News
YouTube announced on Tuesday it is planning to roll out a new age-estimation technology that will identify users under the age of 18. The new feature is intended to protect young teens from harmful content, the company says.
Powered by artificial intelligence, the tool will be able to assess a person’s age based on the types of videos they’ve watched, the categories of the videos, and how long the person has had their account — regardless of the birthday associated with it, James Beser, director of product management at YouTube, said in a statement on the platform’s blog.
If the technology identifies a person as under 18, it will take extra steps to regulate their content by disabling personalized advertising and limiting repetitive views of certain kinds of content, among other things. If YouTube incorrectly determines someone’s age, the user can upload a form of identification to fix the error.
“We will only allow users who have been inferred or verified as over 18 to view age-restricted content that may be inappropriate for younger users,” YouTube said in the blog post.
About
Source: Gemini AI Overview
Core functions and features
- User Profiles
Individuals and organizations create digital identities, sharing personal or professional information, interests, and activities. - Content Sharing
Users create and share diverse content, including text, photos, videos, and live streams. - Networking
Platforms enable users to connect with others (friends, family, colleagues, or like-minded individuals) by following, friending, or joining groups and communities. - Interaction
Users engage with content and each other through liking, commenting, messaging, and sharing. - News Feeds
Platforms offer personalized streams of updates and content from connected users and followed accounts. - Real-time Communication
Many platforms offer features like instant messaging, audio, and video calls for direct communication
Evolution and types
Social media has evolved significantly, from early online forums and messaging systems to today’s diverse range of platforms. Different platforms cater to various needs and user demographics.
- Social Networking Sites
Focus on building personal and professional connections, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. - Media Sharing Networks
Emphasize sharing images, videos, and live streams, exemplified by Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. - Microblogging Platforms: Center around short-form content and rapid information sharing, like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads.
- Discussion and Community Forums
Facilitate conversations, Q&A, and niche community engagement, including Reddit and Discord. - Professional Networking Platforms
Primarily used for professional connections and career development, such as LinkedIn.
Impact on society
- Communication
Facilitates instant global communication and connection, bridging geographical distances. - Information Dissemination
Enables quick sharing of news and information, including during emergencies. - Community Building
Fosters online communities based on shared interests, providing support and connection. - Marketing and Business
Offers powerful tools for advertising, branding, customer engagement, and e-commerce. - Social and Political Movements
Can amplify voices, raise awareness, and mobilize support for various causes.
Challenges
Social media presents several key challenges for individuals and businesses, including declining engagement, content creation difficulties, and the need to adapt to evolving trends. Other significant hurdles involve managing multiple platforms, understanding target audiences, and proving the return on investment (ROI) of social media efforts.
Initial Source for content: Gemini AI Overview 7/23/25
[Enter your questions, feedback & content (e.g. blog posts, Google Slide or Word docs, YouTube videos) on the key issues and challenges related to this post in the “Comment” section below. Post curators will review your comments & content and decide where and how to include it in this section.]
Here’s a more detailed look at the challenges
Falling Engagement Rates
Organic reach and engagement are declining, making it harder to connect with audiences. Content Creation
Generating fresh, engaging content that resonates with target audiences is a constant challenge. Managing Multiple Platforms
Keeping up with the nuances of different platforms and their algorithms is time-consuming. Staying Ahead of Trends
Social media trends are constantly evolving, requiring quick adaptation and content updates. Understanding Target Audience
Reaching the right people with the right message requires in-depth audience knowledge. Demonstrating ROI
Proving the value of social media marketing to stakeholders is crucial but can be difficult. Responding to Negative Feedback
Effectively managing and responding to negative comments and reviews is vital for maintaining a positive online presence. Time Management
Juggling multiple platforms, content creation, and engagement can be overwhelming. Authenticity and Brand Voice
Maintaining a consistent and authentic brand voice across all platforms is important. Competition
The social media landscape is crowded, making it challenging to stand out from the competition.
- Information Overload
The sheer volume of content on social media can make it difficult to filter out what’s relevant. - Privacy Concerns
Data security and privacy are growing concerns for users and businesses. - Social Media Addiction
Excessive social media use can lead to negative impacts on mental health and productivity. - Lack of Connection Across Departments
Poor communication between departments can hinder social media efforts. - Unrealistic Expectations
Setting achievable goals and expectations for social media campaigns is important.
Innovations
Social media, while offering benefits like connectivity and self-expression, presents significant challenges requiring innovative solutions across various domains.
Initial Source for content: Gemini AI Overview 7/23/25
[Enter your questions, feedback & content (e.g. blog posts, Google Slide or Word docs, YouTube videos) on innovative research related to this post in the “Comment” section below. Post curators will review your comments & content and decide where and how to include it in this section.]
1. Privacy and data security
- Algorithmic Transparency
Research explores how algorithms collect, process, and use user data, with proposals advocating for increased transparency and explainability in their operation to ensure fairness and prevent manipulation. - Data Protection
Studies examine the efficacy of existing data protection measures, including privacy settings and terms of service, and advocate for stronger regulation to safeguard user data from misuse by platforms and third parties. - User Control
Innovations focus on empowering users with greater control over their data, including privacy settings and options for managing information shared with applications and advertisers.
2. Misinformation and disinformation
- Detection and Mitigation
Research investigates techniques for automatically identifying and flagging misinformation and disinformation, including using AI and machine learning to analyze content, sources, and dissemination patterns. - Media Literacy Initiatives
Studies emphasize the importance of educating users to critically evaluate information, identify unreliable sources, and recognize manipulation tactics employed in the spread of false content. - Fact-checking and Verification
Research explores methods for enhancing fact-checking processes, according to Civic Nebraska and The Jed Foundation, including collaborating with independent organizations and leveraging AI to streamline the process.
3. Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Detection and Intervention
Research aims to develop effective methods for detecting cyberbullying, notes UNICEF, and intervening to stop it, including using algorithms to identify abusive language and patterns of harassment. - User Empowerment
Studies highlight strategies for empowering users, especially adolescents, to respond to cyberbullying, such as blocking harassers, reporting incidents, and seeking support from trusted individuals or mental health professionals. - Platform Accountability
Research and policy discussions address the responsibility of platforms to enforce community guidelines, remove harmful content, and create safer online spaces.
4. Addiction and mental health
- Identifying Risk Factors
Research investigates factors contributing to problematic social media use and addiction, including individual vulnerabilities and algorithmic design features that promote excessive engagement. - Intervention and Treatment
Studies explore the effectiveness of various interventions, including therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT), apps for managing screen time, and digital detox programs, in addressing social media addiction and improving mental well-being. - Promoting Healthy Use
Innovations focus on designing platforms and features that promote positive mental health outcomes, including encouraging healthy social comparison, providing tools for self-regulation, and prioritizing user well-being over engagement maximization.
5. Algorithmic bias and fairness
- Bias Detection and Mitigation
Research explores how AI algorithms can perpetuate bias and discrimination in areas like content recommendations and moderation, and seeks ways to identify and mitigate these biases in algorithm design and training. - Fairness and Equity
Studies investigate the impact of algorithms on various user groups and advocate for the development of AI systems that promote fairness, equity, and equal access to information and opportunities. - Responsible AI Development
Innovations focus on ethical AI principles and frameworks for developing and deploying social media algorithms in a responsible manner that respects user rights and societal values.
Projects
The field of robotics is experiencing a boom, driven by advancements in AI, sensor technology, and manufacturing processes. This progress is being channeled into innovative projects aiming to solve critical challenges across various industries.
Initial Source for content: Gemini AI Overview 7/23/25
[Enter your questions, feedback & content (e.g. blog posts, Google Slide or Word docs, YouTube videos) on current and future projects implementing solutions to this post challenges in the “Comment” section below. Post curators will review your comments & content and decide where and how to include it in this section.]
1. Addressing labor shortages and aging populations
- Collaborative robots (cobots)
Designed to work safely alongside humans, cobots are enhancing productivity and addressing labor shortages in manufacturing and logistics. Startups like Symbio Robotics are creating cobots used by car manufacturers for tasks like final assembly. - Healthcare robots
Robots are stepping in to assist healthcare professionals in various tasks, from dispensing medication to assisting in surgeries, potentially freeing up human workers for more critical duties and patient interaction. Moxie, a cobot from Diligent Robotics, helps nurses with deliveries and non-clinical tasks. Heaxel is developing collaborative robots to assist patients in rehabilitation. - Assistive robots
Robots are also being developed to aid the elderly and disabled, providing companionship, monitoring well-being, and assisting with daily tasks.
2. Enhancing efficiency and productivity
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
AMRs are revolutionizing logistics and warehousing by independently navigating and transporting goods, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor. Boston Dynamics’ Stretch is an example of an AMR used for automated sorting in warehouses. - AI-powered autonomous robots
Integrating AI enables robots to learn from experience, optimize performance in tasks like assembly line processes or navigation in dynamic environments, and adapt to changing conditions. Tesla’s Autopilot uses 48 neural networks trained on millions of vehicles to output 1,000 distinct predictions at each timestep. Ecorobotix uses AI to identify and spray weeds with precision in agriculture. - Digital twin technology
Creating virtual environments allows companies to test and simulate robotic integration before real-world deployment, reducing errors and optimizing processes. - Predictive maintenance
AI-enabled robots can monitor equipment health and predict potential failures, minimizing downtime and optimizing operational productivity, according to the University of San Diego Online Degrees.
3. Improving safety and security
- Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) advancements
Projects like Sensory Robotics are developing safety systems that allow robots and humans to collaborate safely by tracking their movements and creating adaptive safety zones, eliminating the need for physical barriers like fences, notes the A3 Association for Advancing Automation. - Robotics cybersecurity
The increasing connectivity of robots necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches. - Secure data handling
Establishing ethical guidelines and robust security measures for data collected by robots is crucial to protecting privacy and preventing misuse.
4. Advancing environmental sustainability
- Environmental cleanup robots
Projects are exploring the use of robots for tasks like collecting plastic from oceans, planting trees, and monitoring environmental factors related to climate change. OceanOneK is an example of a robot designed for underwater exploration and potential cleanup efforts. - Sustainable manufacturing and operations
Robots are being utilized to minimize waste, improve recycling processes, and maximize energy usage in manufacturing. - Precision agriculture
Robots equipped with AI are optimizing farming practices by reducing chemical usage through precise application of fertilizers and pesticides.
5. Addressing the ethics of robotics
- Responsible AI development
Researchers and developers are focused on creating AI systems that are fair, transparent, and accountable, addressing concerns about bias and discrimination. - Ethical guidelines and regulations
Establishing clear guidelines and regulations for the development and use of robotics, encompassing aspects like safety, data privacy, accountability, and the impact on human rights and dignity, is a major focus. - Public engagement and education
Engaging the public in discussions about robotics and its implications, promoting education about the benefits and limitations of these technologies, and fostering cultural readiness for the integration of robots into society are key challenges being addressed.
6. Overcoming technological hurdles
- Robot Operating System (ROS) 2
ROS 2 is addressing limitations of the original ROS, such as single-robot focus and lack of real-time guarantees, by providing a fully distributed middleware and real-time support, enhancing scalability and reliability, notes Preprints.org. - Solving integration complexity
Developing compatible systems, leveraging expert system integrators, and utilizing digital twin technology are helping to streamline the integration of robots into existing operations. - Improving robot adaptability and dexterity
Research projects are focusing on designing multifunctional robots with human-like capabilities, particularly in areas like manipulation and gripping, to handle a wider range of tasks and environments.
News
CBS News, Mary Cunningham – July 29, 2025
YouTube announced on Tuesday it is planning to roll out a new age-estimation technology that will identify users under the age of 18. The new feature is intended to protect young teens from harmful content, the company says.
Powered by artificial intelligence, the tool will be able to assess a person’s age based on the types of videos they’ve watched, the categories of the videos, and how long the person has had their account — regardless of the birthday associated with it, James Beser, director of product management at YouTube, said in a statement on the platform’s blog.
If the technology identifies a person as under 18, it will take extra steps to regulate their content by disabling personalized advertising and limiting repetitive views of certain kinds of content, among other things. If YouTube incorrectly determines someone’s age, the user can upload a form of identification to fix the error.
“We will only allow users who have been inferred or verified as over 18 to view age-restricted content that may be inappropriate for younger users,” YouTube said in the blog post.
•
•
About
Source: Gemini AI Overview
Core functions and features
Individuals and organizations create digital identities, sharing personal or professional information, interests, and activities.
Users create and share diverse content, including text, photos, videos, and live streams.
Platforms enable users to connect with others (friends, family, colleagues, or like-minded individuals) by following, friending, or joining groups and communities.
Users engage with content and each other through liking, commenting, messaging, and sharing.
Platforms offer personalized streams of updates and content from connected users and followed accounts.
Many platforms offer features like instant messaging, audio, and video calls for direct communication
Evolution and types
Focus on building personal and professional connections, such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Emphasize sharing images, videos, and live streams, exemplified by Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Facilitate conversations, Q&A, and niche community engagement, including Reddit and Discord.
Primarily used for professional connections and career development, such as LinkedIn.
Impact on society
Facilitates instant global communication and connection, bridging geographical distances.
Enables quick sharing of news and information, including during emergencies.
Fosters online communities based on shared interests, providing support and connection.
Offers powerful tools for advertising, branding, customer engagement, and e-commerce.
Can amplify voices, raise awareness, and mobilize support for various causes.
Challenges
Social media presents several key challenges for individuals and businesses, including declining engagement, content creation difficulties, and the need to adapt to evolving trends. Other significant hurdles involve managing multiple platforms, understanding target audiences, and proving the return on investment (ROI) of social media efforts.
Initial Source for content: Gemini AI Overview 7/23/25
[Enter your questions, feedback & content (e.g. blog posts, Google Slide or Word docs, YouTube videos) on the key issues and challenges related to this post in the “Comment” section below. Post curators will review your comments & content and decide where and how to include it in this section.]
Here’s a more detailed look at the challenges
Additional Challenges
The sheer volume of content on social media can make it difficult to filter out what’s relevant.
Data security and privacy are growing concerns for users and businesses.
Excessive social media use can lead to negative impacts on mental health and productivity.
Poor communication between departments can hinder social media efforts.
Setting achievable goals and expectations for social media campaigns is important.
Innovations
Social media, while offering benefits like connectivity and self-expression, presents significant challenges requiring innovative solutions across various domains.
Initial Source for content: Gemini AI Overview 7/23/25
[Enter your questions, feedback & content (e.g. blog posts, Google Slide or Word docs, YouTube videos) on innovative research related to this post in the “Comment” section below. Post curators will review your comments & content and decide where and how to include it in this section.]
1. Privacy and data security
Research explores how algorithms collect, process, and use user data, with proposals advocating for increased transparency and explainability in their operation to ensure fairness and prevent manipulation.
Studies examine the efficacy of existing data protection measures, including privacy settings and terms of service, and advocate for stronger regulation to safeguard user data from misuse by platforms and third parties.
Innovations focus on empowering users with greater control over their data, including privacy settings and options for managing information shared with applications and advertisers.
2. Misinformation and disinformation
Research investigates techniques for automatically identifying and flagging misinformation and disinformation, including using AI and machine learning to analyze content, sources, and dissemination patterns.
Studies emphasize the importance of educating users to critically evaluate information, identify unreliable sources, and recognize manipulation tactics employed in the spread of false content.
Research explores methods for enhancing fact-checking processes, according to Civic Nebraska and The Jed Foundation, including collaborating with independent organizations and leveraging AI to streamline the process.
3. Cyberbullying and online harassment
Research aims to develop effective methods for detecting cyberbullying, notes UNICEF, and intervening to stop it, including using algorithms to identify abusive language and patterns of harassment.
Studies highlight strategies for empowering users, especially adolescents, to respond to cyberbullying, such as blocking harassers, reporting incidents, and seeking support from trusted individuals or mental health professionals.
Research and policy discussions address the responsibility of platforms to enforce community guidelines, remove harmful content, and create safer online spaces.
4. Addiction and mental health
Research investigates factors contributing to problematic social media use and addiction, including individual vulnerabilities and algorithmic design features that promote excessive engagement.
Studies explore the effectiveness of various interventions, including therapy (e.g., CBT, DBT), apps for managing screen time, and digital detox programs, in addressing social media addiction and improving mental well-being.
Innovations focus on designing platforms and features that promote positive mental health outcomes, including encouraging healthy social comparison, providing tools for self-regulation, and prioritizing user well-being over engagement maximization.
5. Algorithmic bias and fairness
Research explores how AI algorithms can perpetuate bias and discrimination in areas like content recommendations and moderation, and seeks ways to identify and mitigate these biases in algorithm design and training.
Studies investigate the impact of algorithms on various user groups and advocate for the development of AI systems that promote fairness, equity, and equal access to information and opportunities.
Innovations focus on ethical AI principles and frameworks for developing and deploying social media algorithms in a responsible manner that respects user rights and societal values.
Projects
The field of robotics is experiencing a boom, driven by advancements in AI, sensor technology, and manufacturing processes. This progress is being channeled into innovative projects aiming to solve critical challenges across various industries.
Initial Source for content: Gemini AI Overview 7/23/25
[Enter your questions, feedback & content (e.g. blog posts, Google Slide or Word docs, YouTube videos) on current and future projects implementing solutions to this post challenges in the “Comment” section below. Post curators will review your comments & content and decide where and how to include it in this section.]
1. Addressing labor shortages and aging populations
Designed to work safely alongside humans, cobots are enhancing productivity and addressing labor shortages in manufacturing and logistics. Startups like Symbio Robotics are creating cobots used by car manufacturers for tasks like final assembly.
Robots are stepping in to assist healthcare professionals in various tasks, from dispensing medication to assisting in surgeries, potentially freeing up human workers for more critical duties and patient interaction. Moxie, a cobot from Diligent Robotics, helps nurses with deliveries and non-clinical tasks. Heaxel is developing collaborative robots to assist patients in rehabilitation.
Robots are also being developed to aid the elderly and disabled, providing companionship, monitoring well-being, and assisting with daily tasks.
2. Enhancing efficiency and productivity
AMRs are revolutionizing logistics and warehousing by independently navigating and transporting goods, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor. Boston Dynamics’ Stretch is an example of an AMR used for automated sorting in warehouses.
Integrating AI enables robots to learn from experience, optimize performance in tasks like assembly line processes or navigation in dynamic environments, and adapt to changing conditions. Tesla’s Autopilot uses 48 neural networks trained on millions of vehicles to output 1,000 distinct predictions at each timestep. Ecorobotix uses AI to identify and spray weeds with precision in agriculture.
Creating virtual environments allows companies to test and simulate robotic integration before real-world deployment, reducing errors and optimizing processes.
AI-enabled robots can monitor equipment health and predict potential failures, minimizing downtime and optimizing operational productivity, according to the University of San Diego Online Degrees.
3. Improving safety and security
Projects like Sensory Robotics are developing safety systems that allow robots and humans to collaborate safely by tracking their movements and creating adaptive safety zones, eliminating the need for physical barriers like fences, notes the A3 Association for Advancing Automation.
The increasing connectivity of robots necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches.
Establishing ethical guidelines and robust security measures for data collected by robots is crucial to protecting privacy and preventing misuse.
4. Advancing environmental sustainability
Projects are exploring the use of robots for tasks like collecting plastic from oceans, planting trees, and monitoring environmental factors related to climate change. OceanOneK is an example of a robot designed for underwater exploration and potential cleanup efforts.
Robots are being utilized to minimize waste, improve recycling processes, and maximize energy usage in manufacturing.
Robots equipped with AI are optimizing farming practices by reducing chemical usage through precise application of fertilizers and pesticides.
5. Addressing the ethics of robotics
Researchers and developers are focused on creating AI systems that are fair, transparent, and accountable, addressing concerns about bias and discrimination.
Establishing clear guidelines and regulations for the development and use of robotics, encompassing aspects like safety, data privacy, accountability, and the impact on human rights and dignity, is a major focus.
Engaging the public in discussions about robotics and its implications, promoting education about the benefits and limitations of these technologies, and fostering cultural readiness for the integration of robots into society are key challenges being addressed.
6. Overcoming technological hurdles
ROS 2 is addressing limitations of the original ROS, such as single-robot focus and lack of real-time guarantees, by providing a fully distributed middleware and real-time support, enhancing scalability and reliability, notes Preprints.org.
Developing compatible systems, leveraging expert system integrators, and utilizing digital twin technology are helping to streamline the integration of robots into existing operations.
Research projects are focusing on designing multifunctional robots with human-like capabilities, particularly in areas like manipulation and gripping, to handle a wider range of tasks and environments.