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Substance Travel and How It’s Becoming a Thing Nowadays

By
Kyrie Mattos
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a spoon filled with dirt sitting on top of a white counter

In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the world of travel—substance travel. This unique form of exploration involves incorporating mind-altering substances into travel experiences to create unforgettable moments and gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Among the various substances gaining popularity in substance travel, Kratom has emerged as a notable player. Kratom, a botanical substance with origins in Southeast Asia, has become increasingly sought after by adventurous individuals looking for a distinctive and transformative travel experience.

With its diverse strains and effects on the mind and body, Kratom offers a range of possibilities for substance travelers. From mood enhancement and relaxation to increased energy and pain relief, Kratom’s properties have captivated those seeking unique experiences during their journeys. The appeal of Kratom lies not only in its versatility but also in its cultural significance and legality in certain regions. Destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have become hotspots for substance travelers looking to immerse themselves in the world of Kratom.

However, it is essential to approach substance travel, including Kratom usage, with responsibility and caution. Understanding dosage guidelines, potential interactions with other substances, and respect local laws and regulations are crucial aspects of a safe and enjoyable substance travel experience. As this trend continues to grow, it is important to engage in open conversations about responsible substance travel and the impact it may have on the travel industry as a whole.

What is Kratom?

Kratom, a botanical substance originating from Southeast Asia, has gained significant attention for its unique properties and traditional uses. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, Kratom has a long history in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where it has been used for centuries.

Kratom comes in various strains, each distinguished by its unique alkaloid composition. These alkaloids interact with receptors in the brain, producing a range of effects. Some strains are known for their energizing and stimulating properties, while others are sought after for their calming and relaxing effects.

Traditionally, Kratom leaves were chewed or brewed into teas by local communities for their potential pain-relieving, mood-enhancing, and productivity-boosting properties. However, the global availability of Kratom has expanded its usage, leading to different consumption methods such as capsules, extracts, and powders.

The Rise of Substance Travel

The concept of substance travel has been steadily gaining popularity, captivating the adventurous spirits of individuals seeking unique and transformative experiences. This emerging trend involves incorporating mind-altering substances into travel journeys, allowing travelers to explore altered states of consciousness and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Among the substances that have taken center stage in the substance travel scene, Kratom has emerged as a notable player.

Kratom, originating from Southeast Asia, has garnered significant attention for its diverse strains and effects on the mind and body. This botanical substance offers a range of possibilities for substance travelers, from mood enhancement and relaxation to increased energy. Using Kratom for pain management has particularly captivated the interest of those seeking alternative approaches to managing discomfort during their travels.

The rise of substance travel can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a growing desire for personal growth and self-discovery, where individuals seek to push boundaries and explore the depths of their consciousness. Substance travel allows them to venture beyond the ordinary and experience life through a different lens. Secondly, the allure of exploring altered states of consciousness and expanding one’s perception of reality appeals to those with a curious and open mindset.

Furthermore, substance travel provides an opportunity for cultural immersion, allowing travelers to engage with the traditional uses and customs associated with various mind-altering substances. By incorporating Kratom into their travel experiences, substance travelers can delve into the cultural significance and traditional practices surrounding this botanical substance, deepening their understanding of the local communities they visit.

The Appeal of Kratom in Substance Travel

The growing popularity of substance travel has placed Kratom in the spotlight as a highly sought-after substance among adventurous travelers. Kratom’s appeal stems from its unique properties and versatility, making it an ideal companion for those embarking on transformative journeys.

One of the key factors driving the appeal of Kratom in substance travel is its wide range of effects on the mind and body. From mood enhancement and relaxation to increased energy and focus, Kratom offers a diverse palette of experiences for substance travelers. Its ability to induce a sense of euphoria and promote a state of well-being makes it particularly appealing for those seeking unique and enriching travel experiences.

Moreover, the versatility of Kratom adds to its allure. Available in various strains and forms, such as teas, capsules, and extracts, travelers have the flexibility to choose the method that best suits their preferences and travel circumstances. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of Kratom tea in a serene natural setting or discreetly consuming a capsule during a bustling city exploration, Kratom adapts to the needs and desires of substance travelers.

Furthermore, Kratom’s cultural significance and traditional uses add an extra layer of appeal. Exploring destinations where Kratom is part of the local customs allows travelers to delve into the cultural heritage associated with the substance. Engaging with the traditions surrounding Kratom not only enriches the travel experience but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local communities and their practices.

Exploring Kratom-Friendly Destinations

For substance travelers seeking to explore the world of Kratom, there are several destinations renowned for their Kratom-friendly environments and rich cultural connections. These destinations provide unique opportunities to immerse oneself in the traditions and customs surrounding Kratom while enjoying the beauty and wonder of the surrounding landscapes.

Southeast Asia, particularly countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, stands out as a hotbed of Kratom-friendly destinations. In these countries, Kratom has a long history of traditional use and cultural significance. Travelers can visit local markets, where Kratom is readily available in various forms, and witness the preparation and consumption rituals associated with the substance.

Apart from Southeast Asia, there are alternative destinations where Kratom enthusiasts gather for events, workshops, and social activities. These locations provide a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about Kratom and its potential benefits. Engaging with this community offers a unique chance to exchange knowledge, experiences, and stories related to Kratom.

Conclusion

As substance travel gains traction as a unique and transformative trend, Kratom stands out as a captivating element within this realm. With its diverse strains, versatile effects, and cultural significance, Kratom has become an appealing substance for adventurous travelers seeking extraordinary experiences. However, responsible usage and adherence to local laws and regulations are crucial to ensure a safe and ethical journey. As substance travel continues to evolve, open conversations about responsible practices, safety measures, and cultural sensitivity will shape its future. By embracing substance travel with mindfulness and respect, individuals can unlock the potential for personal growth, cultural immersion, and profound connections with both themselves and the destinations they explore.

Diablo 4 Rogue Guide – Best Builds, Skill Guide & Gameplay

By
PVP Team
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0
Diablo 4 Rogue Best Class in Game - Is It For You Best Build, Skills Guide & Gameplay Breakdown

With the release of Diablo IV approaching, the biggest problem is that you will be hesitant about which is your first class. Because this is a tricky question.

So, we’re here to introduce you to my favorite class in Diablo 4, Rogue. Here’s a brief overview of his concepts, along with the class’s gameplay and build types, which should give you all the information you need to make yours.

Overview

Let’s start with the gameplay of Diablo 4 Rogue. Rogue is a hyper-mobile fighter in Diablo 4. He can fight in close quarters or at impressive range with Dagger and Sword for assassinations, or shoot from fire with Bow or Crossbow.

This adaptable warrior can imbue their weapons with various effects. Whether it’s Poison or Shadowland unique combo attacks, it’s all about sprinting and teleporting through combat. This feels like an interesting mix of Assassin and Demon Hunter.

Rogue’s gameplay is high risk, but also high reward. And thanks to their mobility and stealth, they can survive dire situations, avoiding the end of their lives. You can choose to use your Dagger, Sword, Stealth and Diablo 4 Gold, so as to assassinate enemies. Or you can choose to fight tactically with Poison Trap and elemental damage. Or will you mix it up, making Rogue a hybrid fighter for Diablo 4.

Rogue Core Mechanics

Now we’ll go over the core mechanics of Rogue, how it all works, and give some examples. As a class, you should expect him to have a mix of melee and ranged combat, with the ability to switch between the two depending on your settings and preferences. Although you can completely focus on one aspect.

Diablo 4 builds Best Rogue skills to get

Each class draws on the primary resource energy. It builds through time and specific combat abilities. Rogue usually fights with physical damage, but he can also use Elemental Damage, like Cold and Shadow.

Then there are the major strengths. We have more unique career options. From agility based moves to Subterfuge and Imbuement, to finally your Ultimate. Each Diablo 4 class has a choice of three or so ultimate abilities that can turn the tide of battle, or further greatly enhance your current abilities.

Each class has six attack slots, which means you can choose up to six abilities to fill your energy bar, limiting your active options. We can upgrade each ability up to five times to increase its power five times. While you can buy Diablo 4 Items to make it even higher, it’s important that we can enhance abilities to give them additional effects entirely.

For example, if we use Shadow Imbuement, we can make the next two skills deal explosive Shadow damage. We can buff it to increase our crit chance against those injured, and those affected by Shadow.

All enemies affected by Shadow gain 12 non-physical damage. So choices of this type and others of that nature empower you in a number of ways. Of course, you can also choose new skills according to your play style and build what you want.

Basic Skills

Let’s look at some competency examples and descriptions to give you an idea of our basic skills.

First of all, we can use Invigorating Strike to cause a certain amount of damage to the enemy and increase energy regeneration, and last for three seconds, Blade Shift. Although we deal less damage, we can then move freely through enemies like Ghosts.

Rogue Class Skill Tree & Abilities - Diablo 4 [4k]

Second, Puncture can throw Blade over a short distance, and every third throw can help control enemies, actually slowing down the enemy’s Heartseeker. On the other hand, every time we fired an arrow, it can cause a certain amount of damage to the enemy and increase the critical strike rate against them. They also stack more and more than you shoot consecutively at a single target.

Finally, firing Forceful Arrow every third time makes enemies vulnerable, which synergizes well with other abilities. You can also try rapid fire, lining up five arrows in a straight line, which will get you into target quickly for a Penetrating Shot.

Skill Tree

As you can see, there are a variety of melee and ranged options and abilities that lean more towards AOE or single target. Not everything is a direct ability or an ability enhancement, depending on your needs. Although there are a lot of passive upgrades in Diablo 4 to consider the key passives at the end of Skill Tree, even after the ultimate skill greatly improves the fighting style.

Like Marksman Skills, you can upgrade skills with Diablo 4 Gold to increase your critical strike chance to 40%, or there is an amazing AOE option. Which has a 30% chance to cause an explosion with perfect synergy with Shadow Imbuement. There are many passives throughout Skill Tree, and they all make important changes to your play style abilities.

Rogue Build Example

Let’s give you a couple of Rogue build examples.

You can imagine how it will play out in full Diablo 4, as anything I outline here is based on the beta experience. There is no doubt that these experiences change and balance differently when we choose to build.

Rogue Builds to Get You Started

Although in Diablo 4 beta, it was boiled down to Aspects you can achieve with equipment called legendary items, which is also a category among many Diablo 4 items. But Aspects are skill enhancements unlockable through specific challenges and are common to all classes.

Things like getting certain damage shields or class-specific shields that you can apply to a piece of equipment by unlocking them, changing our abilities. You can create an entire building and playstyle around it.

We take Aspect of Unstable Imbuements that enhance other abilities to imbue. Our ultimate Shadow Clone is a short-lived clone that uses the same abilities as us. But for balance, it doesn’t get the full effect. It’s not as powerful as ours, but in some ways we can unlock and improve it by using Diablo 4 Gold and causing Imbuement.

We’re using this concept to massively buff Clone’s damage. We definitely want to use Clone as their ultimate and combine it with Imbuement based builds.

As we discussed, there are various other Imbuement options and the other playstyles they create. Another example is the hyper mobile Shadow Step. It targets enemies, teleporting attacks directly to them, dealing massive damage.

It also refunds the resources used if it kills the target. On top of that, each use of it adds two seconds to following Shadow Step’s power. If you manage to do this, not only does the insane movement ability teleport to either target, but it becomes more powerful the further Shadow Step you use.

Diablo 4 Rogue Penetrating Shot Leveling Build! No Drops Needed!

On the other hand, there are of course other Aspects that could greatly increase energy regeneration or lead to additional effects for other abilities. A popular choice in Diablo 4 beta is this crossfire version of Penetrating Shot, which is perfect for Ranger-style Rogue Penetrating Shot Blast.

As you should be able to tell, it fires more crosses to the right and left to spread the damage more effectively.

Aspects can change the way we play games and level up in many ways. We’ll randomly find these Aspects and specific Legendary items that will give us new build and playstyle options to consider as you level up.

You won’t be able to access everything like you can in Diablo 4 endgame, including all air RNGs and specific challenges to unlock specific content. But Legends or Aspects you discover can really change your gameplay.

Summarize

So all in all, Rogue in Diablo 4 allows for baffling movement, long range or close quarters combat. It also does burst damage over time. Great for whether you want to play with traps and tactical options, or just fight head-to-head.

Diablo 4 Beta Rogue Overview

How you choose your abilities, enhancements, and potential aspects will also determine how you fight. You might consider a build with more single target DPS, maybe you want more hyper mobile or maybe just full AOE, it’s totally up to you.

If these concepts appeal to you, then Rogue might be the class in Diablo 4 for you. I hope this course guide will help you make your choice.

Elon Musk Wraps Up China Visit, Thanks Workers In Tesla’s Shanghai Factory – Tesla News

By
Shelby
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0

Tesla’s chief executive officer Elon Musk has finally wrapped up his three-day visit to China, his first visit to the East Asian country in three years. 

His trip to China was filled with worthwhile activities. He met with China’s foreign minister in Beijing, met Shanghai’s Communist Party chief, and visited Tesla’s Shanghai factory, where he got the chance also to thank the workers there. 

The Tesla CEO also held separate meetings with China’s tech and commerce ministers to talk about matters not just related to electric vehicles and connected cars but also Tesla’s development in the country and even relations between the United States and China. 

Musk’s private jet left Hongqiao airport in Shanghai yesterday. 

Thanks

During his Wednesday visit to Tesla’s Shangai Gigafactory, Musk praised the facility’s success, saying he would like to work more with this Chinese city in various aspects. 

He also praised the employees there for meeting him at almost midnight. 

“Thank you for being here last night. I would very much like to congratulate you on the amazing work that you have done. It’s been incredibly impressive how you have been able to overcome so many difficulties and so many challenges,” the Tesla CEO spoke in front of a huge crowd of workers, as shown on a video posted by Tesla China on Chinese social media, Weibo. “I just want to let you know, it warms my heart.”

Then, Musk made a fist pump after tapping his chest. His statements were given with roaring applause and cheers. 

He also gestured the famous “heart” sign with his hands, then said the cars produced in Tesla’s Shanghai factory are the “highest quality.”

“I tell people throughout the world, the cars we produce here are not just the most efficient production, but also the highest quality,” he said.

Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory is the company’s biggest car manufacturing plant and first plant outside the United States.

Furthermore, Tesla also plans to preview its revamped Model 3 sedan in Shanghai, according to a news report on Bloomberg. 

Yielded nothing concrete

However, despite the many meetings that Musk conducted while he was in China, some are saying that they actually yielded nothing “concrete.”

Daniel Ren, the Shanghai bureau chief of the Hong Kong-based English-language Chinese newspaper South China Morning Post, wrote how Musk wrapped up his trip by meeting Shanghai’s Communist Party chief Chen Jining, but it yielded nothing substantial.

“Tesla chief executive Elon Musk left Shanghai for Texas on Thursday morning after meeting Shanghai Communist Party boss Chen Jining… But no concrete deals or agreements were signed during this trip, despite mounting speculation about Tesla’s plan to expand its Shanghai Gigafactory,” Ren said. 

HP Uncovers Immersive, Eco-Friendly NYC Art Exhibit With Award-Winning Designer – HP News

By
Shelby
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0

As the company released its latest fiscal results, HP may have fallen short of its revenue targets for the second quarter of the 2023 fiscal year. According to news media, this is spearheaded by the decline in PC sales. But, HP remains headstrong in launching projects that will ensure it is still close to its goals. 

The company’s net revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 was $12.9 billion, 21.7 percent less than the results during the same period last year. This caused HP’s shares to drop by almost three percent in after-hours trading.  

But HP is headstrong. Today, June 2nd, it conducts an eco-friendly art exhibit in New York City in partnership with a renowned and award-winning artist. Here’s the news. 

Immersive recycling-inspired art exhibit

HP, together with award-winning artist Germane Barnes, is slated to emphasize the importance of recycling through a hands-on and interactive visual experience called the “Create What’s Next” exhibit. This hybrid art exhibit is being presented today at Studio 525 in New York City. 

“Climate change is the defining challenge of a lifetime, weighing on our collective conscience. The magnitude of the issue can feel overwhelming, leaving us wondering if our individual choices truly make a difference. Yet, it is precisely in these small actions that our collective power lies,” HP said in an official statement. “In recognition of World Environment Day, HP’s intention is to inspire action through art.”

Barnes is an award-winning and a talented architect and designer. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 2008. Then, he attended Graduate School and received a Master of Architecture degree from Woodbury in Burbank, California, where he received the Graduate Thesis Prize. 

Some of his awards include the 2021 Wheelwright Prize by Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the 2021 Rome Prize in Architecture from the American Academy in Rome, and the Architectural League Prize for Young Architects + Designers.

This project of HP with Barnes takes guests on an experiential journey through HP’s ink cartridge recycling process. The exhibit showcases reduce, reuse, and recycle methods as envisioned by the artist, who uses materials from each stage of the process to create an interactive experience that promotes how small, individual, and collective actions can have a significant impact.  

All the materials in the exhibit have been placed with sustainability in mind, including all the plastics from the ink cartridges. 

“… This was an opportunity to show people through art and design the various steps in the process, with a hope they’ll begin to understand how they can be part of the journey and make a difference even if it is a small one,” Barnes said. 

$100,000 prize for the youth from HP 

HP is also giving away a $100,000 prize pool funding youth-led solutions that promote sustainability, particularly that which is related to the reuse, reduction, and recycling of plastics and packaging. 

This is still part of the Create What’s Next initiative, but this time, in collaboration with MIT Solve, a marketplace for social impact innovation by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

HR Jobs In IBM Are The First To Be Replaced By AI, CEO Krishna Points Out – IBM News

By
Shelby
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0

Artificial intelligence IAI) may be helping businesses improve their operations, but it is also taking a toll on several jobs. Such as in IBM.

IBM’s CEO Arvind Krishna announced earlier this month that the company is planning to pause hiring and replace 7,800 human jobs, according to the news previously reported here on PVP Live. Now, the number has climbed to nearly 8,000, and Krishna said the first to go are those in the human resources (HR) sector.  

HR professionals first to bid goodbye

According to new reports, Krishna stated that IBM is looking at replacing almost 8,000 jobs with AI, and the first to go are back-office functions, particularly the HR department. 

This decision is reflective of more businesses that are increasingly becoming dependent on automation and AI. As a result, this is negatively impacting the human workforce. 

This transition in IBM will reportedly happen gradually over the next few years, with AI potentially replacing 30 percent of non-customer-facing job roles in the next five years. 

HR professionals will be the first to be impacted by the takeover of algorithms and robots, followed by those in the finance and accounting departments. 

Is Krishna contradicting himself?

This is not the first time IBM has made headlines about laying off workers due to AI. Earlier this year, the company also announced it is slashing 3,900 jobs to give way to implementing automation and cutting costs within the company.

And, no other than the White House is giving encouragement in favor of AI. The White House released a report last December, saying that it is “inevitable” AI will displace some employees. 

Moreover, IBM is not the only major tech company to downsize its workforce. Meta, Twitter, Microsoft, and Amazon also announced massive layoffs due to the spread of AI.

Also, on an interesting note, is Krishna contradicting himself? This is because a news report published in the business magazine Fortune says that the IBM CEO is soothing nerves about AI stealing jobs by pointing to the declining working-age populations as a reason. 

Given this decline, as witnessed in developing economies globally, he said having humans do routine tasks that AI could do is “not an option.”

$150 million pledge for quantum computing

Meanwhile, in other recent news about IBM, the Big Blue, and Google are committing a staggering $150 million for quantum computing research at the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo. This move is part of the efforts of the United States and Japan to keep up with the fast-rising China. 

But the amount is actually shared. IBM’s pledge is $100 million, while Google’s, in turn, is $50 million. 

Aside from financial resources, the recipients will also get access to quantum computing hardware, thanks to Google.

Google Play Books’ new ‘Reading practice’ feature will guide kids in reading process

By
Santiago Bongco
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0

Google Play Books has a new feature called “Reading practice,” which is designed to aid users in practicing their reading and comprehension skills. It offers different functions, ranging from getting word definitions to reading position tracking.

According to Google, the feature is currently only available in the U.S. on the Google Play Books Android app and Google Kids Space. Also, the feature is only present in select titles, which have a “Practice” badge on them. Moreover, Google said it added a new “Reading practice” filter on Google Play Books, allowing users to easily find ebooks equipped with the said feature.

For titles with Reading practice enabled, users can experience reading position tracking, wherein texts will be highlighted while being read out loud. Alternatively, the feature also allows manual setting of position through a simple tap.

The feature also offers hearing guidance. For instance, the reader can tap a word to hear its correct pronunciation or have it in syllables. Additionally, users also have the option to listen to an entire sentence and have the definition of a specific word. The latter is aimed at parents guiding their kids in the reading process, allowing them to have more kid-friendly ways of explaining certain terms.

At the end of Reading practice-supported ebooks, users also have the choice to practice on some words they skipped or mispronounced. 

Meta makes Quest 2 price cuts, promises software upgrade for older headset models

By
Santiago Bongco
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0

After officially introducing its Quest 3 headset, Meta shared that it is dropping the price of its Quest 2 device up to $100. Also, the Facebook parent company promised to deliver a software update to Quest 2 and Quest Pro, giving them better CPU and GPU performances.

As expected, the arrival of the new Quest 3 pushed Meta to make its earlier VR headset offerings more affordable. According to the company, the price of the Quest 2 with 128GB storage will drop to $299.99 on June 4, while the 256GB version will be $349.99. That translates to a $100 decrease in the former and $80 for the latter. Nonetheless, it is important to note that Meta made $100 price increases to the said versions a year ago, which means the drop is somehow only bringing back the device’s initial prices. Yet, it is still great news as the price cuts should aid the versions continuously attract buyers, especially once the Quest 3 hits the stores in the fall at $499.99.

As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared, Quest 3 received huge improvements compared to its predecessors, especially in terms of video pass-through for mixed reality and speed in performance. According to the report, it is even possible to use your phone while wearing the headset. With this, Quest 3 might easily overshadow the older Quest models. Meta, nonetheless, wants to keep these old Quest headsets relevant by making price cuts and enhancing their performances via updates.

“In an upcoming software update, we’re updating the Quest 2 and Quest Pro GPU and CPU,” Meta wrote in its recent blog. “Quest 2 and Pro will see an up-to 26% CPU performance increase with an up-to 19% GPU speed increase for Quest 2 and 11% for Quest Pro. As developers take advantage of these changes, you can expect smoother gameplay, a more responsive UI, and richer content on both headsets. And we’re enabling Dynamic Resolution Scaling for both Quest 2 and Quest Pro, so games and apps can take advantage of increased pixel density without dropping frames.”

The announcement came prior to the expected unveiling of Apple’s rumored headset, which is expected to challenge Meta’s offerings. However, as Gurman noted in the report, the headsets of the two companies will target different sections of the VR market. Apple’s headset will reportedly be offered at $3,000 as a high-end device. Meta, meanwhile, will continue to market its Quest products as affordable VR headsets.

BeReal announced test for its new RealChat messaging feature

By
Santiago Bongco
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0

BeReal is testing its messaging feature, “RealChat,” which should allow users to send personal messages. 

BeReal is recently getting attention from young users, thanks to its unique posting concept and camera layout. For the unversed, the main idea behind the photo-sharing app is to encourage users to post their authentic and real shots at an unspecified time of the day. The app sends the users notifications, alarming them that it is time to post their pictures on the platform. When they open the app, they only get two minutes to post an image using a layout employing their front and back cameras simultaneously. This layout, however, gave BeReal’s older and more established competitors an idea, resulting in the same filters we see now on TikTok and Snapchat. This threatened BeReal’s budding success. And without messaging capability, its users are less likely to stay on its platform.

The company wants to resolve this by injecting its own messaging feature into the app, giving users other options to communicate aside from commenting on each other’s posts. It will be a one-on-one messaging feature with BeReal-customized emojis that users can use for reactions. Aside from texts, users can also send a private BeReal to someone without the conventional time limit requirement of the app.

Other features of the messaging app include options for blocking and reporting. According to BeReal, users can also delete their messages, albeit the recipients will still be able to see the deleted text on their end unless they delete it themselves. Moreover, it is important to note that the messaging capability will only be available to users who are friends on the platform. Also, the company stressed that chats wouldn’t be encrypted.

According to TechCrunch, the test will start with Ireland-based users. BeReal, nonetheless, shared that it would test RealChat in “some countries,” which might mean the test is larger than expected. 

Fidelity marks down Reddit valuation by 41%

By
Santiago Bongco
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0
testing-nft-profile-pictures-on-reddit-after-twitters-nft-move-8162408

After Twitter, Fidelity slashed the value of its Reddit equity stake by 41% since its investment in August 2021.

The news is huge for Reddit, given that Fidelity was the platform’s biggest investor in its funding round in 2021. At that time, the asset manager spent $28.2 million on Reddit shares. Now, the investor’s stake in Reddit reportedly dropped to $16.6 million on April 28.

The news follows Fidelity’s announcement involving its Twitter markdown. According to the investor, Twitter is now just worth 33% of the $44 billion price that Tesla CEO Elon Musk paid for the company’s acquisition. The Twitter investor first marked down the value of its equity stake in November, and further reductions followed in December and February. According to Bloomberg, this latest markdown removes $850 million from Musk’s $187 billion-worth wealth.

In related news, Reddit’s new API pricing structure threatens to shut down third-party apps, including the famous Apollo app. In his recent post, app developer Christian Selig shared that the new policy could cost him up to $20 million annually. Selig said he asked Reddit if they could be “flexible” with the pricing, but the company stood firm in its decision. This caused disappointment among fans, who now call the company “greedy.”

New study says Twitter is not removing hateful posts from Blue subscribers

By
Santiago Bongco
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0

A new study suggests that Twitter might not be deleting hateful posts from its subscribers despite its platform policies.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate shared the report, which conducted a test using posts that violated the platform’s policy involving hateful content. The main highlight of the report focuses on Twitter Blue subscribers, who pay the company $8 a month.

According to the report, the study gathered tweets from 100 Twitter Blue subscribers and reported those involving racist, homophobic, neo-Nazi, antisemitic, or conspiracy content. Unfortunately, it noted that the company failed to address 99% of the reports. It added that while Twitter removed one of the posts, the account that posted it remained active, suggesting no other consequences were implemented.

CCDH also said it me be a suggestion that “the platform is allowing them to break its rules with impunity and is even algorithmically boosting their toxic tweets.” As the group noted in the report, Elon Musk even made a tweet in April, saying “verified accounts are now prioritized.”

Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of CCDH, believes the subscription cultivates hate on the platform. “The Twitter blue tick used to be a sign of authority and authenticity, but it is now inextricably linked to the promotion of hate and conspiracism,” Ahmed said. “What gives blue tick hate actors confidence to spew their bile is the knowledge that Elon Musk simply doesn’t care about the civil and human rights of black people, Jews, Muslims and LGBTQ+ people, as long as he can make his 8 bucks a month. Our society has benefited from decades of progress on tolerance, but Elon Musk is undoing those norms at an ever-accelerating rate, by allowing hate to prosper on the spaces he administers, all with the tacit approval of the advertisers who remain on his platform.”

The report comes as the new management continues to struggle to establish momentum in its business. To recall, Musk made significant changes in the company, including the layoff of some of its workers, including Twitter’s communications team. Musk’s takeover also resulted in some advertisers feeling the platform and app developers shutting down their creations due to Twitter’s new API pricing. Climate scientists are also reportedly leaving the platform due to the growing hostile climate-change denialism.

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