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Facebook: The WSJ Report Ignores Our Approach to Well-Being Research

Problematic use does not equal addiction. Problematic use has been used to describe people’s relationship with lots of technologies, like TVs and smartphones. We’ve built tools and controls to help people manage when and how they use our services. Furthermore, we have a dedicated team working across our platforms to better understand these issues and…

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  • Problematic use does not equal addiction. Problematic use has been used to describe people’s relationship with lots of technologies, like TVs and smartphones. We’ve built tools and controls to help people manage when and how they use our services. Furthermore, we have a dedicated team working across our platforms to better understand these issues and ensure people are using our apps in ways that are meaningful to them.
  • We have been studying well-being for more than a decade and that continues today. The suggestion that this work stopped in 2019 couldn’t be further from the truth. This is evidenced by the various pieces of research we have published externally since then and our increased engagement and collaboration with experts such as the Aspen Institute, the Humanity Center, and our role as a founding sponsor of the Digital Wellness Lab run jointly by Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital.
  • We ship features to help people manage their experiences on our apps and services. Just since 2018, we have introduced nearly 10 products to better support people’s well-being, including problematic use of our apps, and that work continues today.
  • This is an industry-wide challenge and we have an industry leading, centrally coordinated well-being research effort that works with product and engineering leaders across our services to understand and address issues impacting well-being, including problematic use.

The Wall Street Journal has once again chosen to selectively pick and choose from internal company documents to present a narrative that is simply wrong about how we use research to address an important issue – this time about problematic use. 

Our company has been engaged and supportive throughout our multiyear effort to better understand and empower people who use our services to manage problematic use. That’s why this work has taken place over multiple years, including now.

We’ve been working to conduct research and not in secret but in public. In fact, the primary piece of internal research the Journal cites was published in May 2019 at a premier academic conference for communications technology and is available here. We’ve also been exploring these questions and using well-being principles to inform our work for over 10 years. 

We want people to have a positive experience on our services so even though there isn’t an industry-established definition of problematic use, it’s something we’re invested in understanding. Our own research as well as external research has revealed significant variation in the number of people who self-report problematic use, depending on how it’s measured. After the May 2019 study, we ran another study that also asked people if they felt guilty about their social media use – intentionally expanding on previous definitions to capture a broader set of experiences. Unsurprisingly, the prevalence of problematic use in this study was higher because we studied more aspects of the issue. Why would we do research that would potentially show higher levels of problematic use? Because this was part of the early-stage research on this topic intended to help us understand the various facets of problematic use and develop more adequate messaging and tools to help support people who use our products. While a causal link between social media and addiction has not been found, and overall, research suggests that, on average, social media does not have a major detrimental impact on well-being, we still want to provide people with tools to help them manage it however they see fit.

What did this research lead Facebook to do? Roll out nearly 10 tools since 2018, including: 

  • Your Time on Facebook, which we launched in August of 2018, centralizing tools and options for people to manage their time. In April of 2020 we added Quiet Mode to this, which mutes most push notifications. If you try to open Facebook while in Quiet Mode, you’ll be reminded that you set this time aside to limit your time using the app. 
  • Control Your Notifications, which includes shortcuts to help you manage your notifications. It includes an option to mute all push notifications as well as manage the “red dots” in the shortcuts menu. Red dots can be removed from Marketplace, Groups, News and the “hamburger” menu.
  • See Your Time, which showcases the usage time per day, daytime/nighttime, and app visits. You can also get weekly usage updates and easy access to your activity log.

We have also launched a series of tools and features on Instagram to help people control the time they spend on the app. This includes things like the ability to ‘mute’ accounts to control what posts you see, a feature called ‘You’re All Caught Up’ that lets you know when you’ve seen all the recent content in your Feed, and time management tools where you can see your total time on the app each day and set a daily reminder that alerts you when you’ve reached a set amount of time on Instagram. We’ve also shared two new features we’re building to help people control their time on Instagram. 

This is just a small sample of the types of products and controls that we have launched publicly or are continuing to explore based on this research. We have plans to address these issues in even greater depth and will keep investing more in this work. 

The Journal also cites one internal study to speculate about how many people on Facebook experience problematic use. That’s irresponsible because, as is noted in the study itself, the research was designed to be as expansive as possible to help us better understand the challenge. For decades, there have been concerns about using too much of a new technology when it becomes available. How many people today actually think they should be spending more time on their smartphones or binge-watching their favorite TV shows? For example, a 2018 report on the Morning Consult/Hollywood Reporter poll said, “eighty-six percent said they’ve stayed up past their normal bedtime to watch a show, and 52 percent said they’ve stayed up all night. And while 40 percent of all TV watchers have made less healthy food or exercise choices because of a show, 57 percent of young adults have done so.” 

Platforms like ours still have a role to play in addressing this problem. At Meta, we’ve been doing exactly that for many years – and that work is continuing to move full steam ahead.

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Microsoft introduces new adapted AI models for industry

Across every industry, AI is creating a fundamental shift in what’s possible, enabling new use cases and driving business outcomes. While organizations around the world recognize the value and potential of AI, for AI to be truly effective it must be tailored to specific industry needs. Today, we’re announcing adapted AI models, expanding our industry……

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Across every industry, AI is creating a fundamental shift in what’s possible, enabling new use cases and driving business outcomes. While organizations around the world recognize the value and potential of AI, for AI to be truly effective it must be tailored to specific industry needs. Today, we’re announcing adapted AI models, expanding our industry…

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Bottled water coolers vs plumbed-in water coolers | Which is right for you?

Explore the pros & cons of bottled water coolers vs plumbed-in water coolers to find the ideal hydration solution for your office.

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Bottled water coolers vs plumbed-in water coolers | Which is right for you?

As an employer committed to the hydration revolution, choosing the right water cooler is likely to be front of mind. When it comes to workplace hydration, employee satisfaction, and even your business’s eco-footprint, bottled water coolers and plumbed-in water coolers are two of the most popular choices. Each comes with its advantages and considerations. 

This guide is on-point in helping you determine which is the best fit for your office needs.

Bottled water coolers | Flexibility and simplicity

Bottled water coolers offer a convenient and flexible option for many businesses and homes. These systems use large water bottles that are easy to replace, making them a reliable option in spaces where access to a water line may be limited or where fresh, filtered water is a priority and where several hydration hubs are ideal for your employees. 

Bottled water coolers offer a convenient and flexible option for many businesses and homes.

Key benefits of bottled water coolers
  1. Ease of setup: Bottled water dispensers don’t require any special plumbing. Simply plug in the cooler, place the bottle on top, and it’s ready for use. This flexibility allows bottled coolers to be placed almost anywhere, making them ideal for smaller offices, rented spaces, or areas without easy access to a water source.
  2. Quality assurance: Many bottled water cooler suppliers offer high-quality, purified or mineral water, providing a fresh, pure taste that’s hard to beat. This option is especially appealing for businesses that prioritise offering premium amenities to their employees or clients. (You also have the choice to rent or buy). 
  3. Portability: Since bottled water dispensers are independent of any plumbing system, they can be moved easily from one location to another. This portability is a significant advantage for businesses that may need to relocate or reconfigure their office space.

Potential considerations for bottled water coolers
  1. Storage space: Bottled water dispensers require storage space for the additional water bottles. If space is limited, especially in a busy office, finding room for multiple large bottles can become challenging.
  2. Bottle replacement and maintenance: Bottles need to be replaced periodically, which can add to logistical tasks in a busy office. This type of maintenance may require having someone dedicated to monitoring and replacing bottles when needed.
  3. Environmental impact: Although bottles are often reusable – and certainly cut down radically on single-use plastic – regular replacement can lead to increased plastic usage. For environmentally-conscious businesses, considering a more sustainable water option may be a priority. 

Plumbed-in water coolers | Continuous hydration without the hassle

Plumbed-in, mains-fed or point-of-use water coolers connect directly to your building’s water supply, providing a constant flow of fresh, filtered water that is chilled, hot (or even sparkling). There are freestanding, countertop or under-counter options depending on your space limitations or preference. These systems are ideal for larger businesses with high water consumption or for those seeking a long-term solution that doesn’t require bottle replacement.

Plumbed-in, mains-fed or point-of-use water coolers connect directly to your building’s water supply, providing a constant flow of fresh, filtered water that is chilled, hot (or even sparkling).

Key benefits of plumbed-in water coolers
  1. Unlimited water supply: With a direct connection to the water line, plumbed-in coolers provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered water. This can be a game-changer for larger offices or high-traffic areas where water usage is constant.
  2. Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial setup of a plumbed-in cooler may be higher, these systems often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. Without the need to purchase and replace bottles, the ongoing cost remains low, which can translate into significant savings over time.
  3. Eco-friendly: By eliminating the need for plastic bottles, plumbed-in water coolers are a more environmentally friendly option. Businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact will appreciate the reduced plastic waste and carbon footprint associated with this choice.
  4. Low maintenance: Plumbed-in coolers typically require less attention than bottled water coolers, as there’s no need to monitor bottle levels or manage deliveries. Maintenance is often limited to occasional filter replacements, which can be handled by service providers.

Potential considerations for plumbed-in water coolers
  1. Installation requirements: Setting up a plumbed-in cooler requires access to a water line, which may not be available in every location. For rented offices or spaces with limited plumbing infrastructure, this setup could pose a challenge.
  2. Limited portability: Unlike bottled water dispensers, plumbed-in systems are generally fixed once installed. If you plan to relocate or rearrange your office frequently, this lack of flexibility may be a downside.
  3. Water quality: While plumbed-in coolers offer filtered water, the taste and quality may depend on the local water supply. In areas where water quality varies, bottled water might be preferred for its consistent taste and purity. For cold water, ice needs to be added or water needs to be first chilled in the fridge. 

Which water cooler is right for you?

Ultimately, the decision between a bottled water cooler and a plumbed-in water cooler comes down to your unique needs, space, and sustainability goals. Here are a few key considerations to help guide your choice:

Ultimately, the decision between a bottled water cooler and a plumbed-in water cooler comes down to your unique needs, space, and sustainability goals

  1. For small offices and portability needs: If you have a smaller office or need flexibility in terms of location, a bottled water cooler may be the best choice. Its ease of setup and portability make it ideal for spaces without access to a water line.
  2. For large workplaces and high consumption: If your office has high water usage or if you’re looking for a solution that’s more hands-off, a plumbed-in water cooler provides a continuous supply of filtered water without the need for bottle replacements.
  3. For eco-friendly businesses: If sustainability is a priority, the plumbed-in cooler’s reduced plastic waste makes it the more eco-friendly option.
  4. For premium taste & quality: If taste and water quality are essential, a bottled cooler with high-quality spring or mineral water may offer a more satisfying drinking experience.

Hydration that works for your workplace

Both bottled and plumbed-in water coolers have unique advantages that can support your hydration goals. Choose the cooler that aligns with your needs, space, and environmental values, and you’ll have a hydration solution that keeps your team refreshed, productive, and thriving.

Hydration wellness is a trending movement. Once you’ve made your choice between a bottled water cooler and a plumbed-in system, here’s what you need to know when searching for a reputable supplier near you.

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Facebook: Facebook and Instagram to Offer Subscription for No Ads in Europe

We will significantly reduce the price of Subscription for no ads, and offer people in the EU an additional new choice to use Facebook and Instagram for free with less personalized ads. Source

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We will significantly reduce the price of Subscription for no ads, and offer people in the EU an additional new choice to use Facebook and Instagram for free with less personalized ads.

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