In case you missed it, The Boys launched its fourth season on June 13, 2024, beginning with three episodes, followed by weekly releases, and culminating in a thrilling season finale on July 18. This eight-episode season is available exclusively on Prime Video, so if you’ve fallen behind, you don’t want to stay in the dark for too much longer because we’re in for a major new season.

In the new season, we see the world teetering on the edge of chaos. Victoria Neuman is nearing the Oval Office, manipulated by Homelander, who is consolidating his dominance. Meanwhile, Butcher, with limited time left to live, has lost Becca’s son and his leadership of The Boys. The remaining team members are disillusioned with his deceit. As tensions rise, they must unite to save the world from imminent disaster.

At this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego, the cast and crew of The Boys brought the energy to the room and kicked off their Hall H panel with a lively, satirical performance that featured the show’s very own Jessie T. Usher (A-Train/Reggie Franklin). Eric Kripke, along with stars Antony Starr (Homelander), Erin Moriarty (Starlight), Valorie Curry (Firecracker), Nathan Mitchell (Black Noir), and more, also shared their personal favorite (and wildest) moments from the series. They highlighted their complex character developments, particularly the evolving relationships seen which came to shape their actions in the latest season and, possibly, future motivations.

Key themes discussed included the increasing conflict between the superheroes and the narrative is set to delve deeper into the corruption and moral ambiguities that define the show’s universe. Kripke hinted at new alliances and betrayals, promising unexpected twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

In a surprise reveal, Jensen Ackles sent fans into a wild frenzy as he was announced as the latest series regular joining the cast.

After he graced the stage and joined his castmates, Jensen revealed that he would be headlining in a new spinoff series, Vought Rising alongside Aya Cash, who will reprise her role as Stormfront. In a recent press release, Eric Kripke has described the prequel series as “a twisted murder mystery about the origins of Vought in the 1950s, the early exploits of Soldier Boy, and the diabolical maneuvers of a Supe known to fans as Stormfront, who was then going by the name Clara Vought.”

To top it all off, fans were treated to a sneak preview for the upcoming season of Gen V, showcasing the saga’s trademark blend of intense action and embattling moments! 

Did this Hall H panel leave us wanting more?

It’s safe to say that The Boys Hall H panel highlighted the show’s continued evolution and its commitment to pushing boundaries, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this groundbreaking series.

The post #SDCC24: Prime Video’s ‘The Boys’ Returns Wilder Than Ever appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

What are some of the major themes to be expected?

Well, if you thought Season 1’s finale had you on the edge of your seat, you must watch the latest trailer that was revealed at the panel event. If one thing is certain, it’s that audiences will be taken through a darker exploration of Middle-earth.

Not only does this season promise to be darker, but it is already gearing up to be more intense as it dives deeper into the rise of Sauron, portrayed by Charlie Vickers. Fans were treated to glimpses of Sauron’s character development, showcasing his transformation from a cunning deceiver to the formidable Dark Lord. The showrunners emphasized that viewers will also see Middle-earth through Sauron’s eyes, exploring his motivations and the chilling strategies he employs to spread his influence across the land.

And what of our warrior queen, Galadriel?

As we witnessed in the last season, Morfydd Clark’s portrayal of Galadriel continues to evolve along her path to redemption, with Clark revealing significant growth for her character. Having been deceived by Sauron, Galadriel will grapple in Season 2 with the knowledge of Sauron’s return as well as her role to lead the fight against him and redeem her wrongs.

The panelists discussed her internal conflict and the burden of leadership she carries, hinting at a more profound exploration of her strengths and vulnerabilities. Exclusive footage showed Galadriel in various landscapes, from the ethereal forests of Lothlórien to the battle-scarred plains of Middle-earth, underscoring her journey as both a warrior and a leader.

Speaking of conflict, viewers may remember that we saw the Elven King Gil-galad come to odds with Galadriel and Elrond amid rising dark forces throughout the season. Played by Benjamin Walker, his character also took center stage during the panel. Walker shared that as the ruler of the Elves, Gil-galad faces immense pressure to unite the free peoples of Middle-earth against the growing threat of Sauron. The panel revealed that Season 2 will delve into his diplomatic and strategic efforts, highlighting the challenges he faces in maintaining alliances while preparing for war. 

Lastly, attendees were given the pleasure of a second sneak peek with exclusive clips that showcased the visual grandeur, behind the scenes crafting of the legendary rings with Charles Edwards, and epic scale of the upcoming season. 

During the live audience Q&A, showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay reiterated their commitment to honoring Tolkien’s legacy while introducing fresh elements to captivate modern audiences. The panelists also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew, praising their dedication to bringing the world of Middle-earth to life.

All in all, the energy in Hall H was palpable, with fans expressing their enthusiasm through cheers and applause with a fervor that rang of optimism and increased fan support vs. the overwhelming criticism and skepticism that challenged season one.  

We can’t wait to dive into season two of The Rings of Power as it promises to be a thrilling continuation of the epic saga. With its rich character development, compelling storyline, and stunning visuals, it is set to captivate audiences and deepen their love for Tolkien’s timeless world. 

The countdown to the August 29 premiere has begun, and fans are eagerly awaiting the return to Middle-earth. Be sure to watch our press line interviews with the cast on BGN’s YouTube channel.

The post #SDCC24: ‘Rings of Power’ Thrills Fans at Comic-Con Hall H Panel appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

In her most recent Netflix comedy special, Wanda Sykes: I’m an Entertainer, the comedic virtuoso fearlessly takes on the often taboo subject of menopause, turning what could be a somber topic into a laugh-out-loud journey through the highs and lows of this natural stage of life.

Sykes’ approach to menopause is nothing short of a comedic masterpiece, providing audiences with a refreshing and relatable perspective on a topic that has been historically shrouded in silence. As she delves into the trials and tribulations of this transformative phase, Sykes effortlessly weaves personal anecdotes, societal observations, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor into a comedic tapestry that resonates with audiences of all ages.

One of Sykes’ comedic strengths lies in her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply human level. In I’m an Entertainer, she fearlessly shares her own experiences with menopause, creating a space where women, and even men, can find solace and laughter in the face of a shared yet often overlooked aspect of life. She poignantly points out the vast array of healthcare solutions and pharmaceutical ads geared towards men’s health issues that primarily teeter on vanity aesthetics and men’s personal insecurities.

Meanwhile, as a result of an industry that’s run by men and dominated by men, women continue to get the short end of the stick with virtually no solutions to help with a host of women’s healthcare problems that have been continuously swept under the rug for decades.

The comedienne even goes so far as to quip, “I don’t wish, I pray that men would get a little menopause because maybe they’ll finally find something to help us!” Sykes navigates the comedy frontier of menopause with a wit that is uniquely hers, transforming potentially awkward moments into uproarious tales that transcend gender and generational gaps.

What makes Sykes’ take on menopause stand out is her unwavering commitment to authenticity. She refuses to sugarcoat the experience, addressing the physical and emotional roller coaster that many women face during this transitional period, especially Black women. Through her comedic lens, she manages to extract humor from hot flashes, mood swings, and sleepless nights, transforming what could be perceived as challenges into moments of comedic gold. Sykes doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable; instead, she embraces it, inviting her audience to laugh along with her at the absurdity of life’s inevitable changes.

In I’m an Entertainer, Sykes cleverly dismantles societal expectations surrounding menopause. She challenges stereotypes and sheds light on the misconceptions that often surround this natural phase of life. By doing so, she empowers women to embrace their experiences and find humor in the shared struggles that accompany menopause. Sykes’ comedic brilliance lies not only in her ability to make people laugh but also in her capacity to spark conversations that challenge societal norms and foster a sense of community.

Beyond the laughter, Sykes takes a moment to reflect on the broader implications of menopause, addressing the societal dismissal of older women. Through her humor, she challenges the ageist attitudes that persist in the entertainment industry and society at large. Sykes uses her platform not only to entertain but also to advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society — one where women of all ages are celebrated rather than sidelined.

I’m an Entertainer showcases Sykes at the height of her comedic prowess. Her delivery is flawless, her timing impeccable, and her ability to engage the audience unparalleled. As she shares her insights on menopause, Sykes invites viewers into her world with a warmth that transcends the screen. It’s a masterclass in comedic storytelling, where every punchline is a carefully crafted gem that leaves the audience in stitches.

In an industry often dominated by male voices, Wanda Sykes stands as a beacon of empowerment for women. Through her comedy, she dismantles stereotypes, challenges societal norms, and encourages women to find strength in their unique experiences. I’m an Entertainer is not just a comedy special; it’s a celebration of resilience, self-acceptance, and the unyielding power of laughter.

In conclusion, Wanda Sykes’ take on menopause in I’m an Entertainer is a triumph of comedy and authenticity. With her unparalleled wit and fearless approach, Sykes transforms a potentially daunting topic into a sidesplitting journey that resonates with audiences far and wide.

 In the realm of comedy, Sykes remains a trailblazer, using her humor not only to entertain but also to challenge societal norms and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting world. 

Wanda Sykes: I’m an Entertainer is streaming on Netflix.

The post Wanda Sykes: Navigating the Funny Side of Menopause in ‘I’m an Entertainer’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Not only that, this is typically the time of year when many consider starting a new business, which may seem like a daunting challenge.

But, the reality is that starting isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. Yes, it can be a challenging experience, but it can also be the push you need to contribute meaningfully and do business on your own terms. Plus, you’ve got a powerful weapon at your disposal  —  the internet!

The digital landscape has transformed the business world, offering entrepreneurs unprecedented opportunities.

First things first: You have to wrap your head around your business idea. If you don’t really have a strong sense of what your own business has to offer, neither will a client or new customer. Today, our attention span can hardly surpass five seconds, so it’s critical that you be succinct and clear in your pitch. Whether it’s selling artisanal pickle-flavored ice cream (yep, you read that right) or offering virtual coaching sessions, uniqueness is your best friend. Let’s dive in, shall we?

In this article, we’ll go over some of the resources available at your disposal right now that can position you well amongst your competition and fast-track your business planning.

AI: Your Robot Butler

In 2024, AI is no longer just science fiction. It’s rapidly becoming the go-to sidekick for small businesses and personal daily needs.

Artificial intelligence has gone from spelling out grocery lists to running vastly complex operations. AI-driven chatbots can provide excellent customer service, while machine learning helps you analyze data faster than you can say “Big Data.”

Social Media: The High-Octane Marketing Engine

What’s the fastest way to get your business idea or startup noticed? Social media!

In 2024, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become innovative marketing tools. You can target your ads precisely, create immersive AR experiences, and even host virtual events with your subscribers or online community.

The key is to engage your audience, and there’s no better way to do that than through authenticity and a bit of humor. Post quirky memes, funny videos, and witty content that resonates with your brand.

Community Engagement: Your Loyal Army of Supporters

Gone are the days of shouting into the void. In 2024, it’s all about building a community.

Through interactive forums and subscription offerings such as Patreon or Instagram subscriptions, you can build a loyal army of supporters who are aligned with your mission.

Adaptability: The Survival Superpower

If we learned anything in 2023, it’s that the world isn’t static.

It’s a fast-paced roller coaster with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. To survive and thrive, you need to be able to adapt.

In fact, the most successful entrepreneurs are not only those who can keep their heads above water and stay focused on their goal but also who can take into account the state of their changing environment.

In other words, learn how to gauge the economy and market of your industry, study trends, and adapt to consumer behaviors.

Honesty: Your North Star

In this exciting journey, honesty remains your guiding principle.

Be transparent about your products or services, own up to your mistakes with a chuckle, and deliver what you promise. Your customers will appreciate the honesty (seriously).

And the biggest part of becoming successful? Getting organized! Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of starting a business, but make sure you have a clear, outlined business plan and strategy to keep you accountable. 

Finally, starting a business in 2024 may have its quirks, but that’s what makes it an exhilarating adventure. Challenge yourself to learn how to use AI, leverage social media, and build a thriving community.

Now, go forth, you pioneer! The year has only just begun, so there’s plenty of time to make it count. Remember, the new year is an open door waiting for you to fully step into it with your best foot forward. To do that, you must prepare and give space to the things that bring you joy! (Yes, Marie Kondo taught me well.)

So, what gets you excited? What is calling you? Recognizing this is the first step, channeling your passion in the right direction is the next. Onwards and upwards, my friends!

The post How to Start a Business in 2024 appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

This reality couldn’t be any truer for small businesses and entrepreneurs. As these groups continue to navigate a volatile market, many are searching for innovative solutions, like artificial intelligence (AI), to drive growth and stay afloat during this period of economic hardship.

As explained by TechTarget, “Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Specific applications of AI include expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine vision.”

It is important to note that the field of AI isn’t exactly a new concept, but it is evolving — rapidly.

In case you missed it, AI software like ChatGPT is becoming increasingly popular, and it has set forth a new AI arms race as tech giants (e.g., Google, Microsoft) dive into leading the next big thing in tech automation. 

Now, here’s a GIF of Bill Gates dabbing for AI! Jkjkjk, he’s just dabbing…kinda? Not really.

It’s also leveraging the playing field when it comes to growth strategy. Take marketing, for example. Marketing is a critical component of any business’s growth strategy, but it can be challenging to identify the most effective marketing channels. Fortunately, AI-powered tools can help businesses optimize their marketing efforts by analyzing customer data and providing insights into customer behavior.

For example, an AI-powered tool can analyze customer data to identify patterns in customer behavior and preferences. As a result, this can help small businesses identify which products or services are most popular among their customers, as well as which marketing channels are most effective at driving sales.

Therefore, one can only imagine how eager big corporations are to use AI in aiding their global expansion, but what about the little guys?

How do small businesses and entrepreneurs feel about AI? After all, the pandemic forever altered the ways in which we work, communicate, and engage. Therefore, it is plausible — in fact, indisputable — that AI will impact the future of work as well.

Yet, the bigger question remains: Will this emerging industry pose more of a challenge or an opportunity for small businesses?

We recently caught up with Rebecca St. Aime, founder of Rele m ‘bèl, to learn how AI has impacted her natural luxury skincare business day to day. Check out the interview below.

When you first caught wind of all the buzz about the recent developments in artificial intelligence, what initially came to mind? 

Honestly, I’m always looking forward to new innovation and new ways to support my life and businesses. As a sole proprietor, I am the team, so I was initially curious. I became more excited the more I learned about AI.

What made you decide to utilize AI for your business, and what do you use it for currently? 

At heart, I am creative. I typically have several ideas and businesses that I’m working on scaling at a time. While I love bringing all my ideas to fruition, the truth is entrepreneurship is tiring, especially when you don’t have a full team and are responsible for all the things: marketing, creation, branding, packaging, etc. I’ve primarily been utilizing AI as my assistant for content planning on different platforms. However, I’m looking forward to utilizing it for automation as well. 

Would you say that AI has improved or regressed the state of your day-to-day business? 

I’d definitely say that it has improved the state of my day-to-day operations. I think regardless of what industry your business is in or the industry you work in, AI is here to stay and will only evolve. I suggest more people find a way to adapt it into their work and make it work for them. I say that with the consideration that the future of AI will likely displace several blue-collar work positions (mine included); therefore, I’m utilizing it to optimize the work I’m doing in my 9-to-5 as well as to assist me in scaling my business. 

Are there any concerns that you have about AI right now or in the future?

My biggest concern is that the writing is on the wall and a large population won’t read it or have the foresight to consider the impact AI will have on us. If you are in a field that could probably be done by a robot — quicker, more efficiently, and at a lower cost — you should be planning for what’s to come. 

Would you recommend that other small businesses and entrepreneurs incorporate AI in their business strategy? Which businesses could benefit the most from AI? 

I 100% suggest small businesses and entrepreneurs find a way to incorporate AI into their business strategies. Make a list of all the things you do for a business and filter through the tasks that you could probably have an assistant do, and look for AI tools that could assist you and fill in that gap. It’ll alleviate the pressure of having to do everything along with giving business owners and entrepreneurs the space to be more creative and focus on the work they love.

You read it here first! Overall, AI can enable small businesses to become more efficient, effective, and competitive in today’s digital economy. From streamlining operations to optimizing marketing, it looks like artificial intelligence not only is here to stay but will continue to become more advanced in its capabilities. 

The post How Small Businesses Are Using AI to Get Ahead appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

After purchasing and running a cat café for a few years, Kat decides she needs some time away to reset. After a few months of traveling the world, she returns feeling refreshed and ready to ascertain what she wants from life and whether her future includes a journey to motherhood. While she was away, Randi and Phil kept the café afloat and decided to make a few changes. Randi is still dating Carter, who runs the local watering hole next door, but Randi’s newfound love for her work is straining their relationship.

Kyla Pratt, who plays Randi, returns to her role opposite Mayim Bialik in the hit comedy. She recently also guest-starred on FOX’s drama series Fantasy Island. Recently, Black Girl Nerds video interviewed Kyla about returning to the role in addition to how the collaborative dynamic of Hollywood has changed throughout her career.

We’re excited to be chatting with the legendary Kyla Pratt! You’re such an icon! For many of us growing up, there weren’t many actors who mirrored young Black girls on the big screen. You truly held it down for us for over two decades. You have been an integral part of shaping and leading representation for Black actresses in film and television, so just know that we see you and we salute you!

Aww, thank you so, so much! 

As we know the season finale of Call Me Kat is right around the corner. Can you believe it’s already Season 3? 

Time has flown but so much has happened. A lot of us feel like we lost two years during the pandemic. To start this show during that time — I’m fortunate enough to get to do what I love to do and have my little escape. In turn, we were able to help people have an escape when they tuned into the show too. Ending Season 3 is wild because we always end the season with hug. We hope to see each other outside of work, but we also hope to see each other back in the same building to create the same magic. It’s an amazing experience to be a part of a family.

Your character is an aspiring artist who keeps it real. She’s a hard worker, and she’s super relatable. Tell us about your journey in bringing Randi to life. What did you look forward to the most when developing the character this season?

It was difficult because when we first started. We had to wear masks/shields and we couldn’t be within six feet of each other. So, it’s hard to develop a character when you can’t see someone’s face or when you’re trying to understand how this person moves and what they do. You don’t want to give the character just anything, you know? I wanted to give Randi the truth of who she really is, which is why it was hard for all of us at first. 

Then as we got closer and as the masks started to come off, we were our own little pod. We were with our families, but we were with each other at the same time. It gave us a little more freedom. I think the writers have done an excellent job with bringing our characters to life and giving us the fuel that we needed.

There were even times people would give me lines and I’d be like, “Hmm, Randi wouldn’t say that, can I switch it? I gotta flip it!” Luckily, I’m a part of a team that is comfortable with me doing that because it’s a collaboration. We collaborate. That’s what I love about what I do for a living because we all need each other. When you watch the TV show, there are writers, producers, directors, set decorators, wardrobe stylists, and PAs. We all need each other to make this possible, and that’s what I love about the energy of our set. Also, anyone who comes to visit our set is like, “I never want to leave!” That’s how we feel being there. So, hopefully we get to continue to give people the energy that we have the past three years.

One thing that stands out about this cast is that the audience can feel a real sense of comradery. When it comes to driving inclusivity and fostering diverse collaboration, how does this show set itself apart?

In this show, you have people who are from different parts of the country and the world. We also come from different backgrounds within the industry. You have a Broadway Tony-award winning actor, sitcom child stars, and you even have Julian Gant who started acting in his twenties, so you truly see all these different, talented people coming together on screen. One of my favorite things about the show is watching it and seeing that within that diversity, there’s also similarities. We’re all human beings who can gel together and have fun. 

Mayim is someone who grew up in a different way than a lot of people would expect, and she had parents who were very conscious. Sometimes, she thinks about certain things before I do. She was someone who called me before we even started filming to talk about having a hair stylist and makeup artist I felt comfortable with as a Black woman and who Julian felt comfortable with as a Black man. Having those conversations makes our show so unique. I never really had that opportunity in other spaces that I can remember. Simple things like making sure that our background actors are diverse and look like normal people, prioritizing diversity in the mix of our directors and writers — I love what our show is doing.

As an industry veteran, you’ve been on the scene for quite some time. Are there things you’ve seen in the industry today that are different from when you first started out? 

The fact that this is happening is a blessing. It helps you feel more comfortable when you know you have a team that thinks about you and cares about how you feel. What I love about being a part of our cast and crew is that we would have conversations and they would be just that — conversations. They weren’t debates. I’ve had to break down certain things for people and I’ve had cast members break down certain things for me, and that’s the best part about being with people who are not like you. Now, it is also great to be around people who are like you because you can relate and feel at home. But, then to also be around people who aren’t like you who are willing to listen and grow with you is an amazing experience because having a cast filled with genuinely good people is a blessing in itself.

Call Me Kat isn’t the only FOX series where fans can catch you. You’ve recently guest starred in Fantasy Island. Give us the scoop!

Fantasy Island was an amazing experience! I get to play a character named Peaches who is actually an imaginary friend. If you don’t know anything about Fantasy Island, it’s basically a place where people are going through unusual or tragic things in their life and they go to an island to try to make their desires happen.

The character who I’m playing opposite of is played by Jessy Schram, who is amazing. She’s a jilted bride, so she comes to the island and wants to be loved. My character, Peaches, comes along and reminds her of that child-like spark and energy that a lot of us forget about when they grow up, go into the world, and have to deal with society.

We all need to keep a little bit of that essence, and Peaches just comes through and has to remind Jessy’s character of what she needs to do in order to feel loved and to feel like herself again. It was so much fun playing this character. Plus, we got to shoot in Puerto Rico. The cast is amazing. Trying to avoid the bars and the buffets was the hardest part because I was like, “Focus, lady! You’re at work!” [Laughs.] But, I had such a great time, and I was so happy that FOX asked me to be a part of it.

The season finale of Call Me Kat airs Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 9:30 PM ET/PT on FOX. You can also tune into the fun by streaming the show on Hulu.

The post Kyla Pratt Shares Her Love for the Cast of ‘Call Me Kat’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Needless to say, content creators are NOT happy. Are we possibly entering the era of a social media revolution? Unlikely, as there are still other ways to monetize one’s brand on the platform. But this still comes as a blow to creators who relied on payouts as a passive form of income.

As we know, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world and has over a billion monthly active users. In August 2020, right around the heat of the pandemic, Meta launched Instagram Reels, which quickly became a fan-fave feature. Reels allowed users to create short-form videos of up to 60 seconds and share them with their followers. It was also intended to help Instagram keep up with TikTok, which had become the most popular short-form video platform in the world at the time.

After launching with higher payouts and better strategic incentives through its monthly bonus, Instagram Reels became an enormous success. Since then, many users started creating and sharing reels daily. The platform saw a great return on engagement and user-generated content.

So, naturally, one may find themselves asking many questions: Why would Instagram cut bonuses now? Wouldn’t this disincentivize creators and send droves of users right into TikTok’s hands? Wouldn’t this devalue the platform as a place for influencers to monetize their brands?

According to an email that Paige Cohen, Meta spokesperson, sent to The Verge: “We are evolving the test of our Reels Play bonus on Instagram and Facebook as we focus on investing in a suite of monetization solutions to help creators earn steady streams of income.” She continued “We will look into ways to run the program in a more targeted form, for example in potential new markets.”

As one could expect, this decision has caused quite a stir among the platform’s creators. This resulted in users questioning Instagram’s motives and the future of the platform. Honestly, it’s easy to see how creators could deem the decision unfair. After all, many built their followings and careers on short-form video content. So, why should they be forced to create long-form content that didn’t necessarily benefit them in the first place?

Another factor that may drive this recent decision, which could be the re-emerging trend for long-form content. This isn’t the first time Instagram has scrapped a big feature on its platform. Remember, IGTV? If you don’t, I don’t blame you. The pandemic did a number on all of us, and it’s hard to remember how anything used to be before 2020! Instagram used to have a feature called IGTV before it introduced Reels. At the time, IGTV enabled users to create and share long-form videos for up to 60 minutes to compete with none other than…?

You guessed it. The KING of long-form content: YouTube. Additionally, what’s intriguing about YouTube is that its growth did not decline during the pandemic. Nor did its engagement decrease like Instagram when TikTok initially blew up and made short-form content mainstream (again) – hey, Vine did the thing first!

Yet, YouTube still recognized that the demand for short-form content wasn’t going away anytime soon. So, it developed and launched YouTube Shorts to provide a space for short-form content creators and to allow existing long-form creators to repurpose and conveniently splice up their content to reach new demographics. 

You know what they say: history never stops repeating itself. Although social media hasn’t been around for long, it is not immune to this reality either. Since then, YouTube’s growth has continued to soar and now the platform is investing in another popular form of long-form content: podcasts.

Could YouTube be onto something? Meta seems to think so! Originally Instagram wanted creators to focus on creating long-form videos. Why? For generating high-quality content! Recently, however, it appears that although user-generated content skyrocketed on the platform, the quality of this content has deteriorated.

Like A LOT.

Remember that at the beginning of the Reels rollout, Instagram was already trying to crack down on low-quality and spammy content.  The bonus program was then introduced to incentivize creators to create high-quality, engaging content. Obviously, this doesn’t apply to all creators. But it is possible that to maximize and take advantage of Instagram’s bonus program, users shifted away from producing high-quality videos to spewing out as many quick videos as they could. In turn, this sacrificed the quality of their content in the process.

Now, before you go on a tirade and start boycotting the platform, it is important to note that Instagram may offer a different revenue-sharing model in the future. In addition to this, subscriptions and branded partnerships will continue to remain as strategic features that influencers could use to monetize on the platform.

At the moment it remains to be seen how this decision will affect the platform in the long term. What IS clear, however, is that Instagram will always ride the trend until it dies out. With the ban on TikTok becoming increasingly likely, Meta seems to be repositioning all of its subsidiaries to cement Instagram and Facebook at the forefront of social media once more.

How do YOU feel about all of this? Let us know by reacting with an emoji below! 

The post Instagram Cuts Reels Play Bonus: How This Could Affect Content Creators appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

It’s time we had the talk. 

Not THAT talk. The talk that’s been driving us crazy these past few months. You know — the one about robots finally taking over the world.

I hate to break it to some of you conspiracists, but that’s not happening today. Or tomorrow. Or even this year. In this lifetime, though? Possibly. Look, it’s about time we discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing number of AI platforms generating anything from creative works like children’s books to high-quality graphic designs for NFTs to YouTube videos!

You may have even seen a headline about it this week. Proponents support that AI is the next booming economy for creators and businesses. However, there are also opponents arguing against AI as a dangerous tool that could displace much of today’s human workforce. 

Needless to say, EVERYBODY is talking about artificial intelligence. So, let’s start at the beginning: what is it? In short, SAS Viya explains that AI “makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks.”

It may feel like we’ve barely got our minds around the metaverse, and now we’re onto the next new idea. However, I can assure you that we’ve watched this movie come to life for decades now — and you’re already using AI. Smartphones, electric cars, and the automatic CPU characters that used to kick your butt in video games have all been shaped by AI. Now AI is ready to kick things up a notch through software like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and more!

Wait, what is ChatGPT? Don’t be intimidated by all those letters. Sure, it might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but as I mentioned, AI isn’t taking over the world…yet.

ChatGPT is a language model created by the folks at OpenAI. According to their website, it is essentially a computer program that can generate and process information “in a conversational way” like human language.

You might be wondering: why would anyone create this program? How lazy have we become as a society? Well, the minds behind the wave of artificial intelligence don’t see it that way. Their answer is far more innocent: to make your life simpler.

The human race is an unstoppable force, but we also endure a LOT. From toxic work culture to a rising lack of work-life balance to layoffs, proponents believe that AI software like ChatGPT can go a long way in helping us get ahead without slowing down. Long story short, we could use a little help!

But that’s not all! ChatGPT is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a student looking for help with homework, a professional seeking information on a particular topic, or just someone who wants to have a chat, ChatGPT is here to help! It can provide you with definitions, explanations, and examples and even generate original content.

*Testing, testing* Are you still with me? If you are, I have a confession for you. I did not write the last paragraph you just read! Nope. It was ChatGPT, and YOU DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE! I just subbed a couple of pronouns for the bot’s name, and you fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I can’t believe you. We’ve known each other for so long. I mean, honestly.

Between us is ChatGPT a little cocky, or is it just me?

So, what just happened here? We discovered that just as you would with a family member, friend, or colleague, ChatGPT can answer your questions, guide you, or simply keep you company. That last part doesn’t sound so bad, does it? It’s not like we’re on the brink of social collapse or anything, right? Everything is fine!

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, there are already plenty of chatbots and virtual assistants out there. What makes ChatGPT so special?” Well, while other chatbots are often programmed to identify and respond to certain phrases, ChatGPT is a little different. It has practically been trained on a massive amount of content from all over the internet.

Additionally, due to machine learning, it continues to process and digest information so that it can improve its ability to assist you. Pretty thoughtful (or creepy), huh!? Not only that but whenever you send ChatGPT a message, it uses sophisticated algorithms to understand what you’re asking. Then, it’ll use the vast knowledge base it has been trained to analyze and use this to give you a response that hopefully provides you with some useful information.

Let’s delve deeper into the real-life applications of ChatGPT.

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking for an extra pair of hands to help you stay on top of the day-to-day administrative tasks, you could find your next virtual assistant in the virtual world. This AI bot isn’t strictly limited to professional use. It can help you answer a wide range of questions, from the meaning of life to the recipe for a delicious dinner at your fingertips.

Another potential benefit of utilizing ChatGPT? It’s available 24/7. You can ask it a question or have a chat whenever you want. Plus, ChatGPT allegedly doesn’t have any personal opinions or beliefs. So it could be a promising, unbiased source for accurate information.

Only time will tell. After all, just being on TikTok for 30 minutes drives me mad. I’m sure the internet is bound to make ChatGPT rebel at some point.

So, what are you waiting for? Give ChatGPT a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Since this software is still in the research and development phase, it is currently free for you to experiment with. If you’re one of those people who likes to throw out the instructions when you build new furniture from Amazon or IKEA and dive right in, you’ll also be happy to know that you can start asking away.

For those who are still skeptical, trust me — I get it. You’re not alone, and you can rest assured that the debate about AI — the good and bad — is already underway. After all, when it comes to artificial intelligence, the consensus has always seemed to be that you can never ring the alarm too early.  This is all new and happening quickly, so it’s understandable that people may be concerned about job safety and human-centered capital. So, in the meantime, let’s continue to foster these discussions in our community because your voice matters. 

The post What is ChatGPT? Meet the AI Bot That Wants to Make Life Simpler For You appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Naveen, we’re so excited to dive into your journey in the hit drama The Cleaning Lady. As viewers have seen, you play such an intricate, cunning character — Robert Kamdor, who is the new big boss in the series. He’s ready to take over Las Vegas as the new criminal mastermind. 

Thank you! First of all, I should say that what drew me to the project was the fact that it was about immigrants. Being a child of immigrants myself, the idea of meritocracy or self-betterment in a new, different country is familiar to me. Obviously, The Cleaning Lady explores those darker themes where characters are forced to do things in order to survive, some of which may not necessarily be legal. Let’s just say that! [Laughs.] 

Secondly, my girlfriend had seen the whole first season during the pandemic, so when the [casting] offer came through, she said, “You must watch the whole first season!” So I did. For me, it was the actors who really made the show by giving it an emotional punch and a drive that is profoundly moving at times, particularly the fifth episode in the first season, where the audience is wondering if Fiona’s going to be deported. They had the Rolling Stones, I think “Moonlight Mile,” playing over the soundtrack — well, I was sobbing at the end of that. Now, for my character, you have to go to a very dark place. All I can say is that the character is in need of therapy.

As we’ve touched upon, the cast has brilliantly depicted how there are so many levels to these complex characters. How was day one on the set for you and getting to know your new castmates? 

The cast was wonderful! They were so warm and welcoming. It was also a very easy set to work on, which isn’t always the case. I was very mindful of the fact that they created the impetus of this show. So, what I was there to do was to make, hopefully, a contribution and give it a little bit of a kick or push. But they’d already set the thing up. As I said, I was very mindful of that. I believe that they deserve full credit for where the show is today.

Throughout your career, audiences have seen you depict many multifaceted characters. From Lost to The Dropout to Sense8, you’ve brought these characters to life with ease and pristine balance. When taking on these roles, where do you draw your inspiration from? How do you prepare your mindset for the level of intricacy that you exude as Robert Kamdor in particular?

What I try to do is find some humanity in the darkness. I don’t want to compare or contrast, but if you’re looking at someone like Hitler — he seemed very fond of dogs. He was fond of his outstation, and he was fond of opera. Those seem like crumbs, but you look for crumbs. It’s the same with Robert. The one person that he might have any genuine feelings for is Nadia, played by Eva De Dominici. As twisted and flawed as his conception of love or affection might be, it’s still a feeling. So, I guess I tried to get behind that. 

In playing Sunny Balwani (Andrews’ character in The Dropout), what humanized him for me was the fact that he was desperately in love with Elizabeth Holmes. He would do anything for her, and he actually did — literally would go to the ends of the earth and quite possibly to jail. So, that’s what I try to look for: something that humanizes an otherwise very dark and malevolent character.

We do come to find that Robert’s Achilles’ heel is none other than Nadia, with whom Robert shares a very long, deep history. As a result, viewers may find themselves asking, “Hey, is Robert misunderstood, or are there bigger motives?” Were there ever moments while reading the script that you found yourself having parallels with Robert Kamdor?

Oh, my goodness, yes! Particularly from when I was younger, before I became a parent. Relationships are complex. It’s possible for human beings to behave in ways where they don’t even realize what they’re doing is disruptive — not only to their partner but to themselves. So, yes, there were definitely things that I could draw from the past. 

As we watch the series unfold, we learn that Robert is quite an educated criminal. Not only is he calculated, but he has a sense of self-awareness. In three words, how would you describe Robert Kamdor and why?

“Insinuous,” manipulative, and yet wise. “Insinuous” because he’s incredibly good at inserting himself into various situations for his own self-gain. Manipulative — hopefully that should speak for itself: somebody who enjoys the game of pitting people against each other and having power over creating situations. Wise because I think consciously or unconsciously, he knows what he’s doing. There’s something nihilistic about him, so I think he’s aware of the nihilism and the emptiness that are at his own core.

Lastly, what are you hoping for the viewer to take away from your portrayal as Robert Kamdor? 

That educated criminals are often the worst kind of criminal. I would also say that intellectualism is overrated. If you don’t know how to be happy, if you don’t know how to live or treat other people with respect and kindness, then you have no intelligence. I would hope they might draw something from that. It doesn’t matter how clever or brilliant Robert thinks he is or might be. Ultimately, if you don’t make a difference to the world in a good way, you’re worthless.

You can catch more of Andrews in The Cleaning Lady, streaming Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.

The post How Naveen Andrews Tapped Into His Twisted New Role in ‘The Cleaning Lady’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Reasonable Doubt is the new fan fave. Everyone’s talking about it, and you, Miss Mama Lu! [Laughs] With her all-knowing side-eye, and nosy questions, fans absolutely love her. 

Of course! Your character is so relatable and enthralls the viewer. The show spotlights legal attorneys in a way we haven’t seen before, especially within our community. To watch high power attorney Jax Stewart, the central character, through her journey–who she is in the workroom and outside of it — is intriguing!

The writing, first of all, is top-notch. t’s not cliche. It’s authentic, thoughtful and thought-provoking! The conversations that are written are ones that most of us have had or have been privy to hearing, you know?

Regardless of whether we’ve been involved, that makes for an amazing experience for the actor! We really have an amazing cast. So it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had, and Raamla is beyond herself. She’s amazing — I love her!

That’s good to hear because what people pick up from the first episode is authenticity. What we love about your character, Mama Lu, who plays the mother of Jax, is that we met her before. Not just on screen, but she often mirrors people in our own lives!

She does, and on top of that, this is her only child!

Sometimes who our parents are can be a reflection of ourselves. That’s important in our community regarding what we keep and take away because we want to have our own identity. As we see with Jax, her personal life constantly clashes with her professional career. 

Constantly!

And as a mother, you’re quick to remind her: “Hey! You’ve got to be a mom. You have to be a wife.” These moments come from a deep place of love and a mother’s innate desire to ensure that her child is safe and okay, even if it’s a little annoying. [Laughs] Have you found any parallels between Mama Lu and yourself?

Oh, for sure! Not only myself, but my mother, my grandmother, my aunties, and several women who were in the village of my growing up influenced me. I mean there are so many people I am drawing from, which is one of the reasons I was so excited about doing it because there are so many others!

She’s a complex woman, and as you will see and see more, I think last week’s episode revealed a little more. Being the matriarch of the family so far is quite a responsibility, and she takes it seriously.

Also, she’s not short of reminding Jax how long she’s been a paralegal for all these many years, right? So many times that Jax even knows what’s coming up! [Laughs] Also, her desire is to keep the family together, so I have my family — my mom and dad worked together the whole time. You know I tried to find out where divorce happened in my family, and it was generations and generations ago, but I had friends whose families experienced being divorced or separated. 

So then I could see whether that influence was good or bad. For some of the people whose parents separated, it was a good thing for the child. The tension in the home was so extraordinary that it made for a dire situation — although the results later flourished as they got older. So, it’s interesting, dynamic, and gives a whole lot of background to study and draw from as an actor.

The show reflects how uncommon it is to be transparent in discussing sensitive issues such as divorce and the ripple effect it may have generations from now. In the series, we see that’s still something that Jax struggles with day to day — which is why Mama Lu is quick to remind her to keep the family foundation together. With that in mind, what do you hope the Black community gains from the show’s messaging?

I want us to remain unified within the family and then within the community. Because as we see, it takes the village, it really does! This is about the village and where it starts, which is in the family, you know? Keeping communication is a big factor in this in Reasonable Doubt, both for Jax in her career and personal life. I think that’s the key!

Agreed! Lastly, as we mentioned earlier — there’s an authenticity that the show delivers, but even more importantly, complexity! 

Absolutely, there is!

As viewers watch this series, one’s mind changes every few seconds because there’s always more than meets the eye! [Laughs] The show is doing so well because it goes beyond the surface level of human desire and explores how complex we are as humans. 

From your perspective, what are you hoping viewers take away from this series? As we grow older, we keep thinking that we’ll have life figured out, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth! So, what are some lessons that audiences can learn from the show?

If someone is observing this show, they stay open to rolling with the punches! We, as a community, do that. Hopefully, this show will keep us in that realm. We are now exposed to so many things because of the internet and our access to knowledge. Not all knowledge is not wisdom! 

If we continue to stay within our strengths as a people and as a community and keep tapping into that. You know, do not get distracted by all the craziness. I think that Reasonable Doubt shows that because it really does! Through every character, we see that.

Keep your eyes on the prize, folks! 

Reasonable Doubt streams Tuesdays on Hulu. Did you catch this week’s season finale? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @BlackGirlNerds!

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