It’s incredible how social media is evolving to accept mental health and acknowledge that at a point in time, we all need to put off our phones, take a deep breath and focus on what matters, our reality. Instagram has introduced a feature that helps us achieve this. Hopefully, people will begin to use this feature to make better real-life decisions and more robust relationships with themselves, friends and families outside social media. Along with this fantastic news comes other informative, entertaining, and current information about the creative industry that we have curated specifically to help you relax and keep you updated on the essential things that have happened this week. See you at the end of the read.
1. Instagram Announces New Feature: ‘Quiet Mode’ To Aid App Users’ Focus
Meta has rolled out a new feature for its Instagram app called “quiet mode,” which claims to help users focus and set boundaries with friends and followers. Meta says, “Quiet mode on Instagram” “turns off notifications and sends an auto-reply when someone sends you a direct message (DM), so you can focus on things like driving or studying.”
Users in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will initially have access to the tool, with future expansion to include more countries.
Source: CNN Business
2. Microsoft Makes Multibillion Investment In Partnership Extension With OpenAI
Tech giant Microsoft announced that it is extending its partnership with OpenAI with a multiyear, undisclosed multibillion-dollar investment to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) breakthroughs to ensure these benefits are shared broadly with the world.
With this investment, OpenAI will be able to continue its independent research. However, OpenAI remains a capped-profit company governed by the OpenAI non-profit.
Source: Innovation Village
3. Google Announces Global Dismiss Of 12,000 Workers
Tech giant Google has announced it is reducing its workforce by approximately 12,000. According to Google’s CEO, Sundai Pichai, in an email to staff, “I have some difficult news to share. We’ve decided to reduce our workforce by approximately 12,000 roles. We’ve already sent a separate email to employees in the US who are affected. In other countries, this process will take longer due to local laws and practices.”
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen periods of dramatic growth. To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today,” he added.
Source: Spiceworks
4. Nikon 2022-2023 Photo Contest Application Is Ongoing
Nikon Photo and short film contest is ongoing as Nikon seeks to provide an opportunity for creators to deliver their messages regardless of their age, nationality, or experience. The contest was opened Thursday, October 27th, 2022, and closes Monday, February 13th, 2023.
The Contest offers both Photo and Short Film Competitions. The theme of the Photo Competition is “Beloved”. While the theme of the Short Film Competition is “Next Steps”.
Source: Nikon
5. Wizkid, Asake, Fireboy And Other Nigerian Stars Make Afro Nation Portugal 2023 Afro-beat Festival Artist List
Afro Nation Portugal announces the first wave of artists performing between 28-30th June 2023. Starting with so much new Nigerian talent, this year’s most significant breakthrough, Asake, followed hot off the heels of Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, BNXN, Oxlade, Victony, and other African artists.
Afro Nation Portugal is an unmissable highlight of the summer festival and takes place 28-30th June 2023. Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 26th 2023.
Source: Guardian Life
Conclusion
Fellow creatives, another week in January, another news of staff relieved of their duties. An occurrence like this puts people on edge because they fear losing their jobs next. I came across a blog post about how to increase job security; which may help you retain that job you love doing. For the super talented photographers in the house, aside from securing your job, you could also key into a career-changing opportunity like the Nikon photo contest, which is still ongoing. Who knows; the prize may get the prize because you are the prize.
Till next time, stay creatively informed.
