Theoretically, it can be 4:20 in Thailand at any time of the day now.

In a landmark move, Thailand legalized the growing and possession of cannabis. However, Thailand’s government is promoting it for medicinal use, not recreation. Yet, still a win?

Spix’s Macaws, also known as the blue Macaws, are making a comeback after being on the brink of extinction.

Conversion therapy is now BANNED in Canada.

But why are we telling you this?

Because we almost always forget to take a breather and appreciate the good stuff. Not all is morose in the world. There is hope if there is faith.

Yet, everything around us may make it seem otherwise. Whether coming from our televisions, news dailies, social media, or even in small talk, it almost looks as though we’re constantly bombarded with soul-crunching news and negativity.

It makes us wonder. Where are we primarily getting our news from?

Gone are the days when ‘word of mouth’ was the only broadcasting source. But, 64% of marketers still believe that word of mouth is the most effective tool for marketing.

Back in the day, messengers and criers were appointed to carry “hot goss” to neighboring lands. It encouraged trade, travel, and boosted marketplaces. Unfortunately, people gravitated primarily to two topics – sex and violence. It’s almost as though we’ve only got an appetite for something scandalous. Centuries later, nothing seems to have changed. Except for the way we receive our news.

From the first known newspapers to have appeared in Beijing sometime during the 8th Century to America’s first newspaper release in Boston in 1690 to now consuming our news on our smartphones, we’ve certainly come a long way. We’ve got the internet, the lightning speed of innovation, and incredible UI to thank.

86% of Americans get their news from a smartphone, computer, or tablet. While CNN.com enjoys 215 million unique visitors monthly, the New York Times saw a 30% increase in unique visits, bringing 355.5 million visitors to the website in April 2022, placing it in second place. The unprecedented growth is mainly attributed to the Wordle acquisition. Msn.com, Foxnews.com, and News.google.com follow in the third, fourth, and fifth spots.

A study reveals that 71% get some of their news inputs from social media platforms. An article published by the Reuter’s Institute states that Facebook users are typically older than 45. While it’s widely recognized as one of the most common platforms where people come across news, it’s not where people intentionally seek it.

On the other hand, Twitter is where most people go actively in search of news. Most journalists and politicians are active on Twitter as it’s a quick way to “break” the news, with millions glued in. While 280 characters may not seem much, it’s enough to get a conversation rolling worldwide. Other social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are broadly still used for entertainment. But, maybe only by the oldies.

78% of teens aged 13-17 felt the need to keep abreast of current events. 54% of them get their news from social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, while 50% turn to YouTube. How we view news on different platforms, differ, too. For instance, users in the United States say they are more likely to pay attention to credible sources like journalists or mainstream media on Facebook and Twitter. In contrast, attention is split on YouTube among journalists, celebrities, and even ordinary people. Why, Then, Do People Flock to Twitter or Facebook for News?

Because remarkable UX design.

Twitter’s intuitive UI understands UX design at the core. We no longer have time to sit and read a paper or a long article. Nor do we have the attention span. Twitter enables bite-sized news – here’s everything you need to know in 280 characters or less. Now, you can go about your day, re-tweet it because you feel involved, or explore more because the Tweet has left the door open just a crack.

How did Twitter do it?

They facilitated a way for everyone to build a brand. One could share their thoughts, views, and even news by being a ‘regular’. The platform also offers choices. You can Tweet with accompanying images, GIFS, polls, and even share a location.

One second you could be a nobody, and in another, with a news-worthy Tweet, you could be driving social impact and change.

Twitter also facilitates conversations with Live spaces. It’s now providing value by offering something different.

Its UI is a masterclass in UX design.

The icons are unambiguous and descriptive. The profile and home page are well categorized for clarity in flow and navigation.

And, most importantly, it follows Dieter Rams’ principle, “Good design is as little design as possible.” The platform is minimalistic, with a plain white background punctuated by blue text. At its heart, exceptional UI isn’t just about what’s visually appealing. Instead, it’s about fulfilling a basic need.

One thing is clear.

News is easier to consume when presented in different formats. It’s almost as if we are better able to digest it.

This could mean short clips, carousel posts, asking for opinions or even controversial statements. People are instantly interested in knowing more when news isn't presented as a full-fledged long read. That is why Facebook works too! Therefore, we seek news there.

Either in a series of picture posts, videos long or short, advertisements, and long copies accompanying video snippets and pictures, Facebook has now become a platform to share news rather than a community of “Friends” or “People You May Know”.

Unlike regular news channels, social media platforms enjoy the added advantage of controlling the mix of news people see daily. 88% of Americans recognized this, but 62% of the population also thought that was a problem and that social media companies, perhaps, have too much control.

Surprisingly, there are two other reasons why people seek news on social media: a) It's inevitable. More and more news organizations depend on social media to spread the word. People don't need to invest in the news coverage if they get the social media brief. Unfortunately, it promotes an agenda.

b) All newspapers are neutral in any news coverage. While you may not see bias on the actual pages of the newspaper, on social media, you’ll find it aplenty. Especially when it covers religion, killing, the government, and politics. News spreads like wildfire on Facebook, primarily because we can’t help but offer our unsolicited two cents on the matter. After all, it’s your wall, your account. Why shouldn’t you? Boom! One post and soon, many others are either sharing or responding to it. Most importantly, the post elicits a response.

While reading an article on a news website, there’s not much one can do but share it. But on social media platforms, one can spark conversations. So, should it come as any surprise that we throng to it for our daily dose of what’s happening in the world? Whether it’s news, the latest celebrity gossip, or a journal that one is trying to access – any of these can reach wider audiences when presented keeping the user’s needs in mind.

Not only does the interface need to be simple and useful, but it also needs to be aesthetically pleasing too. At Pepper Square, it’s what we do best. Come, learn our secrets.