Demographics

On today's episode, we discuss the most important figures from Meta's Q2 earnings, the biggest challenges for the company, and how much of a competitor TikTok really is. "In Other News," we talk about the new social media app BeReal, its impact on the space, and what changes we can expect to see as Gen Z takes over social media from millennials. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

EV segment shakeup: Economic uncertainty and inflation have resulted in job cuts across the EV sector, which could slow down bigger players and cripple startups that were beginning to ramp up production.

Foot Locker invests $54 million to help Black businesses and students: Retailer’s aid is part of a $200 million pledge of educational and economic support for the community.

While the metaverse is still taking shape, consumers are already interested in using it to enhance everyday experiences. About 60% of US teens and adults believe that virtual environments will make the process of finding a fitness or exercise routine significantly better, and the same percentage expect them to improve real estate shopping.

Brands struggle to win Gen Z and millennial loyalty: A new survey finds that younger audiences value sustainability and authenticity from retailers—but even that may not be enough to turn them into customers for life.

The metaverse intellectuals: A Wharton metaverse course for executives might struggle to offer tangible insights on a technology that doesn’t yet exist. But it could shape how the metaverse ultimately materializes.

About half of internet users ages 10 to 41 spend money on video games worldwide, and younger users are more likely to cough up.

TikTok tries to distance itself from its Chinese roots: The app is giving researchers access to its back end in an effort to increase transparency.

Shein probably isn’t worth $100 billion: As the company faces slowing sales and questions about its environmental practices, investors are reevaluating the world’s third-most-valuable startup.

Inflation could be causing streaming subscription fatigue: Two new studies shed light on consumers’ changing preferences.

Around one-quarter of people in the US ages 13 to 34 are fans of the metaverse. But for every person who gives it a thumbs-up, there are about two in that age group who dislike or have never heard of the concept.

Kristin O’Brien, general manager of the Brand Platform at LTK, spoke with Insider Intelligence about targeting Gen Z consumers, the prevalence of social commerce, and back-to-school trends.

LGBT+ population grows in US but sees threats: Despite its increased numbers, this demographic group faces significant barriers to well-being and economic security.

Big Tech pauses office expansion: The economic downturn has pushed beleaguered companies like Meta to rethink their strategies. Workers’ reluctance to return is another reason for companies to stall expansion plans.

Walmart looks to broaden its online customer base: The retailer expanded its Spanish search capability in response to the growing number of Spanish-first online shoppers.

Not your grandfather’s engineering degree: Dartmouth dean Alexis Abramson says tech education needs to be more holistic to solve real human problems. And students are increasingly heeding the message.

On today's episode, we discuss the biggest problem with media, how TikTok is taking on TV, how the newspaper business is getting on, the significance of the iPhone's 15th birthday, why you may buy your next car online, an unpopular opinion about Gen Zers and formal wear, the bestselling video game console of all time, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Dave Frankland and Evelyn Mitchell and director of reports editing Rahul Chadha.

More firms are flirting with a return to the office: Rising interest rates and a tightening job market have companies testing the waters to end remote work.

In the US, 55.1% of Gen Z digital buyers ages 14 and older will use a buy now, pay later (BNPL) service at least once this year. That figure drops to 48.6% for millennial digital buyers and becomes progressively smaller among older generations.

Younger generations expect quick responses from brands: Gen Zers and millennials prefer text messaging over email with brands to facilitate faster communication.