Recent data from analytics firm SimilarWeb reveals a decline in engagement on Threads, the fastest-growing social network. The report indicates that daily active users on Threads decreased from 49 million on July 7th to 23.6 million on July 14th. Although this still represents a significant user base, it is a noticeable decline. In the United States, which experienced the highest engagement, the average time spent on the app dropped from 21 minutes per day to just over six minutes in the same period. These findings align with other companies’ observations and personal anecdotes from Threads users.
Adam Mosseri, the top executive of Instagram, acknowledged the decline in engagement in a Threads post on Friday. He emphasized that the company’s current focus is not on engagement metrics but rather on overcoming the initial peaks and troughs that are typical for new products. Mosseri highlighted the importance of building new features, optimizing performance, and improving ranking.
While the decline in engagement may be concerning, it is not uncommon for new social media platforms to experience fluctuations in user activity. Establishing a sustainable user base and maintaining long-term engagement are challenges that many platforms face in their early stages. It is crucial for social networks to continuously adapt and enhance their offerings to meet users’ evolving needs and preferences.
In addition to the information on Threads’ declining engagement, here are some other top stories you might have missed:
1. TikTok Introduces Passkey Login for iOS Devices: TikTok, the popular short-form video platform, has rolled out a new passkey login feature for iOS devices. This added security measure aims to protect users’ accounts from unauthorized access.
2. The Implications of Passkeys for Password Authentication: As passkeys gain popularity as an alternative to traditional password-based authentication, this article explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach.
3. Artiphon’s Chorda Band: A Portable Musical Instrument: Artiphon has unveiled the Chorda Band, an innovative musical instrument that allows users to produce beats and melodies anywhere. This portable device opens up new possibilities for music creation on the go.
4. Samsung’s Viewfinity S9 5K Display: Samsung is set to release the Viewfinity S9 5K Display in August, offering an immersive visual experience with its high resolution and impressive screen size. However, the premium display comes with a significant price tag.
5. Ford Reduces Prices for F-150 Lightning: In an effort to make electric vehicles more accessible, Ford has announced a price reduction of up to $10,000 for its F-150 Lightning electric truck. This move aims to encourage more consumers to transition to electric vehicles.
6. Meta Faces Daily Fine for Privacy Issues in Norway: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing potential daily fines of up to $100,000 if it fails to address privacy concerns raised by the Norwegian Data Protection Authority. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by social media companies regarding user privacy.
7. Instant Pot Cookers and Air Fryers on Sale: For those in search of kitchen appliances, Instant Pot cookers and air fryers are currently discounted by up to 48%. This is an opportunity to save on popular cooking tools that offer convenience and versatility.
8. Corsair Expands Mechanical Keyboards with Drop Acquisition: Corsair, a leading gaming accessories brand, has expanded its mechanical keyboard lineup by acquiring Drop, a company known for its enthusiast-grade keyboards. This acquisition further solidifies Corsair’s position in the gaming peripherals market.
Furthermore, Microsoft recently announced that it will be replacing Xbox Live Gold with Xbox Game Pass Core, starting on September 14th. This change introduces a new subscription tier that is essential for online multiplayer gaming on Xbox consoles. While Games with Gold, which provided regular game offerings to Live subscribers, will no longer be available, subscribers will gain access to a base collection of over 25 games. These games will be refreshed two to three times per year, featuring predominantly first-party titles like Doom Eternal, Forza Horizon 4, and Halo 5, with occasional third-party additions like Among Us and Human Fall Flat.
Additionally, a concerning incident involving a typo in email addresses has resulted in millions of US military emails, including highly sensitive information, being routed to Mali. The mistake involved mistakenly using the domain “.ml” instead of “.mil.” As a result, various confidential documents, tax returns, passwords, and travel details of top officers have been exposed. While the misdirected emails have been received by a contractor managing Mali’s domain, control of the “.ml” domain will soon be under the jurisdiction of Mali’s government, which has connections to Russia. The Pentagon is aware of the issue and is taking it seriously, implementing measures to prevent unauthorized disclosures of controlled national security information.
Lastly, as computer monitors continue to evolve rapidly, with advancements in technologies like OLED Flex, QD-OLED, and built-in smart platforms, choosing the right monitor can be overwhelming. Factors such as color accuracy, size, and resolution play a crucial role in determining the best monitor for different users, whether they are gamers, business professionals, or content creators. Conducting thorough research and considering specific needs and budgets are essential when making a monitor purchase.
In conclusion, despite a decline in engagement on Threads, the social network remains a significant platform with millions of active users. The fluctuations in user activity are normal for new products, and the focus for Instagram’s top executive is on improving the product and enhancing the user experience. Understanding the latest developments in technology, gaming, security, and other relevant sectors allows users to stay informed and make informed decisions about their digital experiences.
