Umpf / Blog / Friday Social: Facebook Launches Libra, Love Islanders Gain Fake Followers And Trump’s Twitter Blunder

Friday Social: Facebook Launches Libra, Love Islanders Gain Fake Followers And Trump’s Twitter Blunder

  • Social Media

Our #FridaySocial is a weekly round-up of the key social media news stories from the previous seven days.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments or via Twitter – @Umpf

Facebook’s Long-Awaited ‘Libra’ Launch

This week Facebook finally announced the launch of its hotly-anticipated cryptocurrency, Libra.

Users of the new digital currency will be able to buy or cash out the currency online, while spending will be made possible by wallet apps.

Rolling out alongside the bitcoin is Facebook’s own Calibra wallet which can be used to save, send and spend Libra – and will be built into Whatsapp, Messenger and be available as a standalone app.

Facebook’s new subsidiary company, Calibra, promises to handle crypto dealings whilst protecting users’ privacy by ensuring Libra payments are never mingled with Facebook data.

Fake Followers For Love Island Instagrammers

A report by Instagram influencer marketing service, Takumi, has revealed that up to 65% of the current Love Island contestants’ following could be fake.

The activity, engagement and profiles of each contestants’ followers were assessed, revealing huge numbers of fake accounts.

The accounts of Amber Gillan and Jordan Hames topped the list, both with 65% fake followers, while Maura Higgins’ 45% fake following was reportedly the lowest.

Contestants’ followers have sky-rocketed since appearing on the reality show, granting them ‘influencer’ status – but Takumi are now urging brands to consider who they work with as following does not equate to real influence.

Twitter Removes GeoTagging Tool

Announced by @TwitterSupport, this week Twitter revealed it will remove the feature that lets you tag a precise location to your tweet, simply because no one uses it.

Ten years since the original introduction of the tool in 2009, Twitter said its removal will ‘simplify Tweeting experience’.

Rest assured, you’ll still be able to tag a precise location when sharing photos, through Twitter’s updated camera – so you can still make humble brags about your globetrotting this summer.

Instagram Turns Blue

Many Instagram users have turned their profile pictures blue this week, as a sign of support and solidarity with Sudan, which is facing a national crisis.

People all over the world are using the platform as a tool after campaigners urged users to change their profile photos in an effort to ‘paint Sudan blue’ and spread international awareness.

The campaign has been supported by celebrities – including Demi Lovato, Naomi Campbell and Jessie J.

And Finally…

US President Donald Trump visited the UK last week and (of course) tweeted about it.

His tweet gave mentions to his meetings with the Prime Minister, Her Majesty The Queen, and – wait for it – the ‘Prince of Whales’.

Trump’s misspelling of the official title of the Queen’s eldest son sent Twitter into meltdown – here’s just a few of our favourite responses: