A U.S. Federal judge has just ruled that Google’s held a monopoly.

The 277-page ruling outlines how the tech giant has engaged in anticompetitive behaviour. It’s the first antitrust ruling of its kind.

Google’s been called out for squashing its rivals by paying Apple & Samsung TENS of BILLIONS of dollars a year to have Google handle all search queries on their phones and web browsers. Well, I guess even tech giants get told off sometimes.

In today's newsletter:

• Federal Judge rules Google has held illegal monopoly (find out exactly what the tech giant’s done to get itself in hot water—plus what it means for us)

• Facebook's using cash to lure Gen Z creators to the platform (here’s why Facebook’s not just for Boomers anymore)

• Trend plug - Y'all, this is my coworker

• Ask the Editor - How do I get my team to be in content with me?! 

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

p.s. We’re hiring an Account Director here in Auckland, NZ. Know anyone who’d be interested? Learn more right here!

Google’s playing monopoly, and it just landed on Go To Jail.

Okay, well, I don’t know if anyone’s actually going to jail. But according to a U.S. federal judge, Google has held a monopoly on search and text advertising, illegally.

This is big news.

The ruling on the tech giant is the first antitrust decision of the modern internet era.

And it may very well change how tech companies do business, and how we get information online. For better or for worse? It’s too soon to tell.

In a 277-page ruling, Judge Amit P. Mehta said Google had abused a monopoly over the search business.

How? Google has illegally cemented its dominance by paying other companies like Apple and Samsung tens of BILLIONS of dollars a year to have Google automatically handle any search queries consumers have on their smartphones and web browsers.

These contracts have given Google the scale to block out rivals (or would-be rivals) such as Microsoft’s Bing and DuckDuckGo. Judge Mehta has called this 'anticompetitive behaviour.'

The company has also charged high prices in search advertising, reflecting its monopoly power.

It has built an internet search empire. But it has done so by violating antitrust laws.

Google, girl… you in trouble.

[Keep reading]

-Sophie, Writer

Facebook’s Using Cash to Lure Gen Z Creators to the Platform

Facebook is an… interesting place.

It’s definitely not part of my normal rotation of social media platforms. But every so often, I jump on out of curiosity to see what’s happening in the land of Gen X, Boomers, and the populars from my high school that low-key fell off.

Zuck started Facebook as a site for college kids 20 years ago. But the platform has since been overtaken by those 50 and older, according to the AARP.

But over the last year, Facebook has been working to bring young people back, according to Dane Glasgow, VP and Head of Product at the platform.

This year, FB hosted an event for creators, handing out pamphlets declaring that the site is 'not your mom’s Facebook' (debatable.) No, instead it’s a 'hub for all things culturally happening in the platforms underground' (whatever that means?).

Earlier this year, Facebook announced it had 40 million daily active users in the U,S. and Canada between the ages of 18 and 29. This is a surprise to me, and it's also the highest number in that cohort in three years.

Now FB is putting efforts into AI, video content and creator monetisation. They're hoping these features will entice Gen Z, more specifically Gen Z creators.

[Keep reading]

-Sophie, Writer

Trend Plug - Y’all, This is My Coworker

This viral sound is quickly creeping over everyone's fyp. 

It's got over 13k videos in the first 24 hours, so it's a trend you'll want to get in on!

The trend stems from Zeus network's Baddies South TV show. The clip features Natalie Nunn introducing her friend as 'she runs the south' whilst throwing shade at the other girl in the room.

People are using this sound to show how someone else might introduce them by disclosing their most embarrassing trait or flaw. Examples range from being too scared to drive, being really shy, and even going through a phase.

How to jump on this trend:

Using this audio, write a caption that mimics when someone introduces you. When the audio says 'She runs the south,' write something that embarrasses you or you wouldn't want others to know.

Then film your reaction to their introduction. You'll want to watch a few of the examples above to get the style right!

A few ideas to get you started:

'They're 30 and still scared of talking on the phone to clients'

'They're TikTok famous'

'They still mess up their clients' coffees'

-Carter, Intern

Tune in to the YAP Podcast

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Ask the Editor

Q - I'm in charge of making all the content for my team but they don't want to be in videos because they think it will make them look stupid. How can I get them to change their minds? -Garrett

Hey Garrett!

This is such a common problem and I know it's one our resident content creator, Jony, ran into for a long time. It can be hard to get people on board with being in content, especially if they aren't sure how it's going to turn out. Try not to take it personally--this is just human nature!

For Jony, I know a lot of it came down to giving people time. For you, this might mean leading by example and creating solo content for awhile. Once your team sees you doing this and some good results coming from it, this should encourage them to get involved.

Another tip Jony uses in our team is making it as easy as possible for other people to be in content. This means taking all the thinking out of it. If you need them to play a part, tell them exactly what to do and say so they don't have to think (or overthink!!). If you're asking them questions on camera, make them things they can answer instantly.

The most important thing to remember is to give your team some grace and be patient. Take the time to work with them and it will get easier with time.

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

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