oh my DOT | Connecting the Dots #102

Inclusivity is over

We all feel it, our perception of the world is changing – from bright optimism and happy stories to a darker perception of reality, where power, money and absolute self-promotion come first. I personally see this as a huge opportunity for brands to stand up for the weaker and marginalized. We have never needed true CSR more than now.

#1 An Analysis of 2,000 Oscar Acceptance Speeches.
StephenFollows.com shows how Oscar speeches have changed over time. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson were mentioned more times than God, who was thanked in only 4.3% of speeches.

#2 The impact of AI on critical thinking.
The study reveals that AI makes the work of knowledge workers easier, but at the same time weakens critical thinking – if you get too used to AI, your brain becomes a passive spectator of its own intelligence.

#3 Meta is considering making Reels a standalone app to compete with TikTok. Good luck!

#4 What happens when an AI is given a Rorschach test.
When AI is subjected to a Rorschach test, its responses are like a mirror of our collective imagination. Although they appear human, there are fundamental differences between algorithmic pattern-finding and the chaotic, subjective experience of the human thought.

#5 The Duolingo guide has made the rounds on the internet.
A great example of how a brandbook can be an interesting format that we should experiment with more.

#6 Netflix is entering theme parks. The strategy is anti-Disneyland.
Netflix is going to break traditional ideas about theme parks and instead of huge Disneylands, it is opening a smaller but repeatedly visited Netflix House directly in shopping centers.

#7 Fyre Festival 2 is in the works and you can get your tickets now. We all deserve a second chance. Or don’t we?
Fyre Festival 2 promises luxury and chaos in one – after the scandal of the first year, Billy McFarland decided to take another risk and present a festival with prize packages of up to $1.1 million.

#8 Google Deepmind gives away images for free on Unsplash.

#9 YouTube reports over a billion podcast views per month.
Video podcasts are and will likely be the most dominant format in this category. Also interesting is that in 2024, people watched more than 400 million hours of podcasts per month on living room devices.

#10 The screen in a used car is a potential new advertising space.

#11 A fun little website that shows Wikipedia entries as an interactive timeline.

#12 BONUS: In Prague you can rent dishes for your next dinner.

PS: PS: A new DOT is on its way. It will be a bit more extensive, but I believe, even more inspiring.