TikTok Politics Whether You Want It or Not - DTNS 4873
Oct 10, 2024
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Amazon is introducing Apple TV+ as an add-on for Prime Video. Meta is enhancing Threads, now allowing users to repost Instagram Reels, though its necessity is up for debate. A recent study shows TikTok isn't a major source for political news for many users. The discussion also covers how TikTok shapes political perceptions and features a quirky skit. Plus, there's buzz around new tech products like ByteDance's earbuds and healthcare devices, alongside insights into cybersecurity threats.
TikTok's algorithm blends entertainment with political content, influencing younger audiences' political awareness despite users' limited engagement with news outlets.
Amazon's bundling of Apple TV+ as an add-on for Prime members signifies a strategic shift in the streaming landscape towards subscription consolidation.
Deep dives
Intel's New Arrow Lake Processors
Intel is set to release its Arrow Lake desktop processors, marking a significant advancement in desktop chip technology. These processors will integrate a neural processing unit for the first time in this category, enhancing their capabilities. Additionally, the new chips promise improved performance with up to double the graphics performance of previous generations and a reduction in power consumption by up to 40%. Customers can expect to pay between $294 to $589 for different models, with the flagship model delivering high-end performance.
The Rise of TikTok as a News Source
Many users get their political news from TikTok, but only a small fraction actively follow politicians or news outlets on the platform. Despite this, nearly 45% of users report encountering political content, largely due to TikTok’s algorithm presenting a mix of entertainment and news on users' feeds. The interaction between entertainment and political discourse suggests that trends in pop culture are increasingly influencing political awareness among younger audiences. This phenomenon reflects a broader trend of political content becoming intertwined with social media entertainment.
Amazon and Apple TV+ Subscription Bundling
Amazon is now offering Apple TV+ as an add-on subscription for its Prime members, marking a strategic move in the streaming service landscape. This new offering allows users to consolidate their various subscriptions into one manageable bill, appealing to those who find multiple payments cumbersome. It represents a shift away from hardware-centric models, with both Amazon and Apple embracing a more service-oriented approach. This bundling strategy aims to attract more subscribers to Apple TV+, which is currently smaller compared to its competitors.
Meta's Threads Experimentation
Meta is working on integrating features into Threads that allow users to post Instagram Reels directly within the app, aiming to boost user engagement. However, the rationale behind this move is questioned, as many users already post Reels in existing ways, which raises doubts about the effectiveness of this feature. Critics note that Threads lacks distinct identity and functionality compared to competitors, suggesting it is struggling to carve its niche. As users expect more robust features from social platforms, the integration of Reels may not suffice in keeping users engaged.
Amazon announced it will sell Apple TV+ as an add-on to its Amazon Prime Video feature. Plus Meta is adding more features to Threads including a way to allow users to repost IG Reels on Threads. And a new study reveals TikTok isn’t as important to users as a source of news or politics.
Starring Tom Merritt, Robb Dunewood, Justin Robert Young, Roger Chang, Joe.