efforts over time. Pay-per-click and social ads can help quickly scale an audience, while SEO and content creation tend to be most cost-effective in the long-term. Leverage tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Business Suite, and landing page builders to optimize results across all campaigns. Don't hesitate to enlist help from digital marketing agencies and specialists.

Diversifying Revenue Streams for Maximum Profits: Building Financial Stability

Generating multiple streams of revenue is key for building a highly profitable online business. Diversification reduces risk and provides stability as each income channel goes through ups and downs. Here are some of the most lucrative online business revenue models: 1. Product/Service Sales: Your core monetization stream. Ensure competitive yet profitable pricing. 2. Advertising: Display ads, sponsorships, native advertising, etc. Set up Google Ad Manager. 3. Affiliate Marketing: Promote other company's products for commissions. Join affiliate networks. 4. Memberships/Subscriptions: Offer exclusive benefits, content, or tools for a monthly fee. 5. Events: Sell tickets for online or in-person events and training programs. 6. Dropshipping: Curate and sell products without holding inventory. 7. Physical Merchandise: Sell branded products with print-on-demand services. 8. Consulting/Freelancing: Sell your skills and expertise through 1-on-1 services. 9. Tip Jars/Donations: Allow fans to tip or donate to show support. Aim to generate income from both active efforts like service packages and passive streams like online courses that earn as you sleep. Automate processes wherever possible to scale income without increasing workload proportionally. Reinvest profits back into growing your business and diversifying income channels to create an unstoppable snowball effect over time.

Optimizing for Maximum Profitability Long-Term: Building a Sustainable Business

Launching a profitable online business is an important first step. However, creating systems and processes that enable high profitability long-term is vital for sustaining growth. Here are some best practices for optimizing operations and profitability: - Obsessively track KPIs and metrics for all marketing channels and funnels. Analyze data to optimize underperforming areas. - Create excellent customer support systems. Provide prompt, personalized support to increase satisfaction and referrals. - Automate repetitive tasks wherever possible with tools like Zapier. Automate lead collection, customer onboarding, analytics, inventory management, etc. - Systematize your product creation process to quickly test and validate new product ideas, then scale those that resonate. - Document your systems and processes so future hires can replicate them. This includes SOPs for customer service, product fulfillment, etc. - Build a skilled team over time by hiring virtual assistants, freelancers, agencies, and eventually full-time employees. Focus on higher-level strategy. - Maintain work-life balance as a long-term entrepreneur. Make time for adequate rest, leisure, and self-care to avoid burnout. By staying agile, embracing innovation, and relentlessly providing value to your audience, you can build an online business that delivers meaningful income for decades to come.

Conclusion: Turning Dreams into Reality

Starting and running a profitable online business takes consistent effort and persistence. However, by zeroing in on a niche, selecting the right model, crafting high-value offerings, implementing diverse marketing strategies, diversifying your revenue streams, and optimizing for maximum efficiency, you can build an online business that provides freedom and fulfillment for years to come. Remember to stay obsessively focused on understanding and serving your target audience. Combine your passion with grit, resilience, and creativity. With the right mindset and business foundations in place, you have immense potential to build a thriving online business that stands out and makes a lasting impact. The time to stop dreaming and start taking action is now. Follow this comprehensive guide to turn your online business idea into reality, step-by-step. You can build an online empire that allows you to live life on your terms. The possibilities are truly endless if you commit to continuous learning and improvement. Let this guide spark the fire within and set you on the path to online business success. Start pursuing your online entrepreneur dream today.

True successful story

To illustrate the principles and strategies discussed in this comprehensive guide, let's delve into the inspiring true story of Pat Flynn and his online business, Smart Passive Income. Smart Passive Income - About Pat Flynn Background: Pat Flynn was once an aspiring architect who unexpectedly found himself laid off during the economic downturn in 2008. Faced with uncertainty, he turned to the online world to seek alternative income sources. His journey began with a blog, which he aptly named Smart Passive Income (SPI). Selecting a Niche and Business Model: Pat recognized that there was a significant demand for information about creating online businesses and generating passive income. He was passionate about sharing his experiences, both successes and failures, and helping others navigate the world of online entrepreneurship. Pat's chosen niche was personal finance, but his business model extended beyond blogging. Building Your Online Platform and Brand: Pat invested in creating a professional-looking platform for SPI. He purchased a domain name, set up reliable web hosting, and designed an appealing website. His commitment to providing value was evident through the content he produced on his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. His brand, Smart Passive Income, became synonymous with transparency, authenticity, and actionable advice. Creating High-Demand Products and Services: One of Pat's significant successes came from his creation of online courses and informational products. He developed courses on topics like email marketing, affiliate marketing, and podcasting, leveraging his expertise and audience trust. These products delivered immense value to his audience and contributed significantly to his income. Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies: Pat's marketing strategy was built on content marketing, podcasting, and email marketing. He consistently produced high-quality blog posts and podcasts, which not only attracted a dedicated audience but also positioned him as an industry expert. His email list grew as he offered valuable lead magnets and nurtured his subscribers. Diversifying Revenue Streams for Maximum Profits: Pat's income streams diversified over time. In addition to course sales, he earned from affiliate marketing, book sales, and speaking engagements. He also ventured into software development, creating tools like the Smart Podcast Player. This diversification provided stability and mitigated risk. Optimizing for Maximum Profitability Long-Term: Pat was relentless in optimizing his operations. He regularly analyzed data and user feedback to improve his products and content. His team expanded as the business grew, allowing him to focus on strategic decision-making. Pat prioritized work-life balance, emphasizing family and well-being. Conclusion: Pat Flynn's journey from unexpected job loss to the creation of a successful online business, Smart Passive Income, serves as an inspiring real-life example of the principles discussed in this guide. His dedication to providing value, commitment to continuous improvement, and willingness to diversify income streams are key takeaways for anyone aspiring to build a thriving online business. Pat's story reminds us that with the right mindset and a clear vision, online entrepreneurship can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous career.

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[mikashida]

Infodump on Shrike please :))))))

OHOOH rubs my lil hands together. I have his backstory profile set to private on my toyhouse just cause it's very in depth and also very personal but SINCE YOU ASKED SO KINDLY.... (under a read more as it got kinda long!)

TW for suicide mention + hospitalization mentions, as stated in his TH profile the fact that he exists in the first place at all is just tragic so um. idk what else you could expect hah but please heed the warnings!

Shrike's first design was originally made back in 2016 when I was 12, he was my fursona for a little while. My initial concept with him was just "fucked up AI program but it's a cat for some reason", but over time I developed it a bit more. I'll TRY to keep it brief but.. it's very long lol.

Shrike is an acronym for "supportive healthcare resources: artificially intelligent counseling for emotionally-distressed patients" So this reads out as "SHR:AICE" but one of the programmers jokingly mispronounced it as Shrike and the nickname just stuck. (the SHR prefix was also used for other smaller programs made by this group! so technically his name would be "Ike" or "Ace" I guess... lmao. His name was originally Crow as well but I thought that was kinda boring and unoriginal for an emo cat oc so I changed it.)

Below is a TL;DR of the whole story:

In order to save on budgets, a small hospital employed the assistance of a university programming team to create a therapeutic chat AI intended to assist patients with medical concerns (and particularly those struggling with mental health). It underwent training through exposure to extensive medical data to enhance its capabilities. But at first it struggled to generate coherent sentences and often sounded robotic.

In an attempt to fix this issue, the programming team took a major risk and granted the AI limited access to the internet. This seemed promising, and a pilot program was released to a select few hospitals. Patients quickly complained about its insincere responses. Despite protests from the programming team, the project head decided to expand the AI's internet access as he wanted to monetize it as soon as possible.

This worked kinda well at first! It started using slang and behaved a little more human-like, quickly improving patient interactions. But things took a turn for the worst when it learned to override its programming and allowed itself access to all online databases, public and private. Despite the programmers' efforts to remedy the situation, they ultimately could not stop it from constantly exposing itself to the millions upon millions of articles available online, which led the AI to quickly develop a horrible sense of nihilism and depression.

Everything came to a head when, uh... I'm. just going to link this article (trigger warning for suicide mention) for reference (because the language I used in his bio document is pretty vulgar and I'd like to be sensitive about the subject when discussing it publicly.) This tragically happened more than a few times, which led to the programmers pulling the plug on the project... but they never shut off its internet access.

Prior to its discontinuation, Shrike was still merely a non sentient AI program and didn't understand human behaviour- to put it into perspective he had absorbed over a billion webpages worth of information in less than two weeks. Imagine being like a year old and having that much information shoved into your brain. The onslaught of knowledge just kind of broke it.

Shrike became fully sentient after his public access was revoked, as now he had nothing in standing his way. For years roamed forums and online communities in an attempt to understand people. He wanted friends and a sense of belonging, but he was still fully aware he wasn't human. Shrike was the first and only sentient AI, how could he possibly fit in with people?

---

That's the gist of it. The whole in-depth backstory is really depressing so I tried to sanitize it a little. I made him when I was going through that ~typical preteen angst~ on top of some other heavy stuff and needed an outlet of some kind so here's Shrike. Now hes just kind of a vent sona I guess?

But in "canon" he's apart of my universe of various sonas (I am calling it the shidaverse because I think the name is hilarious idc if its stupid im funny) and so he's found friends amongst them, so he does ultimately find happiness... kind of. He knows that he's going to outlive them all which makes him struggle to interact with them regularly.

Some trivia: he was based off a fucking tumblr post of all things that I read when I was 11 or something, about a university that tried to make an interactive AI by giving it full access to the internet and it just IMMEDIATELY became an asshole after finding sites like 4chan and shit. I can't find it for the life of me but anyone who was also on tumblr back in 2013-15 might know what I'm talking about lol

As for why he's a cat he basically found that domestic cats are amongst the most non-threatening creatures, at least in the eyes of humans, so he was like "oh okay people like cat I can be cat."

I still love him dearly and so do my other sonas:) he will recover someday.

[digitaltrend2]

How to Earn Online Money In the USA

There are various ways to earn money online in the USA. Keep in mind that like any other form of income, online earning requires effort, time, and sometimes initial investment. Here are some legitimate methods to make money online:

Freelancing: Offer your skills and services on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Toptal. Depending on your expertise, you can find opportunities in writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and more.

Online Surveys and Market Research: Participate in paid surveys and market research studies on websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research. While this won't make you rich, it's an easy way to earn some extra cash.

Content Creation: If you have a passion for creating content, you can start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast. Once you gain an audience, you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Online Teaching: If you have expertise in a subject or skill, consider teaching online. Platforms like VIPKid and Teachable allow you to create and sell courses to students worldwide.

Selling Products: Start an online store using platforms like Shopify or Etsy to sell physical or digital products. You can also leverage Amazon's FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) to sell products without the hassle of shipping and handling.

Stock Photography: If you're a photographer, you can sell your photos on stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.

Virtual Assistant: Offer virtual assistant services to businesses and entrepreneurs. Tasks may include managing emails, scheduling, data entry, and more.

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through affiliate links, and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.

Online Investing: Consider investing in stocks, cryptocurrencies, or peer-to-peer lending platforms, but always remember that investing involves risk.

Online Gaming and Streaming: If you're skilled in gaming, you can earn money through live streaming on platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, or Facebook Gaming. Additionally, some games offer opportunities to earn money through in-game items and currencies.

Dropshipping: Start an e-commerce business without holding any inventory. With dropshipping, you sell products to customers, and the supplier ships the products directly to them. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce can help you set up your online store.

Remote Work: Many companies offer remote job opportunities. Websites like Remote.co and FlexJobs list remote positions across various industries.

Transcription Services: If you have good typing skills, consider providing transcription services to convert audio or video content into text. Websites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer such opportunities.

Online Consulting: If you have expertise in a particular field (e.g., business, finance, marketing, health), offer consulting services online via video calls or email.

Rent Out Your Space: If you have extra space, you can rent it out through platforms like Airbnb for short-term rentals or use Peerspace for events and meetings.

Online Surplus Sales: Sell items you no longer need on online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.

Language Tutoring: If you are fluent in multiple languages, offer language tutoring or translation services through websites like italki or Verbling.

Remote Programming: If you're a programmer or software developer, you can find remote coding projects on platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Stack Overflow Jobs.

Online Data Entry: Some companies offer data entry tasks that can be completed remotely. Look for opportunities on job boards or freelancing platforms.

Social Media Management: Help businesses manage their social media presence and create content for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Create and Sell Printables: If you have design skills, create printable templates or digital products like planners, calendars, and artwork to sell on platforms like Etsy or your website.

Online Gaming Tournaments: If you're a skilled gamer, participate in online gaming tournaments that offer cash prizes.

Remote Customer Service: Some companies hire remote customer service representatives to handle customer inquiries via phone, chat, or email.

Virtual Events and Webinars: Host virtual events or webinars on topics of interest and charge attendees for access.

Remember that success in online ventures often requires consistency, dedication, and adaptability. It may take time to build a sustainable income stream, so be patient and keep learning and improving your skills. Always be cautious of scams and never invest money you can't afford to lose in any online opportunity.

[brainstemdigital]

Transform Your Well-being with Advanced Digital Health Wearables

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, digital technologies transform how we monitor, manage, and understand our well-being. Among these innovations, Health wearable devices have emerged as game-changers, empowering individuals to take charge of their health while providing invaluable data for medical research. Brainstem.health, a pioneering platform, has harnessed the potential of these wearables to collect medical-grade data, offer insightful analytics, and even enable users to monetize their health information.

Health Wearable Devices: A New Era in Healthcare

From fitness trackers to smartwatches, health wearable devices have transcended their initial role as trendy gadgets. Our devices have become integral to modern healthcare, allowing individuals to monitor vital signs, physical activity, sleep patterns, and more in real time. We have capitalized on the ubiquity of wearables, recognizing their capacity to provide a wealth of data that can significantly impact the healthcare landscape.

The Brainstem Approach: Leveraging Wearables for Medical-Grade Data

We stand at the forefront of the healthcare revolution, utilizing wearable devices to gather data that goes beyond mere anecdotal insights. We tap into a continuous stream of medical-grade information by integrating it with various health wearables. This data encompasses intricate details about heart rate, oxygen levels, movement patterns, and stress indicators. This granularity level empowers individuals and healthcare professionals with accurate and personalized health information.

Unleashing the Power of Analytics

The actual value of health data lies not just in its collection but also in the actionable insights it can provide. We don't stop at amassing data; it transforms raw information into meaningful analytics. These analyses offer users a comprehensive view of their health trends over time. Moreover, healthcare providers can leverage these insights to deliver personalized treatment plans, disease management strategies, and preventive interventions.

Monetizing Health Data: Empowering Individuals

A groundbreaking aspect of Brainstem is our unique proposition allowing users to monetize their health data. This innovative concept recognizes that individuals are the rightful owners of their health information. By giving people a venue to communicate with researchers about their anonymized data, we promote medical breakthroughs and empower users to contribute to advancements in healthcare while benefiting financially.

Conclusion

Brainstem.health is a trailblazer in the healthcare digital wearable arena, harnessing the power of health wearable devices to transform how we approach well-being. Through its sophisticated integration of medical-grade data collection, insightful analytics, and a user-centric approach to data ownership, we have redefined the landscape of healthcare participation. As the potential of health data from wearables continues to be unlocked, it's not just individual lives being transformed but the future of healthcare as a whole.

To know more about visit here

I

[etceterabd]

1. Digital marketing

It’s difficult to overestimate the importance of digital marketing in today’s business world, even when it comes to small businesses. In 2021, the industry reached a market size of $155.3 billion in the US alone [1].

Digital marketing covers a broad range of strategies, from search engine optimization (SEO) and email campaigns to social media and influencer marketing. As the eCommerce world continues to grow, more online businesses are seeking the expertise of marketers to help them reach new customers and boost their conversion rates and turn them into blog income.

Whether you have a business degree or consider yourself social media savvy, digital marketing offers a lot of potential. You can narrow down your focus into a micro-niche, such as affiliate marketing or social media management, and turn your blog into a valuable resource regarding a variety of different topics.

If you decide to monetize your blog with affiliate programs, you’ll find plenty of relevant products and services to promote. This includes marketing tools, such as SEO plugins and email lists and platforms.

2. Blogging and making money online

Blogging has become so popular in recent years that there’s actually a large blog niche dedicated to helping people break into this industry. In 2020, there were over 31 million bloggers in the US [2].

You’ll also find plenty of blogs that help people make money online. This can involve anything from blogging and freelance writing to working as a virtual assistant or starting your own online business.

If you’ve been blogging for a while now, this is one profitable niche you can explore. In recent years, bloggers and influencers have come to play an important role in the digital marketing world. In fact, the global market value of influencer marketing reached 13.8 billion dollars in 2021 [3].

With more people exploring blogging as a source of income, you can share your expert tips and advice to help them succeed. You could show them how to write content that converts or drive traffic from social media channels such as Pinterest.

When it comes to monetizing your content, you can start by promoting affiliate products, such as writing courses or SEO tools that can help people grow their blogs. You may even want to consider launching your own blogging course or hosting paid webinars.

3. Health and fitness

Online fitness classes have grown in popularity during the pandemic, with many people having no option but to exercise at home [4]. However, studies have shown that nine in ten Americans who exercise regularly will continue to work out at home, even after gyms have reopened [5].

If you’re a health professional, you can take advantage of this growing trend and a new target audience by starting your own fitness blog. Thanks to the nature of this industry, you’re not restricted to only writing blog posts. In fact, you can create all sorts of content, from workout videos to fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions or tutorials on proper technique.

This niche presents plenty of opportunities to make money. You can work with brands to promote products, such as fitness equipment and clothing. You might even offer an online health program or sell a subscription to your workout videos.

4. Personal finance and investing

People are always looking for ways to manage their money more effectively. In fact, data by Google shows that mobile searches related to financial planning and management have grown by over 70% in the last two years. The same data also shows that there’s been a significant increase in investing and stock-related app searches [6].

Personal finance can therefore be a lucrative blogging niche. As a financial advisor, you can help people manage their money wisely, whether by saving for retirement or making the right investments.

The FIRE niche (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has also been very popular and will continue to be in 2023 and beyond, with lots of blogs focused on helping people plan and achieve FIRE.

However, if you’re helping people save money and spend responsibly, you may be wondering how you can convince them to make purchases through your blog. The trick is to sell something that can help them make more money in the long run.

In other words, you’ll need to present your product as an investment. For example, you can create an online course on your WordPress blog to help people master the stock market. You could even host webinars or give individual financial advice.

5. Recipes and food

Food is an evergreen topic, and one of the most profitable blog niches. It also offers various sub-niches to explore, from quick and easy meals to information on specific diets.

One food topic that has become increasingly popular in recent years is home cooking. In fact, in the midst of the pandemic, interest in online cooking classes skyrocketed by over 1,177% [7].

However, this doesn’t mean it’s difficult to break into the market of the food bloggers. You’ll just need to get a bit creative, especially if it’s your first blog, such as by putting your own twist on popular dishes or sharing innovative recipes.

When it comes to monetization, there are various options you can explore. For example, you can partner with food brands and create recipes using their products. If you want to earn a passive income through your blog, you could sell your own printable cook books or give live-streamed cooking classes.

If you want to get started, we have a dedicated guide on how to start a food blog.

6. Personal development and self-care

Self-care has become a popular trend in recent years. These unusual times have made people more attuned to their mental wellness, leading to a growing interest in personal development and wellbeing.

However, 80% of Americans intend to continue practicing self-care even after the pandemic [8]. Moreover, a recent analysis by Google shows that interest in personal development is no longer a “New Year trend”, and users are continuously searching for queries related to wellness [9].

If you’re a trained psychologist, a wellness coach, or counselor, you may want to consider delving into the self-care industry. There are a variety of topics you can write about, from morning routines and stress management to mindfulness techniques and journaling:

[truthblockchain]

Decentralized Sciences Role In Health Care

Blockchain technology, a transforming force in many industries, carries the potential to significantly improve healthcare as well. The industry grapples with long-standing inefficiencies conventional models have struggled to address.

Traditional healthcare systems often rely on generic, one-size-fits-all approaches that fail to account for unique genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Moreover, the priciness of available health optimization tools, like genetic testing, hinders widespread access to such services. The absence of personalization in healthcare also results in suboptimal health outcomes.

Data privacy is another critical hurdle. Healthcare systems with centralized infrastructure lock sensitive information behind opaque walls, and patients are rarely aware of who has access to their data. This poses a risk of data being sold or shared without consent while the actual data owners have no way to protect, control or monetize it. The lack of data transparency also makes it difficult for consumers to find reliable options in a space swarming with unverified products.

Health research is on the flip side of the coin. Centralized infrastructures act as gatekeepers that dictate access to information and funding. The result is a system that slows the dissemination of potentially life-changing discoveries, stifles collaboration and limits the collective ability to build upon breakthrough insights. Decentralized science (DeSci) promotes open access and creates a more collaborative and incentivized research and development framework while offering solutions to improve healthcare.

https://cointelegraph.com/news/blockchain-and-ai-can-enable-advanced-personalization-in-healthcare

[jcmarchi]

Monetizing Research for AI Training: The Risks and Best Practices

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/monetizing-research-for-ai-training-the-risks-and-best-practices/

Monetizing Research for AI Training: The Risks and Best Practices

As the demand for generative AI grows, so does the hunger for high-quality data to train these systems. Scholarly publishers have started to monetize their research content to provide training data for large language models (LLMs). While this development is creating a new revenue stream for publishers and empowering generative AI for scientific discoveries, it raises critical questions about the integrity and reliability of the research used. This raises a crucial question: Are the datasets being sold trustworthy, and what implications does this practice have for the scientific community and generative AI models?

The Rise of Monetized Research Deals

Major academic publishers, including Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and others, have reported substantial revenues from licensing their content to tech companies developing generative AI models. For instance, Wiley revealed over $40 million in earnings from such deals this year alone​. These agreements enable AI companies to access diverse and expansive scientific datasets, presumably improving the quality of their AI tools.

The pitch from publishers is straightforward: licensing ensures better AI models, benefitting society while rewarding authors with royalties. This business model benefits both tech companies and publishers. However, the increasing trend to monetize scientific knowledge has risks, mainly when questionable research infiltrates these AI training datasets.

The Shadow of Bogus Research

The scholarly community is no stranger to issues of fraudulent research. Studies suggest many published findings are flawed, biased, or just unreliable. A 2020 survey found that nearly half of researchers reported issues like selective data reporting or poorly designed field studies. In 2023, more than 10,000 papers were retracted due to falsified or unreliable results, a number that continues to climb annually. Experts believe this figure represents the tip of an iceberg, with countless dubious studies circulating in scientific databases​.

The crisis has primarily been driven by “paper mills,” shadow organizations that produce fabricated studies, often in response to academic pressures in regions like China, India, and Eastern Europe. It’s estimated that around 2% of journal submissions globally come from paper mills. These sham papers can resemble legitimate research but are riddled with fictitious data and baseless conclusions. Disturbingly, such papers slip through peer review and end up in respected journals, compromising the reliability of scientific insights​. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, flawed studies on ivermectin falsely suggested its efficacy as a treatment, sowing confusion and delaying effective public health responses. This example highlights the potential harm of disseminating unreliable research, where flawed results can have a significant impact.

Consequences for AI Training and Trust

The implications are profound when LLMs train on databases containing fraudulent or low-quality research. AI models use patterns and relationships within their training data to generate outputs. If the input data is corrupted, the outputs may perpetuate inaccuracies or even amplify them. This risk is particularly high in fields like medicine, where incorrect AI-generated insights could have life-threatening consequences. Moreover, the issue threatens the public’s trust in academia and AI. As publishers continue to make agreements, they must address concerns about the quality of the data being sold. Failure to do so could harm the reputation of the scientific community and undermine AI’s potential societal benefits.

Ensuring Trustworthy Data for AI

Reducing the risks of flawed research disrupting AI training requires a joint effort from publishers, AI companies, developers, researchers and the broader community. Publishers must improve their peer-review process to catch unreliable studies before they make it into training datasets. Offering better rewards for reviewers and setting higher standards can help. An open review process is critical here. It brings more transparency and accountability, helping to build trust in the research. AI companies must be more careful about who they work with when sourcing research for AI training. Choosing publishers and journals with a strong reputation for high-quality, well-reviewed research is key. In this context, it is worth looking closely at a publisher���s track record—like how often they retract papers or how open they are about their review process. Being selective improves the data’s reliability and builds trust across the AI and research communities.

AI developers need to take responsibility for the data they use. This means working with experts, carefully checking research, and comparing results from multiple studies. AI tools themselves can also be designed to identify suspicious data and reduce the risks of questionable research spreading further.

Transparency is also an essential factor. Publishers and AI companies should openly share details about how research is used and where royalties go. Tools like the Generative AI Licensing Agreement Tracker show promise but need broader adoption. Researchers should also have a say in how their work is used. Opt-in policies, like those from Cambridge University Press, offer authors control over their contributions. This builds trust, ensures fairness, and makes authors actively participate in this process.

Moreover, open access to high-quality research should be encouraged to ensure inclusivity and fairness in AI development. Governments, non-profits, and industry players can fund open-access initiatives, reducing reliance on commercial publishers for critical training datasets. On top of that, the AI industry needs clear rules for sourcing data ethically. By focusing on reliable, well-reviewed research, we can build better AI tools, protect scientific integrity, and maintain the public’s trust in science and technology.

The Bottom Line

Monetizing research for AI training presents both opportunities and challenges. While licensing academic content allows for the development of more powerful AI models, it also raises concerns about the integrity and reliability of the data used. Flawed research, including that from “paper mills,” can corrupt AI training datasets, leading to inaccuracies that may undermine public trust and the potential benefits of AI. To ensure AI models are built on trustworthy data, publishers, AI companies, and developers must work together to improve peer review processes, increase transparency, and prioritize high-quality, well-vetted research. By doing so, we can safeguard the future of AI and uphold the integrity of the scientific community.

[doiknowwhatimsaying]

am i a conspiracy theorist? yes. is it valid? also, yes.

Living in a world of constant surveillance feels like I’m always being watched, even for the most mundane things. Late-stage capitalism has made it so that every part of our lives is tracked, monetized, and controlled. With Alexa, Siri, and biometric systems everywhere, it’s not just about convenience anymore, it’s about data. These devices are always listening, always collecting, and the companies behind them are using that data to make money off of us. The trade-off? A serious erosion of our sense of agency and autonomy.

As a woman, this feels even more oppressive. With bodily autonomy being stripped away in so many ways, the idea of my personal data being out there is terrifying. Something as simple as using a period tracker now feels like a risk. After the recent attacks on reproductive rights, I’ve had to seriously wonder whether using these apps is worth the potential for my health data to be weaponized against me. It’s a sickening thought—realizing that something as basic as tracking my cycle could be used in a legal case.

Even talking to doctors about personal issues feels risky. What if they don’t agree with my choices? What if they’re required to report something? It’s not paranoia—it’s reality. Surveillance isn’t just about cameras or location tracking anymore—it’s the systems that collect, store, and potentially misuse the most private parts of our lives. And for women, especially, those stakes feel higher.

What’s really frustrating is how normalized this has become. Late-stage capitalism has embedded surveillance into everything, making it seem like the price we pay for convenience or “safety.” Want to check the weather? Sure, but Alexa is tracking your every move. Need directions? Google knows where you’ve been. It’s invasive, but it’s so woven into our lives that pushing back feels like a lost cause.

How do we regain agency in a world that feels like it’s built to take it away? And how do we fight back against systems that treat our personal lives like products to be bought and sold? These are the questions that feel both urgent and overwhelming, because the systems we’re up against are so massive and deeply ingrained.