🤳 Social Media & Culture

Platform trends, creator economy, virality, digital culture, influencers, online communities

Hackers continue to exploit Meta’s AI agents

Despite Meta working to address a recent exploit that enabled hackers to trick Meta's AI chatbot into giving them control of Instagram profiles, reports suggest that this is still possible.

More: Meta’s test case of empowering artificial intelligence systems to do the work of human staff isn’t going so great. Meanwhile, Meta also reportedly, didn’t have staff available to review the issue as it arose.
TL;DR: Despite Meta working to address a recent exploit that enabled hackers to trick Meta's AI chatbot into giving them control of Instagram profiles, reports suggest that this is still possible.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Survey: Teens regularly see harmful content, messages on Snapchat

Teens on Snapchat may not be as safe as their parents think.

More: Survey: Teens regularly see harmful content, messages on Snapchat. Teens on Snapchat may not be as safe as their parents think.
TL;DR: Teens on Snapchat may not be as safe as their parents think.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Google looks to ease publisher concerns over the impact of AI Overviews on referral traffic

Google’s looking to ease publisher concerns about traffic losses due to the rise of AI overviews in Search.

More: But Google is aware of the impacts of its AI evolution, and it’s now working to add in new tools and options to keep Search referrals flowing through to websites. Google also added Preferred Sources to its AI overviews to help users define their own experience. This explainer also looks at how traditional SEO practices align with the AI shift.
TL;DR: Google's looking to ease publisher concerns about traffic losses due to the rise of AI overviews in Search.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

Google tests proactive AI guidance app

The company’s Dreambeans platform is designed to cull information collected from connected Google apps and make recommendations to “inspire and delight.”

More: The company’s Dreambeans platform is designed to cull information collected from connected Google apps and make recommendations to “inspire and delight.” Google is testing out a new artificial intelligence app that aims to provide proactive guidance and advice, based on what it knows about users’ history.
TL;DR: The company’s Dreambeans platform is designed to cull information collected from connected Google apps and make recommendations to “inspire and delight.”
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

YouTube Shorts is awarded Media Rating Council accreditation

This is the first short-form video platform to gain this certification, which comes alongside the platform’s sixth consecutive overall approval rating.

More: The certification provides an additional measure of assurance for advertisers regarding the safety of YouTube’s video ad placements. MRC accreditation means that YouTube’s ad system has been approved for controls and metrics, based on a third-party audit of the platform’s ad systems and processes.
TL;DR: This is the first short-form video platform to gain this certification, which comes alongside the platform’s sixth consecutive overall approval rating.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayTechCrunchPew Research InternetWikipedia

TikTok launches separate event-based app

The new TikTok Pro Events platform will let fans engage with daily challenges and win stars they can redeem for merchandise and other rewards.

More: The company has launched a separate TikTok Pro Events app that will provide daily challenges and fan connection elements in order to “ deepen community immersion during major cultural milestones,” TikTok said.
TL;DR: The new TikTok Pro Events platform will let fans engage with daily challenges and win stars they can redeem for merchandise and other rewards.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta offers new AI messaging options for businesses

At its Conversations event in London, the company announced global access to its artificial intelligence-powered agents via paid subscriptions.

More: First, Meta is expanding access to its AI-powered business agents , which businesses can set up to answer common questions via Messenger and WhatsApp. As explained by Meta: “ More than one million businesses are already using a Meta Business Agent on WhatsApp and Messenger to respond to customers around the clock.
TL;DR: At its Conversations event in London, the company announced global access to its artificial intelligence-powered agents via paid subscriptions.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Pew ResearchSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

SEMRush offers AI discovery tips for brands

As artificial intelligence searches increase, companies need to consider how to best optimize their reach in order to meet users where they are.

More: As more people turn to artificial intelligence chatbots for answers, the SEO landscape is shifting significantly. In its Q1 2026 report , ComScore found that U.S. In addition, according to a recent report from Pew Research,  64% of teens now use AI chatbots .
TL;DR: As artificial intelligence searches increase, companies need to consider how to best optimize their reach in order to meet users where they are.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Reddit launches video replies

Users will be able to offer video responses in comment threads, although subreddit moderators will be allowed to disable the feature.

More: Reddit is rolling out another engagement option, offering video replies within comment threads and enabling users to share more direct video engagement in the app. Reddit’s video reply option will give Redditors another way to interact with each other. Reddit has recognized this, and said “video replies may be a better fit for some spaces than others.”
TL;DR: Users will be able to offer video responses in comment threads, although subreddit moderators will be allowed to disable the feature.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

LinkedIn expands in-app mobile post boosting

The simplified, paid feature lets users put ad dollars behind organic posts and build a broader presence on the platform.

More: LinkedIn is steadily expanding the rollout of its quick promote Boost option to more users on mobile devices. Now, it’s rolling out mobile post boosting to more users, enabling wider audience reach directly from the app. In order to use the Boost option in the mobile app, users must have ad credits within their account, which can then be allocated to the promotion.
TL;DR: The simplified, paid feature lets users put ad dollars behind organic posts and build a broader presence on the platform.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta tests connected Series reel option for video creators

The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.

More: Meta tests connected Series reel option for video creators. The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.
TL;DR: The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Meta tests connected Series Reels option for video creators

The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.

More: Meta tests connected Series Reels option for video creators. The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.
TL;DR: The Instagram and Facebook feature offers link shortcuts and collections available on creator profiles, according to TechCrunch.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

X introduces video reaction option for iOS

The “Reply in post” feature allows users to respond to content with a filmed selfie overlay, making it easier to share reaction commentary.

More: X introduced a “React with video” reply option on iOS , which will make it easier for X users to respond to a post with video commentary. Users will be able to overlay their selfie video over the original post, or choose the split-screen formatting option, providing a direct, native means to film video replies, with an on-screen post to provide more context.
TL;DR: The “Reply in post” feature allows users to respond to content with a filmed selfie overlay, making it easier to share reaction commentary.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

X introduces video reaction feature for iOS

The update allows users to respond to content with a filmed selfie overlay, making it easier to share reaction commentary.

More: X introduced a “React with video” reply option on iOS , which will make it easier for X users to respond to a post with video commentary. The feature is now available in the post reply options, and will open a new recording window that can be placed over the original post, with the front-facing camera activated and ready to film a video response.
TL;DR: The update allows users to respond to content with a filmed selfie overlay, making it easier to share reaction commentary.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Meta rolls out global expansion of teen content restrictions

The company’s 13+ limitations are designed to prevent younger users from accessing inappropriate content.

More: Meta is expanding its 13+ content settings globally to all teen users as the company continues to add more options to help parents manage their kids’ experience in its apps. Ideally, this move will also help Meta avoid further restrictions regarding teen social media usage. Now, Meta is expanding them worldwide.
TL;DR: The company’s 13+ limitations are designed to prevent younger users from accessing inappropriate content.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

How Shirley Raines broke through the noise of TikTok and Instagram to inspire millions

Ms. Shirley Raines broke through the noise of TikTok and Instagram to inspire millions with her advocacy for the homeless in Skid Row.

TL;DR: Shirley Raines broke through the noise of TikTok and Instagram to inspire millions with her advocacy for the homeless in Skid Row.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

LinkedIn chatbot optimization tips offer guidance on content planning

A post about increasing visibility and artificial intelligence discovery on the platform provides clues about broader brand strategy concepts.

TL;DR: A post about increasing visibility and artificial intelligence discovery on the platform provides clues about broader brand strategy concepts.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchPew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta hires Snap director of global content partnerships

Jim Shepherd, who oversaw Snap’s celebrity relations and editorial strategy, will now help with Meta’s artificial intelligence device push, per The Hollywood Reporter.

TL;DR: Jim Shepherd, who oversaw Snap’s celebrity relations and editorial strategy, will now help with Meta’s artificial intelligence device push, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Reuters InstituteSocial Media TodayPew Research InternetWikipedia

Hackers say that Meta AI helped them compromise big Instagram accounts

Hackers reportedly tricked Meta AI into giving them access to any Instagram account they wanted. Now, Meta has responded.

More: Hackers say that Meta AI helped them compromise big Instagram accounts. Hackers reportedly tricked Meta AI into giving them access to any Instagram account they wanted. Now, Meta has responded.
TL;DR: Hackers reportedly tricked Meta AI into giving them access to any Instagram account they wanted.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Google shares guidance on visual AI generation

Tips about improving prompt language are applicable not only to the company’s Gemini Omni tool, but to other artificial intelligence models as well.

TL;DR: Tips about improving prompt language are applicable not only to the company’s Gemini Omni tool, but to other artificial intelligence models as well.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Hackers got Meta AI to give them Instagram account access

A series of screenshots and videos revealed the steps taken to override security features and steal accounts, per a report from 404 Media.

TL;DR: A series of screenshots and videos revealed the steps taken to override security features and steal accounts, per a report from 404 Media.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayTechCrunchPew Research InternetWikipedia

TikTok announces Pride Month 2026 programming

The app is highlighting eight rising LGBTQIA+ creators and small business owners throughout June in an effort to foster a more inclusive community.

TL;DR: The app is highlighting eight rising LGBTQIA+ creators and small business owners throughout June in an effort to foster a more inclusive community.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchPew Research InternetWikipedia

Are social platforms going to charge all users for access?

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have historically disagreed about this, but rising artificial intelligence expenses may result in costly new subscription options.

TL;DR: Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have historically disagreed about this, but rising artificial intelligence expenses may result in costly new subscription options.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayTechCrunchPew Research InternetWikipedia

Instagram introduces teleprompter tool

Creators can roll scripts across their screens when recording to avoid having to read notes or memorize lines while making videos.

TL;DR: Creators can roll scripts across their screens when recording to avoid having to read notes or memorize lines while making videos.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchPew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta plans to introduce a wearable AI pendant

The device would give users access to Meta’s artificial intelligence capabilities and could also record conversations, per The Information.

TL;DR: The device would give users access to Meta’s artificial intelligence capabilities and could also record conversations, per The Information.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Pew ResearchTechCrunchPew Research InternetWikipedia

TikTok Shops expands to new EU merchant countries

The expansion of the company’s European shopping capabilities comes as the company looks to increase its in-app revenue stream.

More: TikTok announced another expansion in the availability of TikTok Shop  to shoppers and retailers in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. As per TikTok: “Every month, 200 million people across Europe turn to TikTok to be entertained, inspired, and to discover new trends.
TL;DR: The expansion of the company’s European shopping capabilities comes as the company looks to increase its in-app revenue stream.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta reaffirms funding for Oversight Board

The company allocated $13 million to keep the independent policy group running, according to a report from Reuters.

More: Founded in 2020 , Meta’s Oversight Board is a collection of independent, external experts who are available to review appeals of content decisions made by Meta’s moderators. The group is funded by Meta, but the idea is that the board’s decisions remain independent from the company, offering impartial, third-party guidance on Meta’s policies, as well as a means for users to app…
TL;DR: The company allocated $13 million to keep the independent policy group running, according to a report from Reuters.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Meta outlines enhanced security measures ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

The platform is proactively implementing protocols to protect users and players from scams and harassment.

More: Meta outlines enhanced security measures ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026. The platform is proactively implementing protocols to protect users and players from scams and harassment.
TL;DR: The platform is proactively implementing protocols to protect users and players from scams and harassment.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Reddit expands Shopify integration access globally

The two platforms offer a streamlined authorization for linking accounts, plus data tracking and automated catalog syncing.

More: Reddit announced that all Shopify merchants globally can access its Shopify integration , which makes it easier for Shopify users to launch Reddit campaigns and glean insights from Reddit activity. Originally announced in March , Reddit’s Shopify integration aims to simplify catalog and pixel setup for Shopify merchants.
TL;DR: The two platforms offer a streamlined authorization for linking accounts, plus data tracking and automated catalog syncing.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Snapchat underlines its value as a sports engagement platform

The app is an important connection point for events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.

More: With the NBA Finals about to kick off, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 also about to get underway, Snapchat has made a new pitch to marketers in regards to the value that it provides to sports fans , as well as how advertisers can tap into this.
TL;DR: The app is an important connection point for events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta and X make deals to monetize AI projects

Many businesses are looking to justify their massive artificial intelligence investments, but the AI bubble may be nearing its bursting point.

More: At the same time, consumer sentiment around AI is declining as more AI options that seemingly offer little value get pumped into every other app. Meanwhile, Meta is looking to charge AI developers for access to advanced models and capacity as part of its latest subscription offerings.
TL;DR: Many businesses are looking to justify their massive artificial intelligence investments, but the AI bubble may be nearing its bursting point.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Meta introduces new subscription add-ons and AI packages

Paid options for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp will offer additional features, while AI-focused plans will offer more capacity.

More: As outlined by Naomi Gleit, Meta’s head of product , Meta’s new Plus products will provide a range of exclusive add-ons for paying users of each app. Meta said that more features will be added in future, but essentially, each Meta app will get its own iteration of a subscription service similar to Snapchat Plus or X Premium, with add-on elements that Meta hopes will entice sub…
TL;DR: Paid options for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp will offer additional features, while AI-focused plans will offer more capacity.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

TikTok drops second season of ‘In The Mix’ podcast

Four new episodes feature interviews with musicians Bebe Rexha, Lykke Li, Malcolm Todd and Josh Groban, along with returning host Jack Coyne of Trackstar.

More: TikTok continues to solidify its place as a key platform for music discovery with the launch of its second season of its “TikTok In The Mix” live podcast interview series, created in partnership with T-Mobile. TikTok users are 74% more likely to discover and share new music in the app than the average short-form video user.
TL;DR: Four new episodes feature interviews with musicians Bebe Rexha, Lykke Li, Malcolm Todd and Josh Groban, along with returning host Jack Coyne of Trackstar.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

YouTube tests new fan engagement option for musicians

The feature, now in beta, allows music creators to share exclusive content with just the top 1% of their channel’s audience.

More: YouTube is testing a new engagement option for musicians, which would enable them to share exclusive content with their top fans in order to drive more benefits for their key supporters. As first reported by TubeFilter , YouTube’s new “Top fans” publishing option would limit access to only the top 1% of a creator’s fanbase.
TL;DR: The feature, now in beta, allows music creators to share exclusive content with the top 1% of their channel’s audience.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

YouTube adds conversational custom feed generation

The platform’s prompt update reflects the way people interact with artificial intelligence chatbots and aligns with a more casual discovery style.

More: YouTube is giving users more control over their discovery experience via a new conversational feed generation process that will make it easier to find what they’re looking for. Originally announced in November , YouTube’s Your Custom Feed option enables users to describe the feed experience they want.
TL;DR: The update reflects the way people interact with AI chatbots and aligns with a more casual discovery style.
Read original at Socialmediatoday
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

The Knicks have taken over New York City — and the internet

The city of New York is having a moment after the Knicks made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. The internet is celebrating.

More: The New York Knicks are headed back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, and that sentence still doesn't feel real. Think about the timeline: A kid born the last time the Knicks played for a championship is now 27 years old.
TL;DR: The city of New York is having a moment after the Knicks made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Elon Musks X begins rolling out new History feature

On Elon Musk's X, Bookmarks are a popular way for users to keep track of posts they want to refer back to at a later time.

More: On Elon Musk's X, Bookmarks are a popular way for users to keep track of posts they want to refer back to at a later time. However, the Bookmarks feature requires users to actively pick what posts they want to bookmark when they come across it. Then, those posts are saved to the Bookmarks tab.
TL;DR: X users will be able to view their video and article history from within the iOS app.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Threads is adding a Grok-like AI search feature

Meta is bringing its AI chatbot to Threads in a way that should feel familiar to anyone who has spent time on X.

More: Meta is bringing its AI chatbot to Threads in a way that should feel familiar to anyone who has spent time on X. According to Engadget , the company is testing a new feature that gives Meta AI a dedicated Threads account — @meta.ai — that users can tag in posts and replies to add additional context to the discussion.
TL;DR: Threads is adding a new Meta Spark feature that's similar to X's Grok AI
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: TechCrunchPew ResearchPew Research InternetWikipedia

Instagram adds Instants tool to send disappearing photo dumps to friends

Instagram has a new feature that lets you share an unedited photo dump that disappears once viewed. Yes, we have questions.

More: Instagram adds Instants tool to send disappearing photo dumps to friends. Instagram has a new feature that lets you share an unedited photo dump that disappears once viewed. Yes, we have questions.
TL;DR: Instagram has a new feature that lets you share an unedited photo dump that disappears once viewed.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Vine reboot, diVine, is out now to save us from AI slop

Vine reboot, divine, has officially launched as a new app and Vine archive.

More: Vine reboot, diVine, is out now to save us from AI slop. Vine reboot, divine, has officially launched as a new app and Vine archive.
TL;DR: Vine reboot, divine, has officially launched as a new app and Vine archive.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayPew ResearchSocial Media TodayWikipedia

Is Threads down? Users report outage with social media app.

It seems like every week another app or digital platform shuts down unexpectedly, and this time social media app Threads may be experiencing an outage.

More: It seems like every week another app or digital platform shuts down unexpectedly, and this time social media app Threads may be experiencing an outage. On the morning of May 5, multiple Mashable editors were unable to access the Threads app. (Disclosure: DownDetector and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.
TL;DR: Threads, the Meta social media app, appeared to experience some problems on the morning of Tuesday, May 5.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Parents on Instagram, Facebook: Expect a big message from Meta

Amid the second phase of a high-profile child safety trial in New Mexico, Meta is announcing new measures designed to ensure teens on its platforms are subject to age-related protections.

More: All users that Meta has identified as a parent, not just adults who supervise a Teen Account, will receive the notification. Facebook users for the first time. In April 2025, Meta began using AI to identify teen users who listed an adult age in their account.
TL;DR: Meta wants to reach parents on Instagram and Facebook with this message.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia

Friendster has returned! But you can only connect with offline friends.

The early-2000s social networking platform has now returned roughly 24 years later with a whole new gimmick: Users can only connect with real-life friends.

More: Friendster doesn't show users any posts. The new Friendster is built for users to strictly follow people they know in real-life. This is the only way to connect with someone on the platform.
TL;DR: Friendster has been relaunched roughly 24 years after it first debuted as one of the first social networking websites.
Read original at Mashable
Further reading: Social Media TodayReuters InstitutePew Research InternetWikipedia