As Bluesky matures, the company needs a seasoned operator focused on scaling and execution, while I return to what I do best: building new things. Schneider, who was previously CEO at Wordpress parent Automattic, will be that experienced operator and leader while Blueksy's board searches for a permanent CEO.
The rise of TikTok and YouTube has dramatically changed the lives of content creators by turning social media into a legitimate career path rather than just a hobby. These platforms allow ordinary people to build massive audiences without traditional media connections, often through algorithm-driven exposure.
The questions were part of annual research carried out in the summer by pollster YouGov with 7,340 adults of all ages for Ofcom's Annual Online Nation report. Despite their increasing negativity, young adults in the UK spend significantly more time online than older age groups, averaging six hours and 20 minutes a day on personal (rather than work) devices, up ten minutes over the prior 12 months and much higher than the four hours and 30 minutes for all adults.
It might feel wild, but Gen Alpha influencers are already on the rise. In some cases, these influencers haven't even hit double digits. Kids as young as 7 - the age twins Koti and Haven Garza were in a viral "we're Gen Alpha influencers" TikTok last year - are already in the business of influencing. And business, it seems, is booming.
We live in the Influencer Age, where people project themselves as relevant figures to be admired and emulated. We see most of them on Instagram or TikTok, either flaunting their luxurious lifestyle, showing random moments of their day, or sharing something inspirational for their audiences to take in. Recently, LinkedIn has been another platform where supposed thought leaders share insights with fellow professionals.
Zoë Schiffer: Welcome to WIRED's Uncanny Valley. I'm WIRED's Director of Business and Industry, Zoë Schiffer. Today on the show we're skipping our regular roundup to discuss the news that's gripped the nation since yesterday: the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. On Wednesday, Kirk was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University. It was the first appearance of what was supposed to be a nationwide tour aimed at "equipping students with the tools"
