Social and AI Insights - Social Mind - December 2024

The latest on Social Media and AI 🗞️

Hello and welcome to the December issue of Social Mind 👋

Last month I ran 10k every day for Age Connects (if you’d like to support donations close soon!) so I’m enjoying taking a well deserved rest from running for the next couple of days. I’ll then be tuning up for the Telford 10k race on 15 December 🏃‍♂️

Following the launch of ChatGPT Search, OpenAI’s rival to Google, which I mentioned last month, I’ve recorded a couple of videos for the NILC YouTube Channel. In the videos I demonstrate how ChatGPT Search and how in many cases it works much better than Google. You can watch How To Use ChatGPT 4o Search Feature and ChatGPT Search or Google Search | What is the best search engine?

There’s a lot of chat about how content produced by AI is poor and is easily recognisable as having been generated by AI. Words and phrases such as ‘deep dive’, ‘leverage’, and ‘elevate’ are often give aways. But did you know you can make AI adopt your own style and tone? In this month’s Practical Pointer I explain how. Next month, I’ll explain how you can use AI to create content using your own knowledge, experience and insights.

If you have any questions about social media or AI just reply or get in touch via my website.

Let’s get into it…

Bluesky v Threads 👊

Bluesky has had a big PR blitz this month and has attracted high profile figures like Lizzo, Stephen King, and Guillermo del Toro along with a large increase in new users. But Bluesky's total user number is now 25 million whereas Threads has added 35 million users in November alone, making a total of 275 million users - sources: Meta and Bluesky. So is Bluesky punching above it’s weight? I was interviewed on whether brands should leave X and if so where they should go by Media First for this article - Is It Time to Join The Exodus? plus my latest blog post - Should You Stay or Should You Go is on the same subject.

Instagram adds new Direct Messaging features ✉️

Instagram enhanced its Direct Messaging by introducing live location sharing for up to 60 minutes and the ability to assign customisable nicknames to group chats.

I’ve yet to see this feature so if you have it, do let me know.

Insights: These features aim to improve user interaction and coordination, and which will be particularly beneficial for businesses managing teams or running events.

Instagram is testing unskippable ads 🤬

Instagram is testing ads called Ad Breaks that you have to watch for 5 seconds before your feed refreshes. If introduced, users in the EU will be able to pay 5.99 EUROS per month to disable them.

Insights: These might work well for businesses but there’ll be a backlash from users as I’m sure this feature will go down like a lead balloon!

Reset the algorithm on Instagram 📚

Instagram is introducing a "Recommendations Reset" feature, allowing users to refresh their content suggestions across Explore, Reels, and Feed. This tool enables a fresh start, with the algorithm recalibrating based on new interactions.

After resetting, Instagram will personalise recommendations anew, reflecting your current engagements. The "Recommendations Reset" is expected to roll out globally soon, enhancing user’s control of content on the platform.

Insights: This is a novel idea and a great feature that offers users greater control over their Instagram experience. Particularly useful for users who are disengaged with their current feeds or those whose interests have recently changed. The new feature should help content to remain relevant as a user’s interests evolve.

Surge in TikTok Live Shopping 🛍️

TikTok's live shopping feature, TikTok Shop, has experienced remarkable growth in the UK, with over 200,000 active businesses, double the number from 12 months ago, using the platform to engage consumers in real-time.

The UK has seen a 64% increase in daily live shopping sessions over the past year, with daily sales rising by 93% during the same period.

TikTok anticipates this Christmas to be its most significant retail period yet, driven by a projected 58% year-on-year increase in advertising revenue from retail and e-commerce clients.

Insights: The rapid adoption of TikTok Shop underscores a shift towards interactive, real-time shopping experiences. Businesses, especially in the beauty sector, are capitalising on live sessions to boost sales and foster direct consumer engagement. As the holiday season approaches, integrating live shopping into marketing strategies will be important for brands aiming to increase visibility and drive revenue.

UK Parliament Explores AI Integration 🧠

The UK Parliament is evaluating the adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot to assist MPs with tasks such as tracking attendance, drafting legal texts, and improving overall legislative efficiency. This move is part of a broader effort to modernise parliamentary operations and reduce administrative burdens.

Insights: The use of AI to streamline administrative and procedural tasks could free up MPs to focus on policy-making and constituency work. Tools like ChatGPT, with natural language processing capabilities, are well-suited to draft and summarise complex legal documents. If successful, this pilot could serve as a model for other government bodies globally. It signals growing confidence in AI's role in supporting - not replacing - critical human decision-making processes in governance.

👉Practical Pointer👈

How get ChatGPT to write like you using Custom Instructions in ChatGPT?

You can personalise your ChatGPT experience by providing specific guidance on how the AI should respond using Custom Instructions. These instructions help tailor interactions to match your preferences, whether you’re using ChatGPT for professional work, personal advice, or learning. So you can use ChatGPT to create social media posts and other content written in your own unique style. Custom Instructions are a powerful feature that makes ChatGPT more adaptable to your unique requirements.

How to Set Up Custom Instructions in ChatGPT

Setting up Custom Instructions is simple and can significantly enhance your interaction experience. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the Settings

1. Log in to ChatGPT: Visit https://chat.com (ChatGPT have just bought this domain name) and log in to your account.

2. Open Settings:

   • On desktop, click on your profile picture or name in the bottom-left corner of the screen, then select Settings.

   • On mobile, tap the menu icon (☰), and then tap Settings.

Step 2: Enable Custom Instructions

1. In the Settings menu, look for the Customize ChatGPT option.

2. You’ll see 2 boxes in which you can add your Custom instructions.

• Top box - What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?
  Here, you can provide background information or specific details about yourself, your work, or the purpose of your interactions. For example:

  • "I provide social media and AI training."

  • "I create content for myself and clients."

• Bottom box - How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
  Here, specify your preferences for tone, structure, or formatting. For example:

  • "Please use short paragraphs and avoid US English and technical jargon."

  • "I want engaging, creative responses in a casual tone."

Enter your preferences in these fields and save them.

Step 4: Test and Adjust

1. Start a conversation to see how the custom instructions affect ChatGPT's responses.

2. If needed, revisit the Custom Instructions settings to refine your inputs.

Tips for Using Custom Instructions

• Be Clear and Specific: The more detailed your instructions, the better ChatGPT can align with your needs.

• Experiment and Refine: Test different setups to see what works best for your purposes.

• Update Regularly: Adjust your instructions as your needs evolve.

• Use for Multiple Contexts: If you use ChatGPT for different tasks (eg social media and personal projects), you can modify instructions as needed.

A astonishing 60% of social media users have experienced at least one form of account hacking. In the blog post below, I explain how to keep safe and secure on social media:

Is it time to leave X and if so where should you go?

I explore the options in my latest blog post below.

📺Watch my YouTube video for NILC where I show you how to use Paste with Copilot:

Social Mind will be back in 2025!

If you need any help with social media or AI, you know what to do 😃

Best wishes 🙌

JP

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 029 2078 9139
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