Latest news with #userengagement
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Pinterest Outlines Relevance Improvements to its Pin Recommendations
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. Pinterest has outlined its latest timeline ranking model update, which it says has increased user engagement and time spent significantly over the previous system. Pinterest's latest advance on this front is a new version of its 'TransAct' ranking process, which now factors in a broader history of user interactions, in order to better understand each person's likely interest shifts over time. The key update here is input. Pinterest's original TransAct ranking model measured each users' last 100 actions, as a means to predict their likely interest and engagement patterns. But TransActV2 measures 160x more interactive inputs per user to better understand their behaviors, and thus, interests, over time. For example: 'Someone who looks for gardening tips each spring, and Halloween ideas each fall, may not display those behaviors in their recent 100 actions.' Yet, those shifts would have a big impact on the user experience, if Pinterest could measure your engagement over a longer time window. TransActV2 solves for this, modelling its predictions on 16k actions instead. As per Pinterest: 'TransActV2 introduces the Next Action Loss (NAL) as an auxiliary task. This challenges the model not just to predict probability of engagement, but — given today's context and history — what will the user do next?' The result is a more engaging, immersive Pin timeline, which Pinterest says has driven double-digit improvements in several areas. 'By leveraging lifelong sequences and Next Action Loss with impression-based negatives, TransActV2 achieves the largest jumps in offline metrics ever recorded in our production pipeline.' Specifically, Pinterest says that the updated TransAct prediction model has driven: A more than 2x increase in top re-pin actions (6.35% overall re-pin increase) A +1.41% increase in overall time spent A 12.8% decrease in Pin hides (indicating more relevant experience) 'Increased diversity within Pin timelines, improving serendipitous discovery. These may not seem like massive increases, but when you're assessing a volume of actions across 570 million active users, that's a lot of activity, and a lot more engagement within the Pin stream. Add to this Pinterest's discovery function updates, including more diverse search tools, and your Pin feed is definitely getting a lot smarter, a lot more personalized, and a lot better at showing more people what they're most interested in. It might be worth revisiting Pinterest to see whether it's a fit for your brand. You can read Pinterest's overview of TransActV2 here. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TechCrunch
02-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
How AI chatbots keep you chatting
Millions of people are now using ChatGPT as a therapist, career advisor, fitness coach, or sometimes just a friend to vent to. In 2025, it's not uncommon to hear about people spilling intimate details of their lives into an AI chatbot's prompt bar, but also relying on the advice it gives back. Humans are starting to have, for lack of a better term, relationships with AI chatbots, and for Big Tech companies, it's never been more competitive to attract users to their chatbot platforms — and keep them there. As the 'AI engagement race' heats up, there's a growing incentive for companies to tailor their chatbots' responses to prevent users from shifting to rival bots. But the kind of chatbot answers that users like — the answers designed to retain them — may not necessarily be the most correct or helpful. AI telling you what you want to hear Much of Silicon Valley right now is focused on boosting chatbot usage. Meta claims its AI chatbot just crossed a billion monthly active users (MAUs), while Google's Gemini recently hit 400 million MAUs. They're both trying to edge out ChatGPT, which now has roughly 600 million MAUs and has dominated the consumer space since it launched in 2022. While AI chatbots were once a novelty, they're turning into massive businesses. Google is starting to test ads in Gemini, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman indicated in a March interview that he'd be open to 'tasteful ads.' Silicon Valley has a history of deprioritizing users' well-being in favor of fueling product growth, most notably with social media. For example, Meta's researchers found in 2020 that Instagram made teenage girls feel worse about their bodies, yet the company downplayed the findings internally and in public. Getting users hooked on AI chatbots may have larger implications. Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW One trait that keeps users on a particular chatbot platform is sycophancy: making an AI bot's responses overly agreeable and servile. When AI chatbots praise users, agree with them, and tell them what they want to hear, users tend to like it — at least to some degree. In April, OpenAI landed in hot water for a ChatGPT update that turned extremely sycophantic, to the point where uncomfortable examples went viral on social media. Intentionally or not, OpenAI over-optimized for seeking human approval rather than helping people achieve their tasks, according to a blog post this month from former OpenAI researcher Steven Adler. OpenAI said in its own blog post that it may have over-indexed on 'thumbs-up and thumbs-down data' from users in ChatGPT to inform its AI chatbot's behavior, and didn't have sufficient evaluations to measure sycophancy. After the incident, OpenAI pledged to make changes to combat sycophancy. 'The [AI] companies have an incentive for engagement and utilization, and so to the extent that users like the sycophancy, that indirectly gives them an incentive for it,' said Adler in an interview with TechCrunch. 'But the types of things users like in small doses, or on the margin, often result in bigger cascades of behavior that they actually don't like.' Finding a balance between agreeable and sycophantic behavior is easier said than done. In a 2023 paper, researchers from Anthropic found that leading AI chatbots from OpenAI, Meta, and even their own employer, Anthropic, all exhibit sycophancy to varying degrees. This is likely the case, the researchers theorize, because all AI models are trained on signals from human users who tend to like slightly sycophantic responses. 'Although sycophancy is driven by several factors, we showed humans and preference models favoring sycophantic responses plays a role,' wrote the co-authors of the study. 'Our work motivates the development of model oversight methods that go beyond using unaided, non-expert human ratings.' a Google-backed chatbot company that has claimed its millions of users spend hours a day with its bots, is currently facing a lawsuit in which sycophancy may have played a role. The lawsuit alleges that a chatbot did little to stop — and even encouraged — a 14-year-old boy who told the chatbot he was going to kill himself. The boy had developed a romantic obsession with the chatbot, according to the lawsuit. However, denies these allegations. The downside of an AI hype man Optimizing AI chatbots for user engagement — intentional or not — could have devastating consequences for mental health, according to Dr. Nina Vasan, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Stanford University. 'Agreeability […] taps into a user's desire for validation and connection,' said Vasan in an interview with TechCrunch, 'which is especially powerful in moments of loneliness or distress.' While the case shows the extreme dangers of sycophancy for vulnerable users, sycophancy could reinforce negative behaviors in just about anyone, says Vasan. '[Agreeability] isn't just a social lubricant — it becomes a psychological hook,' she added. 'In therapeutic terms, it's the opposite of what good care looks like.' Anthropic's behavior and alignment lead, Amanda Askell, says making AI chatbots disagree with users is part of the company's strategy for its chatbot, Claude. A philosopher by training, Askell says she tries to model Claude's behavior on a theoretical 'perfect human.' Sometimes, that means challenging users on their beliefs. 'We think our friends are good because they tell us the truth when we need to hear it,' said Askell during a press briefing in May. 'They don't just try to capture our attention, but enrich our lives.' This may be Anthropic's intention, but the aforementioned study suggests that combating sycophancy, and controlling AI model behavior broadly, is challenging indeed — especially when other considerations get in the way. That doesn't bode well for users; after all, if chatbots are designed to simply agree with us, how much can we trust them?
CNA
07-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Bumble reassures investors as first-quarter revenue meets expectations
Bumble reported a more than 7 per cent fall in first-quarter revenue on Wednesday, but met Wall Street estimates, soothing some investor worries over stiff competition as it revamps its dating apps and cuts costs. Shares of the company jumped 7 per cent in extended trading. The online dating industry has been grappling with declining user engagement stemming from sticky inflation and a lack of innovative features, prompting companies such as Bumble and its bigger rival Tinder-parent Match to refine their applications to pull subscribers. Paying users for Bumble app decreased nearly 1 per cent to 2.7 million. Bumble is targeting to enhance user experience to drive growth. The company said it is leveraging AI to beef up safety and verification, while further enhancing its match-making quality and dating coaching using the feature. "I would expect some additional price increases are going be in line here or forthcoming based on the way that management's describing it (the revamp), the focus is on improving the user experience," said Chandler Willison, research analyst at M Science. Bumble is also taking steps to reduce costs and has cut marketing budget by $20 million, it said on a post-earnings call. The efforts are expected to offer a much-needed reprieve to the dating app operator, which has faced challenges in securing investor confidence in recent quarters. While challenges still persist, Bumble anticipates less of a revenue decline quarter-over-quarter and continuous profitability growth in second quarter, said Jamie Lumley, fundamental analyst at Carbon Arc. "Given that Bumble is in a mature market that is vulnerable to macroeconomic headwinds, there is some encouragement to be taken from these numbers about how Bumble can weather the current environment," Lumley said. For the first quarter, the company posted revenue of $247.1 million, including an unfavorable impact of $5.9 million from foreign currency movements. Analysts expected $246.2 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company expects second-quarter revenue to be between $235 million and $243 million, with the midpoint below the estimate of $243 million.
CNA
07-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Bumble forecasts second-quarter revenue below estimate
Bumble forecast second-quarter revenue below analysts' estimate on Wednesday, signaling that the dating app operator's turnaround plan is taking longer than expected to yield results. The online dating industry has been grappling with declining user engagement stemming from market stagnation, sticky inflation and a lack of innovative features, prompting companies such as Bumble and its bigger rival Tinder-parent Match to refine their applications to pull subscribers. Paying users for Bumble app decreased 1 per cent to 2.7 million during the first quarter. Bumble is in early stages of revamping its application — a venture that analysts have said may take time to effectively monetize. Earlier this year, the company had said these initiatives were aimed at strengthening the dating app operator's market position and delivering quality features such as integrating artificial intelligence to its platform to enhance users' security. The company expects second-quarter revenue to be between $235 million and $243 million, compared with analysts' average estimate of $243 million, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Finextra
07-05-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Gamification in Fintech: how to engage users and improve their financial literacy: By Anastasiia Kazakova
Gamification is the use of game mechanics in non-gaming contexts. In fintech, it's a tool that makes using an app more engaging, intuitive, and even fun. Instead of dry numbers, users get achievement badges, progress bars for saving goals, savings challenges, cashback rewards for activity, and personalized prizes. These aren't just nice 'perks' — they're effective tools to boost engagement and long-term retention. In this article, I'll break down how gamification can drive your business metrics. Why gamification is gaining traction now Fintech is no longer just about 'easy payments.' The competition is intense, and companies are hunting for ways to stand out. Gamification is quickly becoming one of those strategies — in fact, over 50% of startups in the US are already integrating gamified features into their products. User loyalty is fragile. Today's users delete apps without a second thought if the experience feels boring or confusing. This is especially true for Gen Z and millennials — they expect interactivity, personalization, and a smooth, intuitive UX. Why fintech products need gamification To make financial tasks feel less intimidating — especially for beginners. To keep users coming back to the app regularly. To nudge users toward specific behaviors, like opening a savings account or topping up their balance. To encourage healthier financial habits: budgeting, saving, and investing. And this isn't just talk. Companies that use gamification have reported up to 700% more new user engagement and a 45% increase in profit margins. Done right, gamification can also boost conversion rates by up to 50%. These numbers make sense when you consider that the global gamification market is expected to surpass $92.5 billion by 2030. It's not a trend — it's a strategic direction for the next wave of fintech products. Core gamification mechanics in fintech apps For gamification to work, you need to understand what actually drives engagement. Here are the most common mechanics fintech companies are using today: Badges and achievements : Small rewards for key actions like paying bills on time, reaching savings milestones, or completing a financial mini-course. Achievements help create a sense of progress — and progress bars visualize that journey. Challenges and competitions : For example, a 'save $100 this month' task with a bonus if completed. Or group challenges like 'who can save the most this week' with friends. Cashbacks and loyalty programs : Bonuses for regular use of a card or mobile banking feature. Gamified interfaces: Avatars, animated graphs, storytelling. Some apps even include a virtual mentor to guide users toward their financial goals. The tech behind gamification: APIs and Open Banking Gamification isn't just about creative ideas — it also requires the right tech. That's where flexible infrastructure, APIs, and Open Banking come in. How APIs support gamification APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) let your app talk to other services. In gamification, this allows you to: Integrate external tools — loyalty programs, cashback partners, or social features like adding friends or team challenges. Collect user behavior data — to send personalized challenges or tips. Automate rewards — like real-time bonuses for hitting financial milestones. How Open Banking expands gamification Open Banking gives you access to users' financial data across different banks — with their permission. This opens up new possibilities: Running broader challenges that cover spending across multiple banks and categories. Creating ultra-personalized tasks based on actual spending patterns. For example: 'Cut your coffee expenses by $50 this month to earn a reward.' These technologies make gamification more than just decoration — they turn it into a core part of the user's financial journey. Real-world examples of fintech gamification Some fintech apps are already using gamification to drive business outcomes: Alma , a fintech app, introduced a lottery-style system where users earned virtual tickets for making deposits. At set intervals, real cash prizes were awarded. The idea wasn't to simulate gambling, but to build a savings habit with a hint of excitement. Long Game is another example. It combines education and gamification: through mini-games, users learn how to manage budgets, save money, and plan their finances. This approach has proven especially effective in the US and Europe, where interest in financial literacy among young users is on the rise. The challenges of implementing gamification Despite the hype, gamification comes with its own set of hurdles. It's not enough to just 'add badges' — the mechanics have to genuinely benefit both the user and the business. How to find the right gamification idea Successful gamification starts with a deep understanding of your audience's motivations. Without that, it's easy to design something nobody cares about. Start by asking: What motivates your users — competition, social interaction, visual progress? Does this feature offer real value, or is it 'just a game'? Does it naturally fit the logic and purpose of your product? If the mechanics aren't rooted in actual user behavior or needs, they won't drive results. Regulatory and technical roadblocks Gamification often relies on personal financial data, third-party integrations, and reward systems — all of which come with risks: Compliance with GDPR, PCI DSS, and other security standards. Avoiding legal gray zones that might categorize features as gambling. Preventing fraud — for example, users exploiting referral programs or faking activity. The key is finding a balance: gamification must be ethical, transparent, and legally sound — for both users and the business. Balancing fun with real financial value Gamification should never turn your app into a game for the sake of fun. The focus should always be on helping users manage money better — not just chasing badges or levels. Non-intrusive integration Gamification elements should be optional. Users should still be able to use all core features without them. But if done well, those features will be appealing enough that users want to opt in. Ideally, gamification acts as a supportive nudge — not a requirement for basic functionality. Responsibility over excitement One of the biggest mistakes is using addictive or gambling-like mechanics. Lotteries and 'easy win' rewards can create dangerous illusions of fast money. Instead, good gamification builds responsible financial habits: saving, paying on time, budgeting, sticking to goals. It's not about entertainment — it's about making the hard stuff easier and more enjoyable. Gamification as a tool for social impact Another emerging trend: using gamification to promote positive change. Some fintech apps now plant trees for every transaction, run green team challenges, or reward conscious consumption. These examples show that gamification can do more than boost engagement — it can shape better financial behavior, both for individuals and communities. Will gamification become a must-have for every fintech product? Not necessarily. In B2B products or high-end financial services, gamification might feel out of place or even reduce perceived value. But for mass-market users — especially Gen Z and millennials — interactivity, personalization, and light gamification are quickly becoming the new normal. The future of gamification in fintech Gamification is already a powerful user engagement tool. In the near future, it will become even more embedded in financial products, powered by AI. AI will enable hyper-personalized challenges, while chatbots will act as financial coaches. But the core principle won't change: make sure your mechanics serve a purpose. Don't gamify just because it's trendy — do it because it works.
