Industries are debating how much these generative AI tools should be used to create content, while consumers of this content are unaware if what they are reading was created by AI and how much it should be trusted.

What is AI-generated text?

According to G2, AI- generated text is "automated content processed by artificial intelligence tools. It's reinforced with the generative pre-transformer algorithm and large language models." Essentially, this means that AI tools such as Bard and ChatGPT simulate human intelligence to produce text that is arguably indistinguishable from human text.

What industries are using AI-generated text?

Virtually every industry has taken an interest in AI-generated content, from science publishing to small business retail. It can be used to write a short reply to an email you've been putting off, generate a listing for a home you can't figure out how to sell or create that science fiction novel you've had writer's block about.

It seems that most industries will use AI tools in some form. However, the question is how much they will use these tools and what kind of rules they will put in place concerning AI.

What are potential problems with AI generated text?

Some people are concerned about how much authenticity will remain in written content if AI-generated articles become mainstream, while others appreciate the developments in natural language processing. Many individuals are worried about the potential of the proliferation of false information or deceptive articles intended to manipulate public opinion since it is difficult to distinguish AI-generated content from human-written language.

AI can plagiarize

AI-generated content has been known to plagiarize since it learns how to write from already written texts. This can lead to copyright issues for industries who employ AI-generated text. Not only can AI plagiarize, but it can also generate text that has not been backed up with data. AI tools are designed to be straight to the point with no "frilliness." While being clear and concise can be beneficial, AI is not designed to make inferences based on text, so it might miss major concepts and connections.

A lack of charm and humanity

Another potential issue with AI-generated text's conciseness is that it lacks basic human charm. The way AI-generated content reads like a robot wrote it (because, well…that's what happened) can make it difficult for people to want to finish reading an article. Our attention spans have become so short that articles need to have entertaining aspects to grab and keep our attention, which AI-generated content cannot yet accomplish.

How to tell if text is AI-generated

Online tools are continually being developed with the sole purpose of detecting AI-generated text. These automated systems look for things such as how often common words like "the" repeat in an article, punctuation and sentence length patterns and lack of typos.

While online tools are built and continue to evolve, people can learn to detect AI-generated text through their own eyes. Common ways to detect AI-generated text include:

• Lack of emotion and personality – AI is concise and unemotional, unlike most humans. AI is also still learning and hasn't picked up on most of our slang yet. If an article lacks personality and doesn't pull on your emotions at least a little bit, it might have been written by AI.
• Repetitive language and patterns – Just how automated detection systems looks for repetition of words and phrases, people can look out for these tell-tale signs as well. AI has been known to use "keyword stuffing." If an article reads like it has tried to fit as many keywords as possible into one article, there is a likelihood it was written by AI.
• Inconsistency – Writing that has inconsistent style and tone throughout an article screams that it was written by AI.
• Lack of typos – Hannah Montana's "Nobody's Perfect" states, "Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days." As much as writers try to achieve perfection, it is likely that we will always make a mistake. AI isn't known for making typos, so looking for the lack of these small mistakes can be key in identifying AI-generated text.

Detect AI-generated text like a pro

AI is getting better at mimicking human language, so utilizing more than one of these detection techniques is more reliable than relying on just one. While AI detection tools such as Originality.ai or GPTZero can be used to determine if something was written by AI, it is important for people to learn detection techniques for spotting AI writing as well.

It seems that AI-generated text is advancing faster than we can keep up. It is imperative that we continue to develop AI detection tools and continued learning of AI-generated text before it becomes impossible to keep up with AI's seemingly never-ending development.

Using AR technology is simple: wave a hand, say the word or even a quick darting of the eyes. Instead of walking away from a computer screen and having to put a video or email on pause, it's possible to bring your digital life with you – anywhere. Without the constraints of a computer screen, this technology allows for the flexibility to move around in the actual world, while also orchestrating their own digital place to play or work.

Zoom's augmented reality applications

Wearing a headset challenges the idea of using this AR tool for work calls. To remedy that, Zoom released the Vision Pro app to give users a better way to engage face-to-face in a virtual meeting. The main feature is the "persona," a digital lookalike that's capable of representing someone's facial expressions and movements during a call. That way, Vision Pro users can participate in video calls as personably as they can.

In addition, Zoom plans to release more features soon that improve the augmented reality experience. For instance, the ability to "pin" other meeting members into your physical space without a background, further blending the boundary between digital and physical. There are also plans to share 3D objects, a tool that can be helpful for developers, animators, and more.

The purpose of building this technology is clear: "empowering the future of work," in Zoom's own words.This effort to make augmented reality a part of routine business communication signals that video conferencing is only going to become more immersive, more engaging, and more individualized as AR technology advances. With that, the known awkwardness created by the separation of a screen will be replaced with a much more engaging way to digitally connect.

What's the AR experience like?

Already, the Vision Pro is predicted to be just as ubiquitous as the iPad. Remember when Airpods were seen as a weird idea? And with remote/hybrid work remaining commonplace, technology is playing a larger role in how we communicate at work. Still, the question remains: Will augmented reality improve digital collaboration between colleagues, or be left in the dust as a failed fashion attempt?

Looking at the features of Zoom's support app, there's an emphasis on immersion and interactivity – making the unreal feel real. Unlike normal Zoom meetings, where there's a clear barrier between on- and off-screen realities, the Vision Pro merges the two into a mixed reality. Instead of your actual face, there's a persona. Instead of real people sitting in your living room, it's their digital representation pinned to the space. Instead of an object sitting on your desk, it's a 3D model, one of many virtual objects, shared between devices.

Mixed reality in the workplace

So, does this impair or improve digital work communication?

Virtual reality is nothing new in business. Already, this technology has been used by companies to train employees and, as evidence suggests, it's rewarding for productivity. Recent research has found that employees who train with virtual reality are nearly 3 times more emotionally connected to the experience than regular classroom and e-learners. There's something to be said about the element of participation – moving your hands, interacting with digital worlds, etc. – that primes an individual for learning. It's an involved experience, and experience is the best teacher. As a result, these trainees were more confident and more connected with the training material.

By understanding how virtual reality has already improved the connection people have with their work, we can see that augmented reality may have the same impact on regular video calls. More emotional connectedness engineered from these devices means more engagement and thus productivity. This points to a future where AR might be a commonplace tool to improve the workplace.

Or – maybe not.

The unwieldiness of the device is hard to ignore. Along with being expensive, comfort is the main reason why people have already returned the product. Additionally, there's the element of distraction. Although it's convenient to have so many windows open on the device, some users have questioned what real advantage it has for productivity beyond multitasking. Then there's the fact that it's pretty lonely. For one, an augmented reality that is a hyper-personalized experience can't be shared, which can be isolating.

The future of augmented reality applications

Nevertheless, while there are concerns about its practicality, comfort, and potential for distraction, the undeniable benefits in terms of better engagement, emotional connection, and productivity cannot be overlooked. The integration of AR into video conferencing platforms promises a new era of innovation and progress in how we collaborate in the workplace.

AR development is still a relatively new field and that also extends to AR app development. However, as AR content continues to grow in demand, any AR development tool will evolve to allow developers to create increasingly feature-rich augmented reality experiences.

In other words, it might be just a matter of time before augmented reality becomes a comfortable fit for business communication. Remote work isn't going anywhere, and video conferencing remains an essential tool for many businesses. Even while augmented reality isn't yet sweeping the corporate communication world by storm, a little rain might indicate a flood of technological progress to come.

Human-AI collaboration

According to a survey from Digital Information World 57% of respondents say AI was helpful in boosting creativity. AI has the potential to enhance creativity by providing new insights and concepts, but it cannot replace the human element of the creative process entirely. Businesses must learn to work alongside AI to take advantage of its benefits while maintaining their own unique creative contributions.

AI in business applications, when applied properly, will transform the way employees work by increasing efficiency and freeing up more time for tasks that call on their inherent creativity. As industries continue to develop and grow, adopting AI-assisted creativity will become increasingly crucial for businesses to remain competitive.

How to use AI in business to enhance creativity

There are various ways in which AI works with employees in a creative setting to improve a business, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Assisting in idea generation

Generative AI has the power to produce one main idea from various distant concepts. This allows employees to brainstorm a plethora of ideas and concepts and give AI the labor-intensive process of connecting these ideas to create a single concept employees might never have come to on their own.

Allowing AI to assist in the early stages of idea conception, employees might discover new concepts they never imagined possible. For example, prompting generative AI to create a generic food packaging design may generate a water-proof closure. This can show employees new functions and designs that solve problems they might not have thought they would encounter.

2. Improving creativity with data

Using generative AI to analyze data develops novel solutions to creative problems. AI has the potential to analyze datasets to determine patterns and trends. This allows AI to potentially discover insights that were not easily seen by employees.

Not only can AI uncover trends inside an organization, but it can also uncover trends affecting the overall economy. Having generative AI act as an overseer allows employees to handle present issues and plan for future trends affecting their industry.

3. Encouraging collaboration with potential consumers

AI has the ability to facilitate collaboration between a business and its potential consumers. If prospective customers are given access to AI-assisted tools for designing new products and ideas, employees may develop new concepts for products and ideas that are tailored to the wants and needs of their customers. AI has a unique capability to allow businesses to work directly with their consumers to generate fresh ideas and foster a deeper sense of connection between a business and its prospective buyers.

4. Employee skill development

Prioritizing employee skill development gives businesses competitive advantage in their respective industries. Continued learning has become an important aspect in just about every industry as technologies continue to develop and industries evolve.

AI can assist in learning by breaking down topics into bite-sized pieces making learning less daunting and more easily digested. AI-assisted chatbots allow employees to discuss learning objectives with a partner so that topics are more easily understood. AI-assisted learning tools continue to develop and can be used as a powerful tool for personal growth.

Using AI in the workplace is the next step

Rather than replacing the employee in the creative process, AI should act as a dynamic tool that amplifies employee creativity. Collaborating with generative AI gives business a competitive advantage in their respective industries by allowing employees to effectively share ideas, boost creativity by utilizing data, work with consumers to generate new concepts and improve employee skills. Human-AI collaboration has the potential to create unimaginable ideas and solutions that businesses must take advantage of in order to increase innovation and promote competition.

With the emergence of e-readers and music streaming services, many people prefer the hassle-less convenience of digital media. But with recent debates over who actually owns that digital content, some people are debating whether we might see a shift back to physical media's dominance.

Let's discuss the benefits of each.

Benefits of physical media

Although physical media may seem like a less popular option, there are still plenty of reasons why many consumers hold physical purchases close to their hearts. Here are some of the key benefits of physical media.

Ownership

No one can debate the ownership of a book or movie if you are holding it in your hands. You don't have to worry about whether your preferred streaming service will remove your favorite media when you own the physical copy.

Sharing

Tangible media is easy to share with friends and family without any additional costs or the headache of explaining to your parents how to log-in to your streaming service. It's as easy as physically handing over the media you are wanting to share.

Uncompressed quality

Physical media can store a large amount of data. However, movies must be compressed to be easily stream-able and lose quality. Physical media preserves the image and sound quality of the original, meaning that you can enjoy the film or show how the director intended.

No internet required:

Those who live in areas with unstable internet connections can benefit from physical media as they can access it without the need for internet. If you are someone with limited data, reading a physical book instead of an e-book can save you a significant amount of data.

Fun

Collectors tend to be large advocates for physical media. It can be fun to collect and display horror-genre DVDs, 70s rock-and-roll vinyl or classic fantasy novels. Not only can these be great conversation-starters when a friend visits, but the hunt for that hard-to-find physical media can lead to meeting new people and gaining new experiences.

Case study in favor of physical media : Taylor Swift exclusive vinyl

When Taylor Swift released "1989 (Taylor's Version)" last October, she gave fans the opportunity to purchase an exclusive vinyl with an added bonus. The Tangerine Edition vinyl features a bonus track, "Sweeter Than Fiction (Taylor's Version)," that isn't available on any streaming services. This gave fans the incentive to purchase the physical vinyl, instead of just downloading the music to their phones. Swift also benefited when "1989 (Taylor's Version)" broke the modern-era single week vinyl sales record according to Billboard.

Benefits of digital media

There's no denying the convenience of purchasing something from the comfort of your couch and enjoying it almost immediately. Let's take a look at some of digital media's advantages.

Convenience

The convenience and accessibility of digital purchases is undeniable. 97% of Americans own a phone, according to ConsumerAffairs. Most new cars no longer have CD players. If you want to listen to music in your car that isn't the radio, you will have to do so digitally. This shift towards digital products also shows in the shift towards digital academic books and the signing of electronic documents instead of physical documents.

Increased choices

If you buy a physical season of Seinfeld, you only get to watch that one season of Seinfeld. But if you subscribe to a streaming service like Netflix, you get to watch every season of Seinfeld, every season of every show the service carries and every movie available on the platform. This allows users to explore what feels like a never-ending number of media options, giving consumers more choices.

Easily updated

Digital media is relatively easy to update. In years past, if there was a glitch in a popular video game, you either lived with it or returned the game. With digital media, developers can roll out updates to fix issues without any action needed on the consumer's end. Updates to games can also include additional purchases to further gameplay, increasing what the consumer gets out of the game and the profit for the game developer.

Cost

Physical media can be expensive due to packaging and shipping costs. Digital media requires neither packaging nor shipping, which tends to lower the price for consumers. Since consumers can subscribe to a streaming service, they also feel they get more bang-for-their-buck with the plethora of options.

Case study in favor of digital media: Xbox Game Pass

Think Netflix for video games, Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that allows Xbox users to download and play video games. Subscribers download — but don't own — the games they play. Games do eventually leave the service, but subscribers get a warning and even have a chance to purchase games leaving the catalog at a reduced price. The Game Pass subscription offers access to hundreds of games and tends to cost less than the price of one physical video game.

So, what happens next?

Whether you prefer physical or digital media, we are likely to continue to see a mix of both for the near future. Each offers advantages and disadvantages and may just come down to what you prefer or intend to do with the media. Casual film fans may benefit more from digital copies of movies. But if you are a diehard Sofia Coppola fan, a Blu-ray copy of "Marie Antoinette" might be your best option.

Either way, this conversation will continue to evolve as preferences shift and technology progresses. What will the digital/physical landscape look like in 10 years?

Misinformation runs rampant on social media everyday, but it's becoming increasingly harder to detect. Thanks to artificial intelligence-generated images and videos, you've probably scrolled past a photo depicting a celebrity or political figure that's completely fabricated and passed off as real.

The danger of AI-generated misinformation

AI art started as a fun trend, like using an app to turn photos of yourself into colorful avatars, or watching fan-made trailers reimaging a "Star Wars" film directed by Wes Anderson. But the more capable and "intelligent" AI becomes, the more dangerous it can be.

Not only are AI-generated images and videos proving to be a cyber security threat, their rising popularity combined with tools such as ChatGPT, which can easily produce text that sounds indiscernible from a real human, will make misinformation like fake news and conspiracy theories cheap, easy and fast to produce.

How well can humans detect AI content?

The average human ability to distinguish between high-quality, AI-generated images and real images is only 61%, according to a study conducted by Cornell University. The study also found that an individual's background, such as their gender, age, and experience with AI-generated content did not significantly affect their ability to distinguish the AI-generated images from real photographs.

While the use of this media to purposefully deceive social media and digital users is troublesome in and of itself, it's even more troublesome in the context of an approaching election year, when fake news tends to peak online.

Fake news, misinformation and politics

Former President Donald Trump, who has announced he will be running in 2024, shared AI-generated content with his followers on social media: A manipulated video of CNN host Anderson Cooper that distorted Cooper's reaction to CNN's May town hall featuring Trump, created with an AI voice-cloning tool.

When President Joe Biden announced his reelection campaign, the Republican National Committee released a manipulated online ad, featuring AI-generated images of Biden, as well as boarded up storefronts in the U.S. and soldiers and armored military vehicles patrolling local streets as tattooed criminals create panic.

And while the RNC acknowledged its use of AI in the video's caption, other political ads have not offered such discretion (See: Hillary Clinton has officially endorsed Governor Ron Desantis for President in 2024.)

How AI is used in social media

AI has also impacted more than a social media user's newsfeed. In May, a fake image of a Pentagon explosion went viral, directly impacting the U.S. stock market.

Lawmakers and politicians have sounded the alarm, with Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) proposing a new bill that would require full disclosure on AI use in political ads, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) taking early steps toward legislation to regulate artificial intelligence technology back in April.

Resources such as NewsGuard — a journalism and technology site that rates the credibility of news and information websites and tracks online misinformation directly related to AI — also exist, but AI use is spreading faster than these tools can keep up. According to a report by Europol, AI could create or edit up to 90% of content on the internet by 2026.

6 ways to spot AI images and deep fake videos

Since it appears that artificial intelligence is not just a trend but is here to stay, here are six tips you can use to spot AI images and deep fake videos so you don't get duped.

1. Look for odd details, specifically hands

AI images may look like nothing out of the ordinary on first glance, but the longer you look, the more likely you'll find odd or inaccurate depictions of body parts or background characters. Hands typically have extra or mangled fingers, extra body parts may appear out of nowhere, a human's eyes may be looking in opposite directions or missing facial features all together, and bodily proportions may be off.

2. Watching a video? Look for unnatural eye and mouth movements, poor lip-syncing and unnatural skin tones

A common warning sign is jerky or inconsistent eye movements, and a lack of blinking. The figure's skin tone may seem unnatural or different from how they normally appear, so reference their appearance with a verified image or video.

3. Ask yourself the context, then fact check

If you see an image or video depicting an event that makes you raise your eyebrows, a simple Google search can usually prove whether it actually happened or not if there is or isn't any other documentation or reporting on the supposed occurrence.

4. Does it look more like a painting than a photograph?

AI-generated images typically have inaccurate or unrealistic lighting, and can look almost "plasticky," with depictions of skin looking too airbrushed and smoothe. If you look closely, they may even look more like a painting with brushstrokes than a clear image.

5. Try a reverse image search

Similar to simply fact checking, try a reverse image search and see if the photo's source comes up anywhere else, or if the image has been used on any other websites or news articles.

6. Check for words and text used in the image

Another weakness of AI image generators is the use of text within the photo. While it seems that AI can generate the alphabet properly, full words are almost always a jumbled and unreadable mess, so look for things like logos and street signs to check if they're spelled correctly.

However, technology in retail settings can help SMBs to level the playing field in order to reach customers in new and innovative ways.

How Technology is Changing Retail

Technology has been able to empower SMBs to revolutionize the industry at large, whether it be in stores or online. The rise of e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces removed the need for a brick-and-mortar storefront, exposing retailers to a global customer base. However, the benefits of retail technology go well beyond having a website to order from, and can assist SMBs in learning more about their customers, while growing their business.

Consider Gitnux's recent report, The Most Surprising Retail Statistics and Trends in 2023. Perhaps one of the most troubling statistics was this: In 2023, 88% of carts were abandoned due to high shipping costs, or a lack of payment options available on a website or app. How could these issues have been avoided? The impact of lost sales has proven to be detrimental and well-publicized during the pandemic.

How Innovative Tech Helps Small Businesses

Keeping up-to-date with the latest retail trends and technologies has proven to be very advantageous for SMBs. Here are some of the ways technology is changing retail:

Mobile Apps

Mobile applications have kept retailers in shoppers' pockets – literally. Mobile apps allow SMBs to engage with customers, offer loyalty programs, and offer yet another shopping platform. App-only perks not only bolster download numbers, but can persuade a customer to finally complete their transaction. Retailers are able to send push notifications, provide product recommendations and keep their products front of mind with shoppers.

Social Media Marketing

Okay, it can be argued that this one has been around for awhile – but with new apps such as TikTok, and perhaps Threads (whose success has yet to be determined), social media managers have been savvy to find new ways to promote their products. Whether it be through viral recipe videos, or the use of an influencer, SMBs are able to connect with their target audience, build brand awareness, and boost sales. Social media has proven itself to be a key resource for gathering feedback, demographic information and the place to run targeted advertising campaigns.

Data Analytics

Learning more about consumer behavior goes beyond determining best-selling products. Data analytics can provide valuable insights into the mind of the customer, their preferences, and market trends. Through analyzing data, SMBs are able to make informed decisions that will propel their businesses in the right direction. Retailers may choose to optimize their pricing strategies, bolster their inventory or supply chain, boost customer satisfaction and ultimately improve sales.

Managing the Customer Experience

Customer relations management (CRM) allows retailers to collect information about shoppers, their buying patterns, and past interactions, in order to optimize future transactions. CRM software allows SMBs to understand their needs and preferences, and can allow for personalized offers for better customer experience and the employment of targeted marketing campaigns.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The newest frontier spanning just about every industry is AI, and once again, its opportunities are endless. Chatbots can provide customer support on an e-commerce website, while algorithms can predict supply, demand, and where a retailer's numbers are trending. Much like the other technologies being deployed by SMBs, AI seeks to enhance efficiencies, reduce costs and provide excellent customer service.

Embracing Technology in Retail Stores Can Breed Success

The global pandemic forced retailers to make large strides in a short amount of time. While "the future of retail" was often discussed, it showed up in 2020 like an unexpected guest. Since then, retailers have persevered, adhering to demands such as speed, sustainability and omnichannel experiences. Those that are hesitant to evolve find themselves falling behind with customers who lack patience and loyalty.

In today's competitive retail landscape, offering an omnichannel experience sets businesses apart from their competitors. Customers increasingly expect a seamless integration between online and offline channels, and retailers that can provide a cohesive experience have a competitive edge. By investing in these tools, small- and medium-sized businesses can differentiate themselves while attracting and retaining customers – even in a world dominated by big box retailers.

At first, it was all fun in games. That was until reality set in, and I began to feel I was getting too comfortable in my routine. It started with an unhealthy sleeping schedule and feeling disengaged from my peers. Soon, the lines blurred between my work life and home life as I found myself unable to disconnect from work even though my responsibilities hadn't changed. The simple fact that my home was my workplace made it difficult to set boundaries.

Eventually, I had to accept that my social life and work performance would continue to suffer if I didn't create a routine to balance both parts of my life. I began to reflect on my current habits and what boundaries I needed in my life to help regain that balance. Here are seven things I learned throughout my journey to reset my work-life balance and set my own routine while working remotely.

Learn your work style

Learning what's best for your work performance is critical. Each employee has their own combination of systems, skills and tools that work best for them. Some stay organized with handwritten notes and check off their tasks as they complete them. Others have adapted technology into their workflows and work best with a digital planner.

At home, you also now have the ability to listen to music out loud. Whether it's your Spotify On Repeat playlist or an eight-hour-long YouTube Binaural beat video, listen to something that will keep you focused and motivated. As you reflect on your work style, take your time learning what helps you thrive. And don't forget to share it with your peers and listen to their recommendations — you might benefit from something in each other's individual work styles.


Socialize with your peers

Participate in staff outings and take the time to get to know your peers. These are people who are there to help and support you in your professional growth journey. Even if you decide to take your career elsewhere, put effort into making a connection. Don't be afraid to check on your coworkers. Getting off topic before a team meeting isn't a crime. Sharing adorable photos of your dog as a puppy or the latest trending meme can help your team bond.

You might ask, "What if our company employees are scattered throughout the globe?" Well, it's 2022, and there are plenty of virtual activities out there for remote teams that will help you socialize and support your teammates.

Use your paid time off

Don't guilt-trip yourself when using those well-deserved vacation days. Working from home is rewarding, and you have more time to yourself, but weekends and holidays shouldn't be the only time you take off work. When working from home, you might find that you need a break from your daily environment, too.

44% of Americans regret not traveling or taking trips more often. Taking advantage of your PTO by going somewhere new is a great way to distance yourself from a daily work-from-home routine. The excitement of new places and experiences might just be what you need to relax and step away from the daily grind. Your travels or time off might even motivate you to be more productive during working hours so you can take your next vacation faster.


Be mindful of your meals

Almost every healthcare professional will tell you that taking care of your body is essential. There are many different approaches to physical health, but eating food that benefits you is a great step in the right direction. With the kitchen only steps away, it's easy to take multiple trips to your fridge or pantry throughout the work day – especially if you're procrastinating on that email to your team lead. Keeping healthy snacks on hand is a great way to give your body the nutrients it needs, so try adding some veggies and hummus to your pizza rolls for your mid-morning snack.

A heavy workload can also make it more difficult for you to eat well. If you don't have the time or energy to get groceries or cook meals during the week, your workload will have you ordering take-out for lunch and dinner. Planning out your meals, ordering curbside pickup for groceries, and picking one day of the week to meal prep can help you save that precious weeknight downtime and take care of your body.


Prioritize your mental health

Mental health awareness is on the rise as younger generations continue to address the less-accepted side of personal health. Today, we're constantly reminded of mental health's importance by references on social media, videos and more. Remote work can have a positive impact on your mental health, but it can also do the opposite.

Neglecting your mental health can have many long-term impacts on your life and your performance at work. Don't be a stranger to the signs of an unhealthy mentality in yourself. Even if nothing "major" is affecting your life, the practice of positivity and gratitude goes a long way. There's always room for healthy self-improvement. Keep in mind that mental health is a part of everyone's overall health, so reaching out to another person might make your day better.


Shut off your screens

Between computers, cell phones, TVs, thermostats and more, we often get tired of looking at screens throughout the day. Pulling out your phone during breaks and personal time won't give your brain the breather it needs from processing information on a screen.

Focus on clearing your mind: Try going for a walk outdoors and take some time to appreciate the nature around you. Reading a book or picking up a hobby can benefit you in many ways. Don't forget to let yourself mentally clock out as well: Avoid things that remind you of work outside of business hours to keep yourself from late-night logins.

Celebrate your own wins

Even when you're working your hardest, you might not always receive a raise or a pat on the back from others. Don't be so hard on yourself that you forget to celebrate your own achievements. We are our own worst enemies when the little voice in our head keeps saying, "You could've done better. This could have been different." Take the time to reward yourself for your accomplishments and celebrate your wins, big and small.

Since setting my own routine, I've learned that there's no perfect balance on the work-life scale. Sometimes your personal life requires more attention, or you begin to put more energy into your career because you want to advance. One side of the scale will almost always be higher than the other, but the weight distribution doesn't need to be the same each day. Things change, and so should your work-life balance. Take a few minutes from time to time to reflect on how your current balance fits into your priorities and adjust the scales and you might find the work-life balance that's right for you along the way.

People who resell have all sorts of niches that help our planet in different ways. Some sellers salvage parts and use them to repair appliances which in turn keep those parts from ending up in landfills. Other sellers work on refurbishing tech so that new tech isn’t created. Still, others create products that discourage single-use plastics such as making beeswax food wraps.

Companies alone can begin taking steps that also aid to help our earth. eBay has in place plans that will allow them to attain 100% renewable energy usage for their data centers and offices by 2025, they were at 76% just last year. The White Mesa Wind Project which is a Virtual Power Purchasing Agreement (VPPAs) between Apple, Samsung, eBay, and Sprint is currently generating 75 megawatt-hours of clean energy- that’s enough to power 20,000 homes!

When buyers, sellers, and companies all begin working together and commit to a sustainable future we can start to make a real difference in helping our world. This can look like conserving water, diverting waste away from landfills, and growing renewable energy to power data centers and offices. Everyone has a part in making the world a better and healthier place to live in.

Infographic courtesy of: Ebay

According to a NewVantage Partners study, incredibly, only 24% of executives had created a data-driven organization, and up to 73% of all data with an enterprise is never even analyzed. Google Analytics 360 may be the key to your success. You may need an analytics partner or a trusted digital media agency to get you started on your way.

Learn more on how to fully master insights one can gain using Google Analytics 360 in the visual deep dive below:

Infographic courtesy InfoTrust

Environmental and medical scientists work together, sourcing solutions to rising case numbers and climate change. New advancements present an increase in human health and safety with a reduction in ecological effects.

Before evaluating the trends, we must examine the industry's sustainability challenges.

Biopharma and the Environment

The biopharma industry utilizes biotechnology, generating medical drugs for healing. Biopharmaceuticals are antibodies and nucleic acids, like RNA and DNA. The high demand for these products pushes manufacturers and distributors to increase production efforts.

As production demands increase, companies must develop vast quantities of pharmaceuticals quickly and efficiently. The manufacturing drive leads businesses to utilize fossil fuel-derived energy. Conventional power sources are more accessible than sustainable alternatives, like solar or wind.

During combustion, fossil fuels generate an enhanced greenhouse effect. Their reaction alters Earth's natural atmospheric composition, disrupting the natural temperature control process. The atmosphere organically absorbs sunlight, creates heat, warms the surface, and emits excess energy to space.

But when greenhouse gases invade the atmosphere, they increase heat production. The pollutants also trap excess energy on the planet, generating more warmth. Over time, the entrapment of heat increases the global temperature.

The rising temperatures caused by unsustainable energy sourcing generates harsh effects, disrupting biopharma production. A significant impact of climate change is the increased evaporation rate. As the planet warms, the water levels of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers drop.

The biopharma industry requires vast quantities of purified water. Without a reliable and plentiful source, our access to vaccines may dwindle. Limited medical aid may cause a severe threat to society's health.

Additionally, the industry contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis. The inadequate disposal of medical equipment by biopharma companies generates surface-level and marine waste. Some 29 million tons of plastic could inhabit the ocean in total by 2040.

Without intervention, aquatic species will go extinct, and our global ecosystem will suffer. Fortunately, environmental researchers are developing sustainable procedures for biopharma companies to follow. Various trends are rising in the industry, decreasing the ecological degradation associated with production and distribution.

Renewable Energy-Powered Production

Novo Nordisk is a biopharmaceutical company in Denmark that's working to shrink its carbon footprint. They are one of the few organizations that are committed to the RE100 climate initiative. The company set an ambitious sustainability goal by sourcing 100% clean energy.

Other biopharma organizations viewed Novo's efforts and set similar sustainability standards. Johnson & Johnson established their eco-conscious goal by pledging to utilize 100% renewable power by 2050. The transition could significantly decrease the emissions associated with production and manufacturing.

Water Reuse

Another up-and-coming biopharma trend will decrease water scarcity by conserving resources. The industry is water-intensive, especially when it comes to vaccine production. Companies may utilize current technology, increasing the sustainability of their practices.

Vaccine manufacturers source purified water through reverse osmosis. They can use the same process to repurpose non-potable water for medicine. Companies can utilize their access to technology and filter resources that are not drinkable in their original states, like greywater and saltwater.

Repurposing water significantly increases access to freshwater for drinking and manufacturing essential products. As the evaporation rate rises, we must conserve the water we have left and use it wisely.

Material Recycling

The biopharma industry relies on single-use materials for manufacturing and distribution purposes. Disposable products save companies time and effort, helping them focus on the health of individuals. Unfortunately, they generate a significant quantity of waste when following the single-use model.

Environmental engineers and scientists search for sustainable alternatives to waste-producing materials. Fortunately, we can recycle a portion of the waste, creating new supplies. Though researchers have yet to repurpose products within the industry, they have developed unique solutions.

One organization is turning single-use plastic from the biopharma industry into synthetic lumber for construction. We can prevent further damage from deforestation and marine plastic pollution when repurposing waste. Professionals expect further technological advancement in the material recycling sector, helping eliminate adverse environmental effects.

A Sustainable Future

We can ensure the sustainability of biopharmaceutical production and distribution in the future by voting for change. You can also talk to your local government officials about increasing waste regulations in the health care industry to decrease surface-level and marine pollution.

Additionally, you can financially support eco-conscious companies over the alternatives and help increase the demand for sustainable goods.