So-Called Social: Week of October 8

Your weekly dose of social news.

We’re in the MAX home stretch! Speaking of, there won’t be a newsletter next week (recovery) so don’t miss me too much. Can’t wait to update you on all the cool stuff from next week! But first, this week. Keep on reading.

Social nets update stuff

This might be wishful thinking, but I’m into the positive energy. Snap’s CEO Evan Spiegel issued a 15-page memo to staff outlining 2019’s priority of achieving “full year profitability” and finally admitting that the company “rushed our redesign, solving one problem but creating many others.” The memo also highlights Evans’s ambition to get back to making Snapchat the “fastest way to communicate,” and covers global growth challenges and thoughts on rivals such as good ol’ Facebook.

And so it begins… Instagram has created a privacy setting prototype that would share users’ location histories with Facebook, which could lead to the data being used to target ads and content. This means your exact GPS coordinates collected by Instagram, even when you’re not using the app, would help Facebook target you with ads and recommend you relevant content. Naturally, this exacerbates fears that FB will further exploit Instagram now that its founders have resigned.

The third-party cookie is crumbling. As of October 24, businesses will be able to target ads and gauge their effectiveness without relying on third-party cookies with a new first-party cookie option on Facebook to power its pixel. This basically gives advertisers a way around browsers, such as Firefox and Safari, that block third-party cookies.

Say goodbye to Google+! Honestly, it’s about time. But they sure are going out with a bang… a Google+ security bug gave outside developers access to the private data of hundreds of thousands of the social network’s users between 2015 and March 2018. Google neglected to report the issue to the public, allegedly out of fear that the company would face regulations and damage to its reputation. So, it’s just shutting it down.

Adobe does stuff

Quick heads up that we’ve created our very own Adobe MAX giphy stickers for the event next week! If you’re busy gramming the show, make sure you use our custom stickers (just search for “Adobe MAX” on IG).

Also related to MAX, here are the 90+ Adobe MAX Insiders from ALL over the world who will be joining us this year! For those who are unfamiliar, the MAX Insider program invites a select group of influential creatives with a large and relevant social following for an all-expenses paid Adobe MAX experience. The program was developed to connect the creative community at large with what’s happening on the front lines at Adobe MAX in an authentic way to drive mentions of #AdobeMAX, engagement on branded content, and views of blog posts on Adobe’s online properties. A truly international program, this year’s Insiders hail from cities all over the world and span all sorts of creative disciplines. Get to know a bit about who’s coming, and be sure to follow them to see what they’re posting!

We’re proud to announce the first episode of our branded podcast “Wireframe.” Hosted by Khoi Vinh and produced in partnership with Gimlet Media, “ Wireframe” tells the stories behind interaction design — for UX/UI designers, graphic designers, and the design curious. Gimlet Media is the award-winning podcasting network behind popular podcasts like “Reply All,” and has over 12 million monthly downloads. Listen to the first episode on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Show us your continued support by subscribing!

Other brands do stuff

I might be a little biased, but I’m into this. The new campaign for Goldman Sachs is raising awareness of the firm’s signature philanthropic initiative, 10,000 Women, which supports female entrepreneurs in emerging markets around the world through access to business education, networking, and capital. The campaign tells the stories of some of the female entrepreneurs being supported by the program. And the video will make you cry.

Perhaps we use filters a little bit too much on social media. Perhaps we embellish our lifestyles in general. Jack in the Box is calling out this trend with a little bit of humor as part of its #KEEPIT100 campaign (which launched this week with the return of the chain’s All-American Ribeye Burger). The social media-centered campaign will last for two months, kicking off with a lie detector test hosted on Jack’s Instagram (@jackinthebox).

Interesting stuff

Speaking of diversity… consumers expect to spend more this holiday season, but what a brand stands for matters more than ever before. According to the 12th Annual Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey, almost 70 percent of American millennials state that their holiday-buying decisions are influenced by a brand’s messaging of inclusion and diversity. Millennials “want to see dads in the supermarket, different ethnic backgrounds, representation of the LGBT community, as well as those with disabilities, and they want body size and body type to be diverse and inclusive.” Bravo.

Fun stuff

Banksy’s self-destructing art was absolutely brilliant.

All the most beautiful places in the world are in Illinois, according to this Twitter account.

Someone really loves tummy rubs.