LinkedInfluence - Microsoft's Goldmine

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LinkedIn might not be the first platform that comes to mind when thinking about social media’s dominance, but its mix of job postings, unsolicited career advice, and networking—both valuable and cringe-worthy—has quietly turned it into a financial powerhouse for Microsoft.

In 2024, LinkedIn generated $16.4 billion in revenue, surpassing the combined earnings of The New York Times, DocuSign, and Zoom. This surge was fueled by record-high engagement, a growing base of Gen Z users, and millions of professionals willing to pay for premium features—particularly for that coveted gold “in” badge. Gen Z is flocking to LinkedIn, the platform’s appeal varies across different income groups, and millions of Americans remain hooked—even on weekends and holidays.

LinkedUp

With more and more people dipping their toes into remote working, definitions of what’s socially acceptable to share at work are also changing. It’s this interplay between generations and workforces (work-from-home vs. work-from-office), and the fact that some make serious money from the platform, that makes LinkedIn — for lack of a better word — weird. Some people want to log on to find a job. Some want to find new clients. Some want to hire someone. Some want to sarcastically comment on a coworker’s promotion. Some want to snoop on their colleagues. Some just want to play “Queens” for 10 minutes on their lunch break. I have even been asked by friends to look people up on the platform before they go on a date, to see what their potential Romeo or Juliet does for a living.

But if weird is the first accusation that springs to mind for a social platform, Microsoft execs probably won’t mind too much as they count the $16 billion a year in revenue that the platform brings in.

Why People are Wearing Apple Watches on Their Ankles?

A growing community of Apple Watch users has embraced an unconventional approach, moving their devices from wrists to ankles. Whether due to small wrists, workplace restrictions, skin sensitivities, or a need for more accurate fitness tracking, many have found that ankle placement offers a practical solution. Online forums and social media platforms are filled with discussions on the best straps to use and how the change improves workout data. What began as an individual workaround has evolved into a widespread trend, adopted by fitness enthusiasts, medical professionals, and avid step counters alike.

Among them is fitness influencer Ana Espinal, who has garnered over 80,000 TikTok followers. Struggling with her watch failing to register her heart rate during workouts, she turned to online communities for a fix and discovered the ankle-wearing trend. After securing her watch with a Velcro strap from Marshalls, she found an immediate solution. Now, she frequently shares her experience on social media, highlighting how this once-niche hack is gaining traction.

Trump to Impose 25% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum Imports from all Countries - which country gets affected the most?

The proposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, expected to be announced by Donald Trump, would have significant consequences for major metal-exporting nations. Countries like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea, which are among the largest suppliers of steel and aluminum to the U.S., would be hit hardest by these measures. Canada, in particular, as the top supplier of both metals to the U.S., would face economic strain, while Mexico and Brazil—key exporters of semi-finished steel products—could see disruptions in their trade flows. South Korea, a major supplier of specialty steel, may also experience a sharp impact, potentially straining its trade relationship with the U.S.

Beyond these key exporters, the tariffs could have ripple effects on global trade, with European and Asian manufacturers also feeling the pressure. Germany and Japan, which supply high-value steel products used in the auto and machinery industries, may face higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market. Meanwhile, China, despite not being a top direct supplier to the U.S. due to existing restrictions, could still see indirect effects as global supply chains adjust. As steel and aluminum costs rise, industries reliant on these materials—such as construction, automobiles, and manufacturing—may pass on the increased costs to consumers, further intensifying economic tensions.

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