‘Wireless World’

This week, on June 28th 1965, ‘Early Bird’ (Intelsat I) was activated. It wasn’t just another satellite; it was the first commercial communications satellite to be nestled in a geosynchronous orbit. This is where it ‘parked’  at 22,236 miles above the equator in the line of the earth’s rotation, appearing stationary to observers on the ground.

This is often referred to as the ‘Clarke Orbit’ after the sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke who popularised the concept. Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a radar specialist during World War II and in a paper published in “Wireless World” in 1945, he proposed the idea of a global communications network based on geostationary satellites, providing a consistent and uninterrupted communication service. However, most people know him for the science-fiction novel and film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’.

Intelsat was founded in 1964 as an intergovernmental organisation (IGO) called the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation, with 149 nations originally participating. In 2001, it became a private company and now has one of the world’s most expansive satellite networks, providing video and broadband services to over 200 countries and territories around the world. Their network broadcasted the Apollo moon landing in 1969 to millions of viewers around the world.

More recently, we have Starlink, the project initiated by SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk. It’s developing a satellite network with up to 12,000 orbiting satellites to provide high-speed internet access across the globe, even in remote and rural areas or warzones (e.g. Ukraine). Starlink satellites are in ‘low’ earth orbit (340 miles), meaning they’re much closer to the ground than traditional communication satellites, allowing for lower latency and faster speeds, especially as their satellites use lasers to communicate with each other, enabling them to transfer data much faster than traditional satellite internet, for example, a Starlink user can expect download speeds of up to 100 megabits per second, compared to download speeds of around 10 megabits per second for a user with traditional satellite internet.

Next time you look up at the night sky, perhaps you might spare a thought for all those satellites up there and how far we’ve come since Arthur C. Clarke penned his visionary paper in 1945.

WhatsApp shows blue ticks to indicate when your messages have been read by the recipient. If you want to disable read receipts and prevent others from seeing when you’ve read their messages, you can turn off this feature. Here’s how:

– Go to WhatsApp settings (the three dots, top right).

– Select “Privacy”.

– Toggle off the “Read receipts” option.

With the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023 showing TikTok now being the source of news for 20 per cent of 18–24-year-olds at the expense of news websites and apps, we look at where most people now get their news from and the reasons why.

The Report 

The Reuters Institute report is based on the findings of a survey of more than 93,000 people in 46 countries, including the UK, conducted by YouGov in January and February of this year.

Some Key Findings

Some of the key findings about where people young people and others now get their news from are:

– Interest in news stories has declined, there are now high levels of selective news avoidance (36 per cent) i.e., people actively and regularly avoid news (to avoid bad news).

– Trust in the news has fallen and more than half of us (56 per cent) now worry about being able to distinguish between fake and real news on the Internet.

– Around only a fifth of respondents (22 per cent) now say they prefer to start their news journeys with a news website or app (down 10 percentage points since 2018).

– One fifth of young people get their news from TikTok.

– For news topics TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat users now pay more attention to celebrities and social media influencers than to journalists or media companies.

– Consumption of traditional media, such as TV and print, is falling in most markets, with online and social consumption not making up the gap.

– Younger people have a weaker connection with news brands’ own websites and apps than before and prefer to access news via side-door routes such as social media, search, or mobile aggregators.

– Although Facebook is still one of the most-used social networks, shifting its focus away from news (and competition) has meant that its influence on journalism and popularity as a news source is declining.

– Whereas on Facebook and Twitter, news media and journalists are still central to the conversation, audiences say they pay more attention to celebrities, influencers, and social media personalities than journalists in networks like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat (the social networks more popular with young people).

In short, people are moving away from Facebook, news apps and websites, with many young people now preferring to get their news from TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, paying more attention to what influencers and celebrities say about it.

Why? 

The declining engagement with traditional networks, e.g. Facebook and the rise of TikTok and a range of other video-led networks, along with the preference for the views of influencers and celebrities is likely to be the result of the influence of the habits of the youngest generations. This is because they have grown up with social media and as a result, naturally pay more attention to influencers or celebrities than they do to journalists, even for news. This may also explain why many young people prefer to access news via ‘side-door routes’ such as social media, search, or mobile aggregators rather than heading straight for news websites and apps.

As the Reuters Institute director Rasmus Neilsen explains, “Younger generations increasingly eschew direct discovery for all but the most appealing brands” and “They have little interest in many conventional news offers oriented towards older generations’ habits, interests, and values, and instead embrace the more personality-based, participatory, and personalised options offered by social media, often looking beyond legacy platforms to new entrants”. 

Also, the current squeeze on household spending has meant that people have been rethinking how much they can afford to spend on news media.

Facebook’s declining use for news isn’t just because it’s moving away from news but is also down to strong competition from YouTube and youth-focused networks like TikTok.

A general mistrust of news and a lack of confidence about being able to spot fake new could be due to influences like criticism of the news media, which is often driven by politicians and facilitated by social media.

As for declining interest in news and ‘selective avoidance’ of news, these can be attributed to (probably since the pandemic), an abundance of bad news on constant-repeat e.g., the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis, thereby causing people to avoid bad news to protect their own wellbeing and mental health.

Podcasts 

As highlighted in Reuters Report, podcasts are still popular, and their usage has grown by one-third since 2018. Although they are a source of news, the news podcasts compete for attention with lifestyle and specialist shows (some of which also deal with news), and the listeners tend to be richer, better educated, and younger.

Where Do People Get Their News From? 

According to YouGov figures, although most UK people now get their news from the national TV news (44 per cent) and news websites (40 per cent but declining), social media is where just over a quarter (26 per cent) of people get their news). An Ofcom report from 2022 confirms that younger age groups are more likely to use the internet and social media for news, whereas their older counterparts favour print, radio, and TV. The report shows that the reach of print/online newspapers has seen a large decrease from 2020 i.e. 47 per cent to 2022 (38 per cent), and the report states that social media is overtaking traditional channels for news among teens, e.g. with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube being their top three most used sources for news.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The shifting landscape of news consumption highlighted in the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023 has significant implications for various stakeholders in the business world. Publishers, traditional media outlets, social media platforms, and advertisers all need to adapt to the changing preferences and behaviours of news consumers, particularly among younger generations.

For publishers and traditional media, the report emphasises the decline in interest and trust in news stories, as well as the decreasing preference for news websites and apps. This highlights the need for innovative approaches to news delivery and engagement to capture the attention of younger audiences. Investing in video-led networks, exploring personalised and participatory options, and leveraging social media platforms can help reach a broader audience.

Social media platforms, while still influential, face challenges in the evolving news landscape. The decline of Facebook as a news source, primarily driven by competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, indicates the importance of diversifying content offerings and adapting to changing user preferences. Platforms must strike a balance between user-generated content and news media to remain relevant and trustworthy sources of information.

Advertisers need to reassess their strategies and platforms for reaching their target audiences. With young people paying more attention to influencers and celebrities on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, there is an opportunity to collaborate with these popular figures to promote their products or services. Advertisers should also consider leveraging podcasts, which have seen growth and appeal to a more affluent, educated, and younger demographic.

Overall, the report highlights the need for businesses to stay informed about the changing news consumption habits and preferences of their target audiences. Adapting to the rise of video-led networks, social media influencers, and personalised content can help companies stay relevant and effectively engage with consumers. By embracing new platforms and approaches, businesses can navigate the evolving news landscape and leverage these changes to their advantage.

In this insight we look at what ‘Y Combinator’ is, how it works, who it’s worked with, and how it’s made the news recently.

Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital Firm 

Y Combinator is a well-known startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in the United States. It was founded in 2005 by Paul Graham, Robert Morris, Trevor Blackwell, and Jessica Livingston. Y Combinator is often referred to as an “accelerator” because it provides a comprehensive program designed to help early-stage startups grow and succeed.

Y Combinator says it’s so far funded 4,000 startups with a $600 billion valuation.

How? 

Startups accepted into the Y Combinator program receive seed funding, typically in exchange for equity, and participate in a structured three-month program (there are two 3-month programs). During this time, they receive mentorship, guidance, and access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Y Combinator also provides office space and various resources to support the development of the startups.

The program culminates in a Demo Day, where each participating startup presents its progress and business plan to a large audience of potential investors. Demo Day offers a valuable opportunity for startups to secure additional funding and establish crucial connections within the investment community.

Who? 

Over the years, Y Combinator has supported and nurtured numerous successful startups, including Stripe, Airbnb, Instacart, DoorDash, Cruise, Twitch, Coinbase, PagerDuty, Faire, Brex, Deel, Rippling, reddit, Gusto, Flexport, Dropbox, Razorpay, Scale AI, GitLab, Benchling, Fivetran, Rappi, Checkr, Zapier, Whatnot, Podium, Webflow, Zepto, Groww, Segment, and others.

Its reputation and track record have made it one of the most prestigious and sought-after startup accelerators globally, attracting entrepreneurs from various industries and sectors.

The Goal 

Y Combinator says its goal is to “help startups really take off” and to help them “to be in dramatically better shape 3 months later”. It defines being in better shape as having a better product with more users, and to having more options for raising money.

Influence 

Y Combinator and its founders, such as Paul Graham, have become influential voices in the startup ecosystem. They have shared valuable insights, advice, and thought-provoking essays on entrepreneurship, technology, and startup culture. Y Combinator’s blog and the published writings of its founders have gained widespread recognition and are considered valuable resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Expansion and Global Reach 

Y Combinator has expanded its reach beyond Silicon Valley to accept startups from around the world, including international teams, into its program. This global perspective has allowed Y Combinator to tap into a diverse range of innovative ideas and entrepreneurs from different regions, making it a truly influential force in the global startup ecosystem.

In The News 

In May last year, Y Combinator made the news when it sent a letter to its portfolio founders (its ‘who’s who’ of startup successes) entitled “Economic Downturn” which warned them to “plan for the worst” due to an economic slowdown, inflation, rising interest rates and geopolitical unease. The letter painted a bleak picture to startups saying, “it’s your responsibility to ensure your company will survive if you cannot raise money for the next 24 months.” 

Startups

Startups are generally characterised by innovation and high growth potential, but they face funding challenges and rapid cash burn. Despite these hurdles, investors find startups attractive due to their potential for high returns and the opportunity to be part of groundbreaking ventures.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?  

The presence and success of Y Combinator, a renowned startup accelerator and venture capital firm, highlight important considerations for UK businesses. Startups, with their innovative ideas and high growth potential, face funding challenges and rapid cash burn. However, the allure of startups lies in their potential for significant returns on investment and the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking ventures.

For UK businesses, this highlights the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and embracing the potential for high growth. By encouraging and supporting startups within the local ecosystem, businesses can tap into the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and benefit from collaborations with innovative startups.

Moreover, it is crucial for businesses to consider the funding landscape and explore ways to support startups. This could involve establishing partnerships or mentorship programs, providing resources or office space, or even considering investment opportunities in promising startups. By nurturing and engaging with startups, businesses can gain access to fresh ideas, talent, and potential future collaborations.

Judging by some of the well-known names listed as being helped by Y Combinator, it’s clearly had some success in helping them but, as all businesses know (and as Y Combinator warned its customers last year), these are very tough economic times that will make it very challenging for today’s startups, and it’s currently more a matter of just focusing on survival for those that can’t raise the necessary funding in the near future.

An American Psychological Association research paper predicts that that as workers interact with AI systems (and rely more on them), this could lead to social disconnection at work, feelings of loneliness, and even insomnia and alcohol consumption.

Work-Related Interactions Being Altered & Creating Social Disconnection

The research, entitled “No Person Is an Island: Unpacking the Work and After-Work Consequences of Interacting with Artificial Intelligence,” published in the Journal of Applied Psychology says that as AI systems are increasingly integrated across organisational functions and into the work lives of employees, the coupling of employees and machines is fundamentally altering their work-related interactions.

Your New AI ‘Colleague’ Could Have Negative Effects 

The researchers say that people have evolved internal systems to gauge the quality of relationships with others and these systems have remained effective in a workplace that, just as in primitive tribal communities, prioritised social interactions with coworkers. The advent of digital, asocial AI systems and their incorporation into employee work has, however, threatened to upend the operation of these systems. The research shows that employee interactions with their new AI ‘colleagues’ may lead to an increased need for affiliation as well as feelings of loneliness.

Mixed Consequences 

In essence, the research states that AI interrupting old-style work relationships leads to mixed consequences, i.e. (adaptive) affiliation – more helping behaviour toward coworkers at work, or a feeling of ‘maladaptive’ loneliness which affects employees after work in ways like more insomnia and alcohol consumption.

The research showed that the effects are more pronounced for those with higher levels of attachment anxiety (the tendency to feel insecure and worried about social connections), i.e. they respond more strongly to working on AI systems with both positive reactions, like helping others, and negative ones, like loneliness and insomnia.

Human Consequences Of The “New Industrial Revolution” 

Lead researcher and professor of management at the University of Georgia Pok Man Tang said, “Humans are social animals, and isolating work with AI systems may have damaging spillover effects into employees’ personal lives”. Tang highlighted how “The rapid advancement in AI systems is sparking a new industrial revolution that is reshaping the workplace with many benefits but also some uncharted dangers, including potentially damaging mental and physical impacts for employees.” 

Four Experiments But Consistent Findings 

The research was conducted using four experiments in the U.S., Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia with co-workers and family members offering feedback on the behaviour of subjects. The findings proved to be consistent across cultures, showing that basic human interactions and relationships are changed by overexposure working alone with just AI.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

Although AI can be human-like in its responses (e.g., generative AI like ChatGPT), it is not human or sentient (yet). Having too much interaction with AI at work seems to come at the expense of the human social interaction and although it has some positive consequences, it appears to have some damaging consequences in the lives of employees both at work (loneliness) and at home (insomnia and drinking). Ways that businesses could help manage and improve this situation include limiting the frequency of working with AI systems, offering opportunities for employees to socialise, and even offering mindfulness programs and other positive interventions. Developers of AI technology could help by equipping AI systems with more social features, e.g. a human voice, to emulate human-like interactions. How AI impacts on the social, informal, cultural, and ‘softer’ factors at work could, therefore, be another area that businesses need to monitor and manage going forward as AI plays more of a role in daily work lives.

Meta has announced the introduction of I-JEPA, an AI model that generate images that can create the most human-like images so far and is “a step closer to human-level intelligence in AI”. 

Overcomes Previous Limitations 

Meta says that the I-JEPA model is based on its Chief AI Scientist, Yann LeCun’s vision for more human-like AI and that it can “overcome key limitations of even the most advanced AI systems today”. 

What Does It Do? 

I-JEPA analyses a user-provided sketch and completes the unfinished image by filling in the missing details, e.g. the colour of objects, lighting conditions, and the background in a way that’s incredibly accurate.

Much Better At Filling In The Missing Details 

The ‘Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture’ (JEPA) model’s ‘knowledge-guided generation’ means that it can use its knowledge of the world to fill in the missing details of an image, thereby creating a much better result. This could mean that it will be much more difficult to tell whether an image is human created (real) or has been artificially created by AI. In the past, for example, issues like people in AI-generated images having strange-looking hands with 6 fingers have been one of the ways that ‘deepfakes’ can be spotted. I-JEPA is able to resolve these issues.

Why Is I-JEPA Better? 

Whereas generative architectures learn by removing or distorting portions of the input to the model and tries to fill-in every bit of missing information (even though the world is inherently unpredictable), I-JEPA predicts the representation of part of an input (an image or piece of text) from the representation of other parts of the same input – it predicts representations at a high level of abstraction rather than predicting pixel values directly. It also uses an enormous amount of background knowledge about the world. I-JEPA is, therefore, able to predict missing information in an abstract representation that’s more akin to the general understanding people have. I.e., it’s exceptionally good at analysing and finishing unfinished pictures and making them look real.

Meta says that I-JEPA’s pretraining is also “computationally efficient” and doesn’t involve any overhead associated with applying more computationally intensive data augmentations to produce multiple views.

What Does This Men For Your Business? 

I-JEPA appears to be the next “step closer to human-level intelligence in AI” and gives users the ability to quickly create very realistic images from simple sketches while eliminating many of the usual problems that AI image generators have had to date. Businesses using I-JEPA (which is currently in the hands of researchers and developers) can have confidence in the quality of its output for a whole range of private and public/published uses. I-JEPA gives businesses the ability to quickly create a detailed, realistic picture from a sketch can save time and costs, add value, be applicable to a wide range of tasks, avoid the need for large amounts of manually labelled data, and as the researchers say, it can let businesses create “strong off-the-shelf semantic representations without the use of hand-crafted view augmentations”. In short, I-JEPA could be a real game-changer, and Meta making the model available as open source may help to get it widely established as a new industry-standard tool (Meta hopes).