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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Trump's proposals would dramatically worsen Social Security's finances, a nonpartisan budget group is warning.</li><li>The group predicts Trump's agenda would push up Social Security insolvency by 3 years.</li></ul>Americans are in danger of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-will-social-security-benefits-run-out-retirement-crisis-boomers-2024-5">losing their full benefits by the mid-2030s</a> — and a nonpartisan budget group is warning that if Trump is elected, his policies could push the funding crisis years sooner.The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.crfb.org/about-us">a nonpartisan nonprofit</a> that examines the impacts of fiscal policies, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/what-would-trump-campaign-plans-mean-social-security">released a report</a> Monday outlining the negative effects it predicts a second Trump presidency would have on Social Security."We find President Trump's campaign proposals would dramatically worsen Social Security's finances," the CRFB wrote in its report.In a recent report, the Congressional Budget Office <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60691">predicted</a> that a main Social Security trust fund could be exhausted in 2034, meaning that Americans wouldn't get their full benefits. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/">Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees</a> estimated that the fund would run out a year later, in 2035.But the CRFB estimates in its report that if Trump wins a second term and enacts his current campaign proposals, those funds would become insolvent three years sooner than the CBO's prediction, in 2031. The CRFB says that would lead to Americans losing 33% of their Social Security benefits across the board by 2035 — a bigger cut compared to the CBO's current 23% projection.The CRFB estimates that the Republican presidential nominee's promises to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113109583526373402">stop taxing Social Security benefits</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113165952199823385">eliminate taxes on tips and overtime</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-tariff-outlook-trade-policy-income-tax-consequences-fiscal-crisis-2024-7">impose tariffs</a>, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-mass-deportation-immigraiton-plan-federal-reserve-inflation-2024-9">increase deportations</a> would worsen Social Security's cash deficits when combined.But that's not all the damage Trump's proposals would do, according to the CRFB.In addition to advancing the insolvency timeline and reducing Americans' benefits, Trump's agenda would raise Social Security's ten-year cash shortfall by $2.3 trillion through 2035 and raise its annual shortfall by about 50% in 2035, the CRFB predicts in its report. For Social Security to restore 75-year solvency under these conditions, current law benefits would need to be decreased by about a third, or revenue would need to increase by half.The Trump campaign's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disputed the CRFB's report in a statement shared with Business Insider."The so-called experts at CRFB have been consistently wrong throughout the years. President Trump delivered on his promise to protect Social Security in his first term, and President Trump will continue to strongly protect Social Security in his second term," Leavitt said in the statement."By unleashing American energy, slashing job-killing regulations, and adopting pro-growth America First tax and trade policies, President Trump will quickly rebuild the greatest economy in history and put Social Security on a stronger footing for generations to come, all the while eliminating taxes on Social Security for America's well-deserving seniors," Leavitt continued.Meanwhile, the CRFB had a rosier outlook when it examined Kamala Harris' policy proposals.The CRFB says in its report that the Democratic presidential nominee's campaign proposals "would not have large effects on Social Security trust fund solvency." Because Harris's policies would only affect the insolvency timeline by weeks or months, the group did not create a similar report for her, CRFB's senior policy director Marc Goldwein said, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/10/21/social-security-crfb-trump-harris/">according to the Washington Post</a>.Both <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/platform">Trump</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/read-kamala-harris-full-speech-democratic-national-convention/story?id=113086031">Harris</a> have said they would protect Social Security, but neither candidate has laid out specific plans to alleviate the expected <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/16500-cut-awaits-retirees-if-social-security-isnt-reformed">$16,500/year cut to benefits</a> that a typical couple retiring just before insolvency could face, the CRFB said in its report.The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.The promise of Social Security to provide a retirement free from poverty is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-retirement-savings-social-security-pension-budgeting-2024-7">already not living up to the reality</a> many Americans are facing.Business Insider <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">previously spoke to over 40 baby boomers and some Gen Xers</a> who said they're struggling to reach a comfortable retirement, and Social Security isn't doing enough to keep them afloat. Some <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-benefits-loopholes-mean-teachers-police-get-less-retirement-2024-9">retirees have even had their benefits unexpectedly slashed</a> thanks to murky provisions.

A Trump presidency would drain Social Security's finances faster, budget group warns 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Mark Weinstein is a dad of three kids under 9.</li><li>He was an early investor in a social media company.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with<a target="_blank" href="https://www.markweinsteininventor.com/"> Mark Weinstein</a>, author of<a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=9208c15dd48705a079452acf43cc89670528cdbcaf041ca1cb7046d5085ecbd2&amp;postID=66fec92ee5b5408300449b37&amp;postSlug=online-privacy-expert-and-dad-shares-how-protect-kids-online-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRestoring-Our-Sanity-Online-Revolutionary%2Fdp%2F1394273967"> Restoring Our Sanity Online</a>. It has been edited for length and clarity.Back in 1998, I launched two social media companies: SuperFamily and SuperFriends. I wanted to help <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/online-games-apps-play-with-family-kids-multiplayer">connect families online</a>. Social media at that time felt so beautiful and wholesome to me.Now I'm a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-not-to-ask-chatgpt-gemini-claude-privacy-security-confidential-2024-6">privacy expert</a>, and I talk about the dangers of surveillance capitalism, where Big Tech companies make money from selling your data.I'm also a dad of three kids under 9. That's intentionally vague because I share as little information about them as possible.I have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-bill-gates-limits-tech-use-for-his-kids-2018-1">strict rules for my kids</a>, friends, and family to keep my children safe online and around technology.<h2 id="3e356a0e-cce3-4e0f-ba8a-eda98eeac7cb">I never allow pictures to be posted</h2>I <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-parents-shouldnt-post-back-to-school-photos-therapist-explains-2022-8">don't ever post pictures of my kids</a>. If your privacy settings are locked down, strangers might not see a lot, but social media platforms still see (and store) everything. I don't want that algorithm to be able to identify my children.When I talk with family and friends about this policy, it's a simple conversation. If I see someone taking a picture, I ask them not to post it. Sometimes, that opens a bigger conversation about why we have that rule. It has never led to friction.<h2 id="c5422b24-d221-42f4-bf10-df0b72a158cf">I rely on group texts instead</h2>For me, group texting is what social media was five years ago.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-name-a-group-chat-on-iphone">In a group text</a>, I can share a cute update about the kids or send a picture to another parent on a playdate.It's private, secure, and an effective way of building connections without the risk of exposing the kids' faces and their data (including who they spend time with) on social media.<h2 id="9ee298a9-c4db-4b12-8bce-5c2c32e7f1a7">My tots have 0 screens — not even FaceTime</h2>My two younger <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-mom-zero-screen-time-toddler-2023-8">children have zero screen time</a>. In fact, we don't even FaceTime with family. I think it's very unsettling for kids to see their loved ones behind a screen. Personally, I don't think toddlers are equipped to understand why their loved one (who they normally see in person) is now on the screen. I worry it can be disorienting, and I don't think the benefits of a FaceTime chat are worth the possible emotional confusion for my kids.My older child has just started using one of my two phones to text me when I'm out. That's the only thing they're allowed to use the phone for.It gives me the same sense of security that I used to have with a landline. I monitor their phone use very carefully and encourage other parents to do the same.<h2 id="e17f3bf0-a619-4c8e-bdd7-8fc28649a204">We have tech-free playdates but don't try to force our rules on others' houses</h2>When my child has friends over, we have a no-tech rule. They have so much more fun outside or doing art projects. But when my kid goes to a friend's house, I know they might be exposed to YouTube or online games.I don't try to enforce my rules at other people's houses — in the same way, my kid might get more sugary treats at a friend's than at home.Luckily, my eldest child has realized they have more fun playing offline, so I don't have to worry about too much exposure with friends.<h2 id="2dd02ff2-cbc7-47af-9734-415368e97420">I teach my kids about online privacy and critical thinking</h2>Just like I teach my children about physical privacy within the home, I talk with them about online privacy, too.I also touch on the dangers of being online. I'll say something like, "This is a new industry, and we need to figure out how to filter it so that it's right for kids." Or, "Social media can lock you inside your head and expose you to ideas you're not ready for."This language helps kids feel like they're being protected, not punished.<h2 id="d019108a-1f90-487e-bc6c-801ad4f9234f">I flip the script on sharing</h2>As kids get older, there's more opportunity for friends to tag them on social media or share pictures online.I'm not at that stage yet, but I hope to talk with my children so they're confident asking friends not to share their pictures if that's their preference. I want to create allure around being an offline kid.<h2 id="0a3e7f8e-2d05-44eb-a7d0-3f6f6c3f0501">I model tech-free time</h2>Kids do what their parents do, not what their parents say. That's why it's important to me not to use my phone or technology in front of the kids. When they're around, I keep my phone up high and well out of reach.With some practical steps, we can navigate this world of screens to keep our kids and ourselves healthy and protected online.After all, everything that's good for our kids when it comes to online privacy is also good for us.

I invested in early social media startups. After having 3 kids, here's why I never share my kids' photos online and prefer group chats instead.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I hate mixing my social life with my work life, so I avoid company social events.</li><li>Since I graduated during the pandemic, most of my schooling and work-life is virtual.</li></ul>When I got the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/slack-notifications-not-working">Slack notification</a> about a social event at work, there was a little tug in my brain. I had an immediate, gut reaction of "no," followed by a quick brainstorming session of possible excuses and believable illnesses I could fake.It wasn't a result of avoidance or disdain for my company or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coworker-badmouthed-to-everyone-forced-to-quit-2024-4">my coworkers</a>; I'm fortunate to work with a wonderful group of people at an easygoing organization where I feel respected and valued. They're a joy to collaborate with, and I genuinely appreciate my interactions with them — but only at work.The prospect of mixing the work and social worlds gives me a headache. I can see myself in a decorated <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/remote-work-virtual-3d-offices-see-coworkers-katmai-2023-12">conference room</a> washing down a catering taco with a lukewarm White Claw; I feel like my head could explode.I can only speak for myself, but I think many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-zers-are-leading-a-sober-dating-revolution-2024-7">Gen Zers</a> my age would agree that we're just not built to mix our work and social worlds. We're wired differently, which I attribute to the strange context in which we began our careers.<h2 id="f2fcd107-d7d0-4a7b-a77e-21414af77239">Older generations mixed their work and social lives</h2>My <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-grandparent-death-isnt-treated-the-same-as-other-relatives-2020-5">late grandfather</a> on my mom's side was a creative services director for State Farm. I grew up on stories of him and his work buddies gathering at that Playboy club in Chicago for cigars, steaks, and a shot.When I was young, it wasn't uncommon for my parents to come home late from a work social or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/office-quiet-but-happy-hour-still-kicking-after-pandemic-2024-4">happy hour</a>. They both graduated from college in the early 90s and grew their careers over nearly two decades of boom time.It was actually because of the relationship my dad developed with his boss that his job was saved, and we were spared the worst of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-warned-great-recession-2008-brooksley-born-wall-street-sexism-2024-3">2008 recession</a>. So maybe I should eat my words.<h2 id="cc599088-c156-4e16-b7c4-d5d8659f74ae">But my schooling and job is virtual now</h2>Gen Z is entering the workforce at a pivotal time. The pandemic obliterated the last two years of my college life — right as I had solidified my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktokers-debunk-large-friend-groups-authentic-people-few-friends-2024-1">friend groups</a> and was baby-stepping into building a network.I graduated in 2021 when the world was still seemingly on hold. No one was hiring, so I freelanced. After a year, I did well enough to move out of my parents' house. My current <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-2-full-time-remote-jobs-overemployed-millennial-started-business-2024-7">full-time job</a> was offered to me through a long-term freelance partner, and I never formally interviewed.All of the freelance work was also done remotely. Though I do go into the office a few times a month for my current gig, I am still primarily remote.The end result is a natural barrier between work and my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-life-differences-living-in-uk-compared-to-us">social life</a>. Work exists on my laptop through emails, slack messages, and the occasional office visit. Though I sometimes wish it wasn't the case, seeing it bleed into my social world can feel unnatural.<h2 id="a188061f-72e8-49f0-b6a8-766bfa180ac0">Building a social life at work is not my priority</h2>I tell my dad that his company should sell all of its real estate, torch its branded blimps and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/united-states-car-models-interactive-guide-politics-color-brand-location-2024-10">company cars</a>, and give everyone a raise. I do this mostly to get a rise out of him but also because I struggle with superfluous company spending of any kind, including after-hours social events.For us Gen Zers, I'd argue that our unique upbringing has made us an efficient generation. We'll work in the office if it makes us more productive, but can easily pivot to remote work to save money and commuting time. When remote work bums us out, we learn how to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ballroom-dancing-helped-gen-z-make-friends-work-from-home-2024-10">ballroom dance</a>.Gen Z likes flexibility. We are deeply conscious of the time economy. With so much time already dedicated to work, it can be hard to justify an extra few hours making a strained company <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/get-better-at-small-talk-2017-6">small talk</a> over loud music at a bowling alley or an escape room. I would rather budget that time at concerts with people I can swear around.I would rather forge great work relationships through productive collaboration and great discussions. So, for the time being, I will avoid all company social events.I work for my money but won't work for a social life.

I'm Gen Z and avoid all social events at my job. I don't like mixing my social life with my professional life.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Men far outnumber women as news influencers on social media, per a new Pew Research Center study.</li><li>That contrasts with other parts of the creator industry, where women dominate.</li></ul>News anchoring was once a male-dominated enterprise led by figures like Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow. That gender skew is showing up again in the latest platform for news: social media.Male influencers far outnumber female creators when it comes to delivering the news on social media, according to a new <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2024/11/18/americas-news-influencers/">study</a> from the Pew Research Center.Pew analyzed a sample set of 500 news influencers with at least 100,000 followers and found that 63% were male and 30% were female. The remaining 7% were either non-binary or had undetermined genders.That gender gap stands out for a few reasons:<ul><li>First, there's a much narrower gender divide (51% male and 46% female) among working US journalists, per a 2022 Pew <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/04/us-journalists-beats-vary-widely-by-gender-and-other-factors/">survey</a>.</li><li>Second, women tend to outnumber men in the influencer industry broadly. Influencer agency Izea saw a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://izea.com/resources/insights/2023-state-of-influencer-equality/#:~:text=2023%20Report&amp;text=Over%20the%20past%20eight%20years%2C%20average%20earnings%20have%20dramatically%20risen,in%20the%20United%20States%20population.">gender gap</a> when it compared the share of sponsorship deals earned by women (77%) and men (21%) in 2022.</li></ul>As creators take on a bigger role in educating the public about current events, the gender gap among social-media news influencers could shape what stories end up reaching people.The social-media gender split was a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/podcaster-new-politics-power-broker-harris-and-trump-know-it-2024-10">hot-button issue</a> in the 2024 US presidential election, as both parties <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/influencers-dnc-democratic-national-convention-traditional-media-journalist-digital-strategy-2024-8">courted influencers</a> to make content around their campaigns.Donald Trump and JD Vance may have benefited from a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.wired.com/story/donald-trump-online-campaign-era/">media strategy</a> centered on male influencers. The candidates went on a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/youtube-donald-trump-podcasts-joe-rogan2024-11">tour</a> this year to reach young men via appearances with Joe Rogan, the Nelk Boys, and Adin Ross. John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/opinion/trump-gen-z-men-harris.html">described</a> the strategy as "bro whispering." Exit <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/election-harris-trump-women-latinos-black-voters-0f3fbda3362f3dcfe41aa6b858f22d12">polls</a> suggest Trump did gain ground with young men in 2024 compared to his 2020 run.Kamala Harris turned to a different niche of creator to try to reach young women, including an interview with "Call Her Daddy" podcaster Alex Cooper.<div type="image" title="Nabela Noor was one of five content creators that spoke at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night." height="683" width="1024" msid="115423848" hostid="261" sizebytes="21738"></div>Harris also made overtures to reach men, such as an appearance on the sports podcast "All The Smoke," as well as on "The Howard Stern Show." But in the wake of her election loss, some political commentators <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4QHOS4osEM">lamented</a> her decision not to appear on Rogan's podcast, which is consistently the top-ranked show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.In Pew's analysis, there was a much smaller (and flipped) gender gap in the overall audience for news content on social media among young people. Twenty-three percent of US adult women under 30 said they regularly got news from news influencers, compared to 19% of men in that age group."The influencers who are providing news and people who are getting news don't necessarily look the same," Galen Stocking, a senior computational social scientist at Pew who coauthored the report, told BI.This suggests that a strategy of trying to reach women voters by focusing on podcasts anchored by women could miss a portion of the electorate.<h2 id="14166cf2-6038-4c35-86d0-7299411a9a16">Are news influencers widening the US political gender gap?</h2>Young people are increasingly divided along partisan lines. Men between the ages of 18 and 29 are becoming more conservative and women in that age group are becoming more liberal, per <a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/649826/exploring-young-women-leftward-expansion.aspx">Gallup polling</a>. The extent to which media diets are contributing to that change is harder to drill down, however.Pew's sample set of news influencers skewed slightly conservative, with 27% identifying as right-leaning and 21% as left-leaning. Still, only around half of the news influencers explicitly shared their political orientation.Whatever their impact on partisanship, creators have clearly taken on a bigger role in shaping the information landscape as traditional newsrooms have lost some trust. Fifty-nine percent of US adults surveyed by Pew in September said they had a lot or some trust in information from national news organizations, down from 76% in 2016. Trust in information from social media remained steady over the same period, growing from 34% to 37%.<h2 id="210dd0f2-1334-4ec8-80f2-1c59ca935fa9">YouTube had the biggest gender gap, while TikTok's was minimal</h2>The gender divide among news influencers was fairly consistent across all platforms in Pew's study. The one exception was TikTok, where 50% of news creators were male and 45% were female.TikTok has become an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-gets-news-from-tiktok-influencers-media-industry-2023-12">increasingly important news source</a> among young adults, who turn to the app for news commentary and on-the-ground videos tied to current events.YouTube saw the biggest gender divide among news influencers, a gap that other researchers said showed up in the YouTube audience, too. A Spring poll of 18- to 29-year-old Americans by the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics found that 31% of young men turn to YouTube to learn about current events, compared to 20% of women.

There's a gender gap among news influencers on social media, new Pew data shows

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Americans are increasingly relying on government aid thanks to aging populations and rising costs.</li><li>Money from programs like Social Security accounted for 18% of total personal income in 2022.</li></ul>Americans are increasingly relying on government assistance — and it reflects a shifting economic landscape.A growing share of income in most US counties is coming from social safety net programs like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/snap-alice-food-stamps-hunger-government-assitance-free-meals-2024-5">SNAP</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tax-cuts-social-security-boomers-benefit-fund-depletion-2024-11">Social Security</a>, and Medicaid, per a <a target="_blank" href="https://eig.org/great-transfermation/">report</a> published in September by the research firm Economic Innovation Group. Government transfers of funds from these programs accounted for about 18% of total personal income in the US in 2022, a nine percentage-point increase from 1970, and the equivalent of $3.8 trillion. The spike is in both urban and rural counties.The report said that Americans' increasing dependence on government assistance is in part due to an aging population. One in six people in 2022 were over the age of 65 — compared to one in 10 in 1970 — and just over half of the national transfer income flows from Medicare and Social Security.What's more, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/healthcare-childcare-expensive-costs-wage-growth-employment-ai-risks-2024-8">healthcare</a> is straining people's finances. The report said Medicare and Medicaid prices are becoming more expensive as costs for care rise.The report's findings come as Business Insider has spoken with many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomers-living-social-security-government-aid-snap-loneliness-crisis-isolation-2024-8">retirees</a> — who are living solely on Social Security income because they don't have savings or retirement investments — who say they are struggling to afford basic necessities."I don't want to be rich, I just need to be comfortable," a baby boomer living on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-no-savings-snap-benefits-debt-boomers-experiences-2024-6">$1,104 monthly in Social Security</a> previously told BI. "I just want to know that I can have food when I need it and a nice roof over my head."The EIG's analysis of county and county-equivalent data (such as parishes in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2010/geo/state-local-geo-guides-2010/louisiana.html">Louisiana</a> that are considered similar to a county) shows how much government aid transfers as a share of total income varied across the US. Just a handful of places with data had shares above 40% in 2000, as seen in the map below.Most counties from EIG's analysis saw government transfers as a share of total income rise between 2000 and 2022, with many increasing by at least 10 percentage points."Today, most US counties depend on a level of government transfer income that was once reserved only for the most distressed places," the report said.Paychecks and investments are Americans' main sources of income outside government assistance. Still, many don't make enough to get by: 13% of individuals live below the federal poverty line, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/middle-class-americans-earning-above-poverty-live-paycheck-to-paycheck-2024-4">per a report</a> from the nonprofit United Way's United for ALICE program. That's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines">$15,060 annually</a> for one person.The EIG report suggests that reliance on government transfers will continue to be a norm in many US counties. EIG said enacting policies that boost wages and encourage workforce participation would be possible solutions to help reduce reliance on government assistance.Are you living on a limited income or relying on government assistance? Are you open to sharing how you budget and afford basic necessities? If so, reach out to these reporters at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:allisonkelly@businessinsider.com">allisonkelly@businessinsider.com</a> and <a target="_blank" href="mailto:mhoff@businessinsider.com">mhoff@businessinsider.com</a>.

2 maps show how Americans rely on income like Social Security more than they used to

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="19992557" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="medicare" source="keywords">Medicare</keyword> enrollment is open and insurers are making changes, increasing costs for some.</li><li>Medicare is a key health insurance source for older Americans, often linked to <keyword id="19966945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-security" source="keywords">Social Security</keyword>.</li></ul>Older Americans relying on Medicare for their health insurance might be in for a costly surprise next year. Many insurers are making significant changes in 2025.Deductibles and prescription drug costs will become more expensive for some Medicare recipients — and it could impact whether older Americans can afford healthcare. Insurance company mergers and closures are contributing to shifting Medicare plans and prices. Companies like Aetna or AARP/UnitedHealthcare are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/big-part-d-changes">merging their coverage plans</a>, while previous insurers like Mutual of Omaha are leaving the market. That's leading to fewer — and sometimes pricier — options for Medicare recipients. "When plans end or a merger happens, Medicare enrollees can be impacted in two noticeable ways," Elizabeth <keyword id="23786390" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayoola" source="keywords">Ayoola</keyword>, personal finance writer at NerdWallet, said in a statement to Business Insider. "In the case of the former, enrollees may be left vulnerable without coverage and scrambling to find a new plan. In the event that a merger happens, enrollees could end up auto-enrolled into a plan that's no longer a good fit." Millions of older Americans depend on Medicare to pay for services like prescriptions and doctor visits. The federal insurance plan — which is often tied to Social Security andtypicallyapplies to people over 65 — is many baby boomers' main source of health coverage. Like other health insurance programs, recipientshave a yearly enrollment period.EligibleAmericans can now join, drop, or switch their supplementalMedicare plans through December 7. Ayoola told BI that if beneficiaries don't take action to adjust their health insurance plansbefore December 7, they could soon see higher out-of-pocket costs, reduced care options, or more limited drug coverage — issues that can't be resolved after the enrollment period closes. However, some beneficiaries will see price increases or loss of coverage regardless. "For people who are budgeting, open enrollment is especially important," Ayoola said. "Because it's a time to do comparison shopping and essentially see if you can find a cheaper plan somewhere else." <h2>Medicare changes on the horizon</h2>An estimate shared with BI from Healthpilot, a technology platform that helps customers choose Medicare plans, suggests that millions of older Americans could lose part of their Medicare benefits in 2025. Healthpilot estimates that there will be 1.5 million people impacted by <keyword id="23786388" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="medicare-advantageplan" source="keywords">Medicare Advantageplan</keyword> cancellations and 3.5 million impacted by prescription drug coverage cancellations, due in part to insurance consolidation. Former beneficiaries of those plans will need to find new coverage to replace them next year. The Medicare program has a few different branches: Parts A and B act as stand-alone health insurance programs and cover all types of inpatient and outpatient care, while Part D programs typically cover prescription drugs and basic provider visits as a supplement to people's private insurance plans. Part C, also known as <keyword id="20413657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="medicare-advantage" source="keywords">Medicare Advantage</keyword>, allows seniors to join plans that are offered by private companies but are governed by Medicare rules. Advantage plans have their own caps on how much patients can spend out of pocket, and those numbers change annually. While beneficiaries with Part A and B Medicare could see premium adjustments, most major changes will occur for people with supplemental Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. An increasing number of Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans are setting their deductible, or the amount of out-of-pocket costs patients are on the hook for before the plan kicks in, at the maximum allowed amount. Healthpilot found that 10% of Medicare Advantage plans will be at the maximum deductible — up from 5% last year. Most Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will still have prescription drug coverage in the new year, but they may face higher out-of-pocket costs. In total, the number of Medicare Advantage plans with drug benefits is largely holding steady, dropping2%. But within the group of Medicare Advantage plans that still have drug benefits, the number of $0 deductible plans will be cut in half — meaning more plans with prescription drug coverage will have higher out-of-pocket costs upfront. To be sure, not all older adultswill be negatively affected by the changes. Some might also have employer-sponsored or private healthcare coverage outside of Medicare, or have plans that aren't changing. But for the Americans who are impacted, the changes could mean healthcare becomes even more of a financial strain. <h2>Baby boomers are already struggling with healthcare costs</h2>These changing Medicare costs come as many low-income baby boomers are struggling to keep up with medical bills. Two older Americans shared with Business Insider their fears for what could happen if their out-of-pocket costs rise in the new year. <keyword id="23786389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lisa-callejas" source="keywords">Lisa Callejas</keyword> isworried about what would happen if her husband got sick next year. If that happens, they might not be able to afford treatment — her husband's Medicare out-of-pocket costs will go up to $14,000 from around $9,500. "It means we better not get sick," she said. Callejas, 55, and her husband movedto his native Mexico over the summerto save money. Their son died in January, and Callejas' husband, who worked with their son in the family business of home remodeling, can no longer do the manual labor necessary to keep operations running. Additionally, the rising <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">cost of living</a> made it increasingly difficult to stay in the US on a lower income. They're living off the money they made from selling their house in the US and her husband's small <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomers-living-social-security-government-aid-snap-loneliness-crisis-isolation-2024-8">Social Security</a> benefits, but fearful of 2025. Betty, similarly, goes to her dialysis appointments three times a week. She was diagnosed with kidney disease and other conditions a few years ago, forcingher to retire early from her steady job in health communications. Betty — who chose to use her first name for privacy but whose identity was verified by Business Insider —lives on her $1,848 monthly <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-is-social-security">Social Security disability payments </a>in southwest Illinois. The 61-year-old said she qualifies for both Medicare and <keyword id="20234511" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="medicaid" source="keywords">Medicaid</keyword>, but still pays a couple hundred dollars each month in healthcare expenses, in addition to her monthly $174 premium. Betty isn't sure yet if her Medicare premiums or deductibles will rise in the new year. If they do, she says she can't afford it. She already struggles to afford housing, groceries, utilities, and the car she needs to travel to her dialysis appointments. "Something as small as $20, I can't even imagine," she said. "I had about $10 left over for this month — but that was because I had to sell some jewelry that my mom picked out. I had to sell it in order to make the bills this month." <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-lives-on-social-security-struggles-financially-feels-lonely-retirement-2024-9">Low-income baby boomers</a> like Betty and the Callejas family might feel the greatest hurt from increased Medicare prices, Ayoola said, and these healthcare costs can derail retirement and long-term finances. Regardless of financial health, Ayoola suggested older adults talk to a Medicare expert or wealth advisor before choosing a 2025 plan. "We can't predict the future and we don't know which direction our health is going to go in," Ayoola said. "It's a good idea, no matter where your health is today, to always try your best to budget for health care expenses and look for ways to cut costs." Are you struggling to live on a fixed income in retirement? Are you open to sharing how it has impacted your healthcare access? If so, reach out to <a target="_blank" class="" href="mailto:allisonkelly@businessinsider.com">allisonkelly@businessinsider.com</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="mailto: jkaplan@businessinsider.com">jkaplan@businessinsider.com</a>. Correction: October 22, 2024 — An earlier version of this article misstated the number of plans affected by prescription drug coverage cancellations. The correct number is 3.5 million.

Medicare coverage will change in 2025. Some boomers are already struggling to keep up with their medical bills.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fast-moving fashion micro-trends on social media can drive impulsive spending.</li><li>Keeping up can also harm people's mental health and the environment, and mess with their style.</li></ul>In the fast-moving world of TikTok and Instagram, it can feel like there's a new fashion trend every time you swipe.A novel aesthetic or "-core" circulates on social media every few weeks, prompting consumers to buy in.Sometimes, it's a dress; other times, it's a top, a skirt, or a pair of boots. If an item is on the expensive side, there will be dupe options for less.But what fits into the "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-clothing-office-siren-business-casual-fashion-2024-8">office siren,</a>" "mob wife," or "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/roundup-tiktok-style-trends-barbiecore-goblincore-2022-12#still-trending-normcore-is-around-for-the-long-haul-2">normcore</a>" aesthetic one minute is soon outdated, and it's time to buy whatever's next. These things that go out of fashion just as soon as they come in are known as micro-trends."It's not sustainable for your money, it's not sustainable for your mental health, and it's not sustainable for our environment," Ylva Baeckström, a psychotherapist and senior lecturer in finance at King's Business School in London, told Business Insider."It all adds up, and it becomes extremely stressful."<h2 id="4ec37053-21a8-4502-8907-7fa409b94078">'The perfect profitability storm'</h2>Fast fashion, social media, and retailers like Shein have together created "the perfect profitability storm for the businesses and influencers using them," said Anthony Miyazaki, a marketing professor at Florida International University."It's like watching a natural symbiosis where fast fashion producers drop the products, influencers create the buzz, TikTok and Instagram facilitate the sales, and the buyers swarm the marketplace," Miyazaki said.TikTok and Instagram did not respond to requests for comment.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-sell-on-tiktok-shop">TikTok Shop,</a> the app's e-commerce platform, has grown to more than 500,000 US-based sellers in eight months since launching, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/transparency/en-us/shop-safety-2023-2/">according to the company's Safety Report</a> released in April. It has around 15 million sellers worldwide.On average, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-is-betting-its-future-on-e-commerce-should-it-2024-7">US users who made TikTok Shop purchases</a> spent about $67 between mid-June and mid-July, compared to around $54 over a four-week period in January, per <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-shop-better-at-keeping-customers-than-temu-shein-2024-4">data</a> from Earnest Analytics, a research firm that tracks credit-card and debit-card transactions.TikTok takes a 2% commission plus 30 cents on every TikTok Shop transaction, and is planning to increase its cut to 8%, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tubefilter.com/2024/01/05/tiktok-shop-ecommerce-revenue-commission-price-hike/">Tubefilter reported</a>. The company does not disclose how much it has earned from its shopping platform, but individual sellers have been reported to have made <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/made-by-mitchell-on-making-one-million-on-tik-tok-shop">over $1 million in a single day</a>.Sites like TikTok Shop often promote micro-trends to consumers. That has benefited the likes of the Chinese company Shein, which adds thousands of items to its store each day. It was valued at $66 billion in its latest fundraising round — an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessofapps.com/data/shein-statistics/">increase from $5 billion</a> in 2019. (Shein also did not respond to a comment request.)The power of influencers and algorithms on spending is huge. Elysia Berman, a content creator who makes videos about fashion, told BI she is paying off a large amount of credit card debt which she built up due to a shopping addiction fueled by social media.At the start of this year, Berman owed close to $48,000 and has cut that almost in half thanks to her commitment to the "no buy year" — a trend focused on reducing spending.Berman said she believes the cycle of micro-trends is a big problem, saying she spent a lot on clothes she didn't even like or wear."Micro-trends are meaningless without an understanding of your personal style," Berman said. "If you do not know yourself and your style, you are at risk of being caught up in the endless pursuit of trendiness and overspending."<h2 id="5d5c31f2-aa71-4fd0-a913-c6e69c3e5c01">Doom-spend or save?</h2>Along with social media algorithms, micro-trends are being fueled by the cycle of<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/shoppers-are-doom-spending-to-cope-with-financial-stress-2023-11"> doom spending:</a> buying unnecessary stuff to feel better.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://newsroom.transunion.com/q2-2024-ciir/">Per an analysis from the credit reporting agency TransUnion</a>, the average debt per borrower in Q2 of 2024 in the US is $6,329 — an increase from $5,947 in Q2 last year.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/a-better-way-of-understanding-the-u-s-consumer-decomposing-retail-spending-by-household-income-20241011.html">Economists at the Federal Reserve</a> earlier this month found that inflation-adjusted spending on retail goods was up across the board compared to 2018.Baeckström, the finance lecturer, said impulse buying is all about feeling control "when everything else is out of control.""You might as well splash out on something that makes you feel better right now because it's hard to think about the long term when things are feeling a bit hopeless," she said.Dan Pallesen, a licensed clinical psychologist and financial advisor, told BI that following trends is part of being human."For our ancestors, keeping up with trends was a matter of life or death," he said. This was because not being part of the in-group put us at risk of rejection and thus in danger to the elements and predators."Fast forward to today, most of us are not in physical danger if we are not part of the in-group, but we still carry the same brain above our shoulders as those ancestors," Pallesen said.<h2 id="5c649480-8542-454e-bf5f-d4055e821462">A growing problem</h2>Most people can afford a few trendy pieces. But repeated, unconscious spending can soon snowball.Bill Ryze, a certified chartered financial consultant and a board advisor at the financial-services platform Fiona, told BI that frequent impulsive purchases can lead to maxed-out credit cards and high-interest debt."Continuous spending can lead to accumulating debt that can become overwhelming," Ryze said, "which could impact mental health and overall well-being."Julie Guntrip, the head of financial wellness at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/jenius-bank-review">Jenius Bank</a>, said young people are particularly susceptible, especially when they follow influencers who make a living getting others to buy things."While it's easy to get caught up in what others are doing, it's important to remember that not everything is as it seems on social media," she said.Guntrip recommended making a budget and developing a "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/deinfluencing-is-the-anti-influencer-trend-rich-with-paradoxes-2023-1">de-influencing</a>" mindset — focusing on not buying things and the dopamine hit of saving money rather than spending it needlessly.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-micro-spending-on-concert-tickets-to-collectibles-2024-10">Gen Z's interest in micro-spending</a> could signify a shift — spending small amounts on collectibles and items that reflect their personal tastes and don't break the bank."Make it trendy not to buy things," Baeckström said. "Make it trendy to think about the sustainability of your consumption patterns, for you, and for the environment, and, of course, for your money."

Micro-trends are taking over social media, and keeping up can be really expensive

<keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> chairman <keyword id="19981455" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ratan-Tata" source="keywords">Ratan Tata</keyword> left for his heavenly abode on Wednesday. Tata, aged 86, died on Wednesday evening at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after a brief illness. The industrialist was widely known for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse and would often make headlines for his <keyword id="21072972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="philanthropic-efforts" source="keywords">philanthropic efforts</keyword>. Perhaps this is why, the death of the renowned industralist has struck a chord with the entire nation and beyond. The Maharashtra government also declared a day of mourning today in Ratan Tata's honour. From Reliance Industries MD <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mukesh-ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> and Adani Group chairman <keyword id="111343" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gautam-adani" source="Orion">Gautam Adani</keyword> to <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> CEO <keyword id="164502" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sundar-pichai" source="Orion">Sundar Pichai</keyword>, a lot of business tycoons have reacted to Ratan Tata's death. Let us take a look at some reactions. Industrialist Gautam Adani hailed Tata as a “giant” and a “visionary” who redefined modern India’s path. “He wasn’t just a business leader; he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good,” Adani said. His words echoed the sentiment of many who admired Tata for his values and leadership, which transformed the Tata Group into a global enterprise while maintaining its deep connection to Indian society. Google CEO Sundar Pichai also expressed his grief over Tata’s death, noting his deep commitment to India’s progress. “Ratan Tata deeply cared about making India better,” Pichai wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Reflecting on his last meeting with Tata at Google, where they discussed advancements in Waymo, Pichai added that Tata’s vision was inspiring. “He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy, having mentored and developed modern business leadership in India.” Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, shared his sorrow over the loss of a mentor whose guidance he believed was invaluable, particularly at a time when India’s economy is poised for significant growth. “Ratan’s life and work had much to do with our current position on the global stage,” Mahindra noted. “His example will continue to guide us, and legends like him never die.” Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani expressed personal grief over the loss of a “dear friend.” Ambani described Tata as a visionary who took India to the world and brought global innovations to India. “With his passing, India has lost one of her most illustrious sons. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations,” Ambani said, adding that Tata’s legacy of humility, integrity, and compassion was one that would remain etched in memory. RPG Enterprises’ Harsh Goenka also paid tribute to Tata, describing him as a beacon of ethical leadership. “The clock has stopped ticking for the titan of Indian industry,” Goenka wrote, underscoring the indelible mark Tata left on both business and society. Other prominent figures, including Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> and Commerce Minister <keyword id="19895367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="piyush-goyal" source="keywords">Piyush Goyal</keyword>, also expressed their sorrow. Sitharaman lauded Tata as a leader whose deep resolve for innovation and social responsibility transformed industries and uplifted communities. Goyal, meanwhile, referred to Tata as a “true nationalist” who brought immense pride to India through his global achievements. Apart from celebrities, politicians and business tycoons, Ratan Tata is also being remembered by millions of Indians on social media. Various people have shared heartfelt posts on platforms like Instagram and X, mourning the death of the Tata Group chairman. Tata, born in 1937 in Mumbai, led the Tata Group as Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. He was instrumental in expanding the group’s global footprint while staying true to the company’s founding principles of ethical business practices and social responsibility. His leadership extended far beyond the boardroom, as he dedicated much of his life to philanthropy, focusing on education, healthcare, and rural development. As India mourns the loss of a corporate icon, the tributes from business leaders paint a portrait of Ratan Tata as a visionary who transcended his role as an industrialist to become a symbol of India’s aspirations and values. His legacy, built on integrity, innovation, and a commitment to the greater good, will continue to inspire future generations. Tata’s mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai for the public to pay their respects, before his final rites are performed later in the day.

‘Deeply cared about making India better’: Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Sundar Pichai and others react to Ratan Tata's death

Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> has expressed deep sorrow over the death of <keyword id="19981455" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ratan-Tata" source="keywords">Ratan Tata</keyword>, Chairman Emeritus of <keyword id="19991117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Sons" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Sons" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Sons">Tata Sons</keyword>, who passed away on Wednesday evening. In a series of heartfelt posts on X, <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> shared his admiration for Tata’s leadership, <keyword id="20202027" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="philanthropy" source="keywords">philanthropy</keyword>, and enduring impact on Indian society. “Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being,” PM Modi wrote. He praised Tata’s role in steering one of India’s most respected business groups and acknowledged how his contributions extended far beyond the corporate world. “He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to many through his humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to improving society,” Modi added. The Prime Minister expressed personal grief, writing, “Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.” Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the industrialist, PM Modi reminisced about their frequent meetings during his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat, describing the exchanges as enriching. “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi.” In his tribute, Modi highlighted Tata’s passion for championing social causes. “One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion for dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the late industrialist, referring to Tata as a “Titan of <keyword id="20642696" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-industry" source="keywords">Indian industry</keyword>.” In a post on X, Singh said, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata. He was a Titan of the Indian industry known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade, and industry.” Tata, born on 28 December 1937 in Mumbai, was the driving force behind the growth of the <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. He was also known for his philanthropy, serving as Chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India’s largest private-sector philanthropic organisations. In 2008, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.

PM Narendra Modi condoles Ratan Tata's death: 'A visionary business leader and a compassionate soul'

<keyword id="19897919" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-media" source="keywords">Social media</keyword> platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have established safeguards to combat <keyword id="23571068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bot-accounts" source="keywords">bot accounts</keyword>, including policies and technical mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of these measures is increasingly being questioned as AI-driven bots evolve and find ways to bypass restrictions. <h2>AI bot evolution</h2>While <keyword id="21559036" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-bots" source="keywords">AI bots</keyword> can serve legitimate purposes like marketing and customer service, some are designed to manipulate public discussions, incite hate speech, and spread <keyword id="19933162" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="misinformation" source="keywords">misinformation</keyword>. Research from the University of Notre Dame investigated the bot policies of platforms like LinkedIn, <keyword id="19932634" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tiktok" source="keywords">TikTok</keyword>, and X, testing how well these platforms enforced their rules. The findings were troubling. "Despite what their policy says or the technical bot mechanisms they have, it was very easy to get a bot up and working on X. They aren't effectively enforcing their policies," said Paul Brenner, a Director at Notre Dame. Even interns, who had only a high school-level education and minimal training, were able to launch the test bots using technology that is readily available to the public, Brenner explained. Their bots were created using commonly-available AI tools such as <keyword id="19918823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OpenAI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="OpenAI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="OpenAI">OpenAI</keyword>'s GPT-4o and DALL-E 3, and the tests were run on LinkedIn, Mastodon, Reddit, TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114283439" title="Security threats to AI models are giving rise to a new crop of startups" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As per the tests, none of these platforms had sufficient safeguards to keep the bots out. Researchers successfully published benign test posts from bots across all platforms, with X and Reddit posing minimal challenges. While <keyword id="19911549" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="meta" source="keywords">Meta</keyword> platforms proved somewhat more challenging due to stronger enforcement mechanisms, they ultimately could still be bypassed — even by relatively inexperienced folk. <h2>Why does it matter?</h2>In India — and the rest of the world, for that matter — the rise of AI-driven bots has significant implications for public discourse, particularly in the political arena. Research has indicated that a substantial portion of misinformation circulating during electoral periods can often be traced back to automated accounts. Many experts emphasise that the pervasive influence of these accounts can negatively shape public perception and discussion, and is often used to target certain sensitive groups and stoke communal tension. As platforms struggle to keep pace with the evolving tactics of malicious bots, the need for stronger regulations becomes increasingly evident. Considering that AI is evolving at a rapid pace that makes it supremely difficult to tell bots apart from real human accounts — even for the tech-savvy — Brenner argues for US legislation that mandates platforms to identify human versus bot accounts. Similar measures are needed in India, where the lack of accountability for social media platforms allows harmful bot activity to proliferate. <h2>What needs to be done?</h2>Addressing the bot problem requires a multitude of different solutions. For starters, enhanced technology, such as more sophisticated AI detection systems, could help platforms identify and mitigate bot activity more effectively. Recent advancements in machine learning are paving the way for tools that can better analyse user behavior and detect anomalies that indicate bot activity. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114250696" title="AI labs are fragmenting because of ego clashes and commercial pressures. It&amp;#39;s about to drive a wave of new startups." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, it is almost just as necessary to educate users about identifying bots and understanding online discourse. To platforms can implement user-friendly tools that highlight potentially automated accounts, empowering users to make more informed decisions about whom to engage with. Legislation could also play a pivotal role in shaping how social media platforms handle bot accounts. By requiring transparency about bot activity and holding companies accountable for enforcement, policymakers can create an environment where genuine discourse thrives and misinformation is curtailed. In India, the proposed <keyword id="19955205" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India-Act" source="keywords">Digital India Act</keyword> could be an avenue for strengthening regulations around <keyword id="19979951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-platforms" source="keywords">digital platforms</keyword> and enhancing user safety. While platforms like X and Facebook have made strides in developing detection methods, the sophistication of AI-driven bots continues to outpace current safeguards. This situation requires urgent attention from both tech companies and policymakers to ensure a safer social media environment. The findings of this research has been published on a pre-print server and can be accessed <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.18931">here</a>.

Even high school interns were able to use common AI tools to bypass security and launch bots on X, Facebook and other social media: report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Trump Media's market value has eclipsed the latest valuation of Elon Musk's X.</li><li>X's valuation is hard to assess as it is a private company, but Fidelity's updates provide a clue. </li></ul>Truth Social parent company <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/djt-stock?utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets">Trump Media and Technology Group</a> could now be worth more than Elon Musk's X, the biggest competitor of the former president's social media site. Shares of Trump Media have soared 333% since its late-September low, catapulting its valuation to $10.6 billion on Tuesday, according to data from YCharts.That's higher than Fidelity Investment's most recent estimated valuation of X at $9.4 billion. Fidelity, which owns a stake in X, updates its valuation estimate of the social media platform periodically.As of August 31, the investment giant valued its stake in the social media platform at $4.2 million, down 79% from when its stake was worth $19.7 million in 2022 when Musk took the company private at a $44 billion valuation.Trump Media's $10.6 billion valuation also makes it more valuable than <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/nyt-stock?utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets">The New York Times</a>, which is worth about $9.2 billion.Trump Media's soaring valuation is less based on fundamentals and instead <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/donald-trump-trade-rally-betting-markets-kamala-harris-bitcoin-djt-2024-10">related to Donald Trump's odds of winning</a> the Presidential election on November 5. The stock embarked on a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trump-media-djt-truth-social-election-madison-square-garden-rally-2024-10">meme-like rally</a> following the president's event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Trading in the shares was halted several times for volatility on Tuesday. According to its 10-Q filings with the SEC, in the first half of 2024, Trump Media generated $344 million in losses on $1.6 million in revenue.But investors are buying the stock regardless, and Trump is benefiting.According to Bloomberg data, his net worth nearly doubled in the past few months to more than $8 billion, mostly driven by the rise in Trump Media stock.Trump owns nearly 115 million shares of the company worth about $6.2 billion on Tuesday.

You Searched For "social groups" and got 11 results

A Trump presidency would drain Social Security's finances faster, budget group warns

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BI India Bureau

Even high school interns were able to use common AI tools to bypass security and launch bots on X, Facebook and other social media: report

Ankush Banerjee

Truth Social has eclipsed the latest valuation of Elon Musk's X after Trump Media stock surges

Matthew Fox

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