Tag: Social Media

Ways to Gain Instagram Followers That Actually Work

Instagram growth often stalls for a simple reason. Many accounts keep posting without learning much from what already happened, so every new Reel, carousel, or caption feels like another guess. That gets frustrating fast, especially when the content looks decent and the numbers still move in short bursts instead of a steady climb.

That is why reliable growth methods tend to look less flashy than people expect. Some teams start using data, testing tools, and structured support to gain instagram followers with a clearer process, and Plixi fits that pattern through AI powered targeting, real time analytics, audience insights, and content optimization features. Those methods work better because they are easier to repeat, measure, and improve over time.

1. Use Insights before changing the content calendar

There are many reasons why Instagram constantly directs users back to their analytics page called Insights. The purpose of the Insight dashboard is to give users insight into their growth, reach, engagement and many other metrics that can explain why one post attracts new audiences while another does not. By reviewing these metrics regularly, a user can easily identify which content types, subjects, and days/times of day generate the most engagement or interest and determine what is worth putting additional effort into.

This is an important concept because poor growth may not be due to lack of effort, but rather due to ineffective use of effort. If a user continually changes all aspects of their posting style every time they post, it will be impossible to determine which of those changes led to the increased or decreased growth. Instead, it’s best to focus on the types of content that have had success before and then create new posts around those metrics as opposed to starting from zero every week.

2. Make content that has a better chance of reaching non followers

Instagram’s ranking system does not treat every surface the same, and that changes how growth should be approached. Feed, Stories, Reels, Explore, and Search each rely on different signals, which means follower growth improves when content is built for discovery rather than only for current followers. Accounts that keep publishing with discovery in mind usually give themselves more chances to be found outside their existing audience.

Test ideas with trial reels instead of pushing every experiment to the main audience

Trial reels are useful because they let creators show a Reel to non followers first and check whether the idea has traction before pushing it harder. Instagram introduced the feature as a way to see what performs best, and creator success stories tied to trial reels describe stronger reach from non followers after more frequent experimentation. That makes testing a practical growth move rather than a risky detour.

Keep original posts near the center of the strategy

Instagram has also said that recommendation eligibility can be affected when accounts repeatedly post copies of original content. That means recycled material and generic repost habits can quietly limit how far an account travels. Growth tends to hold up better when the account keeps its own angle, even if the format itself is familiar.

3. Treat profile text, keywords, and search behavior as part of growth

Search is an underrated part of follower growth because Instagram uses the text people type, along with information from accounts, hashtags, and places, to rank results. A profile that clearly describes what it offers has a better shot at meeting the right search traffic than one filled with vague wording or trendy phrases that say very little. Better search alignment will not fix weak content on its own, though it can help the right people find the account in the first place.

4. Add structured targeting when manual outreach stops scaling

Manual growth works for a while, especially when the niche is small and the creator has time to engage every day. Then the workload expands, the account gets busier, and the same manual routine starts eating hours without producing the same lift. That is usually where structured targeting becomes more useful than trying to do everything by hand.

Plixi is relevant here because its current setup combines AI powered targeting, real time analytics, and audience filters around factors such as location, hashtag, gender, language, age, and similar accounts. For accounts that already know their niche but need a cleaner way to reach it, that kind of structure can reduce random outreach and make growth feel more intentional. It also gives users a way to connect audience targeting with reporting instead of handling those jobs in separate places.

There is a practical reason this helps. Growth gets easier to repeat when the account owner can see where traction is coming from, which content performs best, and whether the audience being reached still matches the account’s goals. Plixi’s analytics pages describe live activity, follower growth, engagement rate, audience reach, top sources, and follower demographics, which gives users more context for adjusting what they publish next.

That does not remove the need for strong content. It does make the process less scattered, and that is often what smaller brands and creators need most once they are past the early stage and trying to keep momentum without losing too much time to repetitive tasks.

5. Build a workflow that can survive an ordinary month

The growth methods that actually work are usually the ones an account can keep doing when energy drops, deadlines pile up, or one post underperforms. Instagram’s creator resources keep emphasizing tools for insights, testing, and faster creation, which suggests that consistency works better when the workflow is manageable instead of overbuilt. A repeatable system tends to outperform a burst of effort followed by silence.

What tends to last longer than a lucky spike

There are so many tricks to mention when trying to gain followers, but gaining followers normally results from many good, timely decisions. Use the analytics to read results, test content across a broader audience, continue reusing original ideas, improve your search results, and add structured targeting after you move away from all manual work. Each of these are absolutely non-secrets, but collectively they have far more predictability than jumping on the latest trend attached to a popular item from the previous week.

The social media accounts that keep growing tend to become more comprehendible from the inside out. They have a good understanding of what they produce, who their audience is, and which signals warrant their attention prior to producing their next round of content. Even though this level of clarity is not as exciting as creating a viral sensation overnight, it will typically provide an account with an even better result than an instantaneous spike; it will give an account an opportunity to continue down that path into the future.

TikTok Growth Tips for Content Creators

TikTok growth gets messy when creators keep changing direction every few days. One week they chase trends, the next week they switch niches, and then they start posting longer videos without knowing whether their audience wanted that in the first place. A faster way to grow usually comes from picking a few clear moves and repeating them long enough to learn from them. TikTok’s own guidance leans toward that approach through regular posting, analytics, comments, collaboration, and creator tools that help people understand what is actually working.

Creators who grow steadily often make their page easy to understand. Viewers can tell what kind of content they make, why it keeps showing up in their feed, and what they are likely to get from the next post. That clarity matters because TikTok also highlights audience engagement, play duration, search value, and originality as meaningful signals in creator growth and rewards.

Start with a repeatable growth system

A creator does not need ten content ideas to grow faster. A much better starting point is a small system that can hold up for a month. The HighSocial platform uses language around organic TikTok growth, AI targeted reach, and real followers, which lines up with a broader creator need to reach the right audience instead of collecting random attention that never turns into comments or repeat views.

That system usually includes three things. First, a narrow group of topics the creator can return to without running out of energy. Second, a posting rhythm that feels manageable. Third, a clear format that can be repeated without rebuilding every video from zero. TikTok points creators toward regular posting, TikTok Studio, and analytics because consistency gets easier when the process feels stable.

Keep the format familiar enough to test it

When every video uses a completely different structure, creators learn very little from the results. One strong hook style, one recurring camera setup, and one reliable video pattern can reveal much more over ten posts than ten unrelated experiments. That is often where early momentum starts, because the creator can finally tell whether the topic failed or the packaging failed.

Build around a few content pillars

Most content creators do better with two or three pillars than with a broad identity. A fitness creator might rotate between training clips, meal ideas, and honest progress updates. A beauty creator might focus on wear tests, product comparisons, and quick fixes for common problems. TikTok’s Creator Search Insights supports this kind of planning by showing popular topics, content gaps, related searches, and how posts perform in search results.

A simple set of pillars also makes the account easier to remember. Viewers start to recognize what belongs on the page, and the creator spends less time wondering what to post next. A short working list can help keep decisions clean:

  • two to three main topics
  • one repeatable weekly series
  • one video format for fast production
  • one format that invites comments or questions

Search can guide the next post

Search data can be more useful than guesswork when a creator feels stuck. TikTok lets creators explore frequently searched topics, spot content gaps, and track how their posts perform in search. That makes it easier to choose the next video based on audience demand rather than mood.

Use audience signals before changing direction

A lot of creators change strategy too early. They see one weak post and assume the topic is dead, or they get one strong spike and start remaking the whole page around it. Better decisions usually come from clusters of signals. Comments, retention, repeat questions, search performance, and overall engagement tell a fuller story than one view count ever will.

Comment insights can be especially useful here. TikTok says the feature helps creators see frequently discussed topics, viewer questions, and suggestions for future content. That matters because comments often show where the real interest is. Sometimes the audience cares less about the main idea of a post and more about one small detail that deserves its own follow up video.

Creators who want a closer look at how one growth platform presents its user feedback can check reviews here. The reviews page highlights a 4.85 out of 5 rating from 3,625 reviews and includes customer comments centered on responsiveness, affordability, engaged followers, and follower growth. Used carefully, that kind of page can help creators understand what other users pay attention to when they evaluate a growth service.

The best next step is often small

Creators do not always need a full rebrand to speed things up. In many cases, the smarter move is smaller than that:

  • tighten the first two seconds
  • turn a strong comment into a follow up post
  • keep one series running for two more weeks
  • cut topics that never bring questions or saves
  • post again on a subject that already proved it can travel

Turn collaboration and consistency into momentum

TikTok encourages creators to collaborate through Duet, Stitch, and LIVE, and that advice makes sense because collaboration can place an account in front of adjacent audiences without forcing a complete content shift. When creators pair that with regular posting, analytics review, and a steady content structure, growth tends to look more organized and less reactive. The goal is to keep momentum understandable. Viewers should be able to tell why they followed, why they stayed, and why the next post belongs on the same page.

As TikTok Accounts continue to grow, creators may find that they have more success when they do not attempt to solve all their problems at once. Examples of this would be having a few credible content pillars, one or two formats to repeat consistently, as well as developing an actual habit of listening to your audience. Rather than continuing to experiment in multiple, disconnected manners with your audience, you would instead find the times where you do experiment become much more beneficial for your audience than the scattershot experimentation will provide.

Many creators find that their growth comes from gradually refining their page down until it becomes even more recognizable and simpler for their audience to return to. This takes trial and error; however, it can be done in a manner where it does not lead to chaos. If the creator remains consistent with their topic, format, and continues to actively listen to their audience, there is a much higher probability that the page will gain traction over time.

Lidl Ireland makes LGFA players stars of the screen with ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign

Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) are calling on supporters across the country to turn out in force this weekend for the Lidl National Football League Finals on Saturday 11th and Sunday, 12th, as the top teams across all four divisions compete for silverware.
Following a highly competitive League campaign, the finals represent a showcase of the very best of Ladies’ Gaelic Football, with players delivering exceptional standards of skill, athleticism and intensity throughout the season.
With over 63 hours of TV airtime dedicated to LGFA players since January 2026, supported by a national social media campaign across TikTok and Instagram, the campaign has been viewed more than 12 million times by audiences across Ireland, creating opportunities for the Irish public to see the game and its players ahead of the all important finals this weekend.
Despite this boost, challenges remain around visibility and recognition. Just 8% of LGFA players feel that current media coverage accurately reflects the true standard of the game, highlighting the need for continued support both on and off the pitch.
Lidl and the LGFA are encouraging fans to attend, back their counties, and experience firsthand the quality of the women’s game, ensuring that the excellence on the pitch is matched by the energy and support in the stands.
The call to action comes as Lidl research conducted by Red C highlights both the progress and the ongoing challenges facing women’s sport in Ireland. While 80% of people believe inequality still exists between men’s and women’s sport, there are clear signs of positive momentum, with one in five people reporting increased interest in women’s sport over the past year.
Importantly, perceptions are shifting. Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents now rate women’s sport as “high quality,” a significant increase in recent years. Media coverage of the LGFA has also tripled since 2020, supported in part by sustained investment and campaigns such as Lidl’s ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’. However, a significant gap remains, with men’s sport still receiving 15 times more coverage.
Through its ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign, Lidl has helped shine a spotlight on the skill and thrill of the game by ‘crashing’ its own TV advertisements to show one of the
many iconic moments in the sport instead of the retailer’s weekly offers. From Carla Rowe’s iconic back heel goal to superb strikes into the back of the net from Armagh’s Aimee Mackin and Kerry’s Danielle O’Leary and an overhead fisted goal by Tipperary’s Aishling Maloney, the campaign settles the score that when it comes to quality and skill, the ladies’ game has it in abundance.
As momentum continues to build, the message is clear: the talent is there, the quality is undeniable, now it’s time for supporters to get behind the game.
Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the impact that our ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign has had in bringing the skill of the game to new audiences who may never have engaged before.  Through our LGFA partnership over the past decade, and with our renewed investment of €7.5 million in the years to come, we continue to work to elevate the visibility and profile of the game. However, the reality is that there is still more to be done to ensure the brilliance we see on the pitch is matched by the support in the stands.
 
As we approach the Lidl National League Finals this weekend, I’m encouraging all Gaelic Games fans to come out and support these players. Through our ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’ campaign, we are shining a spotlight on the skill, dedication and excellence of LGFA players. Now, we are calling on supporters across the country to play their part. Get behind the teams, attend the finals, and help ensure that the greatness on the pitch is truly reflected in the stands.”
 
 
Trina Murray, LGFA President, said:
“As we approach the Lidl National League Finals, it’s important that we continue to get behind our players. The standard of football throughout this year’s league campaign has been fantastic, showcasing the skill, intensity and commitment that defines the LGFA. These finals are a brilliant opportunity for supporters to come out, show their backing, and experience the quality of the women’s game firsthand. We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong role models across our counties, inspiring the next generation both on and off the pitch, and I wish all teams the very best in the finals.”
 
Lidl Ireland has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the LGFA and women’s sport more broadly, announcing a €7.5m extension of its LGFA partnership for the next five years. Combined with a previous €15m investment over the last ten years, Lidl’s total support for the LGFA now totals €22.5m, representing a significant and sustained effort to advance and promote women’s sport across Ireland.
The Division 1 final will be held in TUS Gaelic Grounds between Cork and Galway at 5pm on Saturday 11th April, while the Division 2 final between Cavan and Donegal will be at 3pm at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones, Monaghan, on the same day. Also on Saturday, the Division 3 final will see Louth face Antrim at 1pm in St. Oliver Plunkett Park, Crossmaglen and on Sunday 12th April,  Carlow will take on Leitrim at 2pm in Grant Heating St.Brendan’s Park, Birr, in the Division 4 Final.

Tickets for the Lidl National Football League Finals are priced at €15 for adults, €10 for students and OAPs, and €5 for juveniles and €2 for U12s.
Peil na mBan Beo will also be available to audiences globally on the TG4 Player at www.tg4.ie/beo and on the TG4 Mobile and Smart TV App.

 

 

 

 

Over two thirds of women led businesses in Ireland using AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a routine part of how women‑led businesses operate, according to new data from Network Ireland released ahead of its national International Women’s Day event at the Limerick Strand Hotel this Saturday.

The survey of 1,400 members of the country’s largest business networking organisation for women shows that 68% of respondents now use AI in some form, most commonly in marketing, finance or HR. The trend is set to continue, with 72% planning to increase their use of the technology this year, despite two out of three respondents saying they are worried about regulatory or ethical issues linked to AI.

Rising operational pressures are also evident. 76% say costs have increased this year, driven primarily by labour (32%), energy (17%), taxation/compliance (15%), supply‑chain input (13%), insurance (4%) and commercial rates (3%).

Inflation pressures (38%) remain the biggest risk for 2026, followed by a domestic economic slowdown (29%), global instability (21%) and access to finance (5%). Customer demand trends are mixed, with 47% reporting stronger customer demand than in 2025, 31% saying it is unchanged and 22% reporting weaker demand.

LinkedIn and Instagram remain the most important platforms for business growth, with eight in ten business owners posting regularly. The main objectives for social media use are brand awareness (42%), lead generation (30%), community building (14%), direct sales (12%) and recruitment (2%).

Network Ireland’s International Women’s Day event will be headlined by entrepreneur and social innovator Sonya Lennon, who will join speakers from fashion, global sport and enterprise to discuss what it takes to build resilient brands in competitive markets. The programme will also explore the concept of brand wellness, ensuring that as organisations scale, the people behind them remain supported.

The event is supported by AIB, Limerick City and County Council and Enterprise Ireland. Down Syndrome Limerick, the President’s chosen charity partner, will be represented by speaker Annie Conway.

Karen Ronan, Network Ireland President and CEO of Galway Chamber, said the survey findings underline the importance of this year’s International Women’s Day theme.

“Building bridges is about creating access to opportunity, to confidence and to leadership,” she said. “Women are adapting to new technologies and new market realities at pace. Our role is to make sure they have the networks and support to grow with confidence.”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented, “International Women’s Day urges us to turn celebration into action, ensuring that equality, respect and opportunity are not aspirations, but realities for all. Network Ireland continues to champion women who lead, innovate and uplift others. I particularly want to commend Limerick native Karen Ronan for her work as President of Network Ireland, while wishing Barbara MacCarthy the very best of luck in her term as Limerick branch President throughout 2026.”

Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, said, “At AIB, we believe that when women in business thrive, our communities and our economy thrive with them. International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that progress happens when ambition is supported by access to finance, to networks and to opportunity. AIB plays a vital role in creating those connections, and we look forward to continuing to champion female entrepreneurship, leadership and sustainable growth across Ireland.”

Sarah Walker, Senior Executive, Enterprise Ireland, said, “Enterprise Ireland is focused on increasing the number of women who start, lead and grow businesses, and we are delighted to support Network Ireland in hosting this year’s International Women’s Day event. Through our investments and initiatives, including the Going for Growth, NextWave, WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale Shared Island programmes, we aim to give women the skills, networks and funding routes they need to scale. When women succeed in business, the benefits are felt across communities and the wider economy.”

Established in 1983, Network Ireland supports more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, SME owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector. Visit networkireland.ie for more.

Almost one in four people in Ireland have set screen limits on their devices

Smartphone use remains deeply woven into the daily lives of people of all ages in Ireland, but levels of digital fatigue are increasing, Deloitte’s latest Digital Consumer Trends survey reveals.

In the last year, almost one-quarter of respondents (24%) have set screen time limits on their phones.

Needing a break was the top reason respondents gave for deleting a social media app (27%), and one-quarter did it because they stopped using the app.

23% said the app they deleted was consuming too much of their time and the same amount said they were getting too many ads or sponsored posts.

Misinformation (22%), a negative impact on mental health (18%), and content being boring (16%) were the other top reasons for deleting an app.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) switched off all notifications from one or more apps in the past year, 21% stopped using a digital wearable, 19% stopped using a digital device, and 17% stopped reading e-books on digital devices.

Nearly half of Gen Zs joined a social media app (46%) but nearly one-in-three (32%) said they had deleted an existing app from their device. The joining and deleting of social media apps is lower amongst other generations.

  Joined a social media app Deleted a social media app
Millennials 27% 29%
Gen X 16% 26%
Boomers 12% 18%

 

70% of respondents said they tend to spend too much time on their phone. This breaks down to 77% of Gen Zs, 78% of Millennials, 73% of Gen X and 48% of Boomers.

82% of those surveyed said they check their smartphone at least 10 times a day and 59% said at least 25 times. Over a third (34%) said they check their phone at least 50 times a day and 15% said they do so at least 100 times.

60% of phone owners look at their phone within 15 minutes or less after waking up, which is down from 65% in 2024. More than half (54%) stay awake later than planned due to using their mobile phone.

Majority of adults say children are ready for smartphones by 12-15, but also favour social media usage limits for those under 18

82% of people in Ireland said they would support social media platforms introducing usage limitations for those under 18.

More than half (57%) would ‘strongly favour’ social media platforms requiring age verification when registering and (56%) would ‘strongly favour’ introducing usage limitations for people under the age of 18.

Despite this, most adults (58%) feel the appropriate age for a first smartphone is between 12 to 15 years old.

Nearly one-in-three (32%) believe children should get their first smartphone at 12-13 years of age and more than a quarter (26%) believe they should be 14-15. Only 4% believe the devices should not be given to under 18s and 22% believe they should be given to those aged 16 or older.

Nearly half (43%) of respondents think a teenager should be 16 or older to have access to social media.

Close to one-quarter (24%) think those with social media access should be 14-15, while 16% said 12-13 years of age. Just 4% said 10-11 years and only 8% believe social media should not be available to those aged under 18.

Gen Zs prefer to get their news from social media, but more people are reporting an increase in misinformation

The survey shows misinformation continues to rise as 59% now say they more regularly see fake information online – up from 53% in 2024 and 46% in 2023

Despite such concerns, nearly half of Gen Zs (47%) say they prefer to get their news from social media and only 34% of this generation say the same for TV. This compares to 44% of Millennials, 65% of Gen X and 75% of Boomers saying their preferred source for news is TV.

54% of Boomers and 47% of Gen X prefer to stay updated on news and current events using radio, in contrast to 29% of Millennials and 19% of Gen Z.

Just 2% of Boomers prefer podcasts, while this figure is 14% across the three other generations surveyed.

Commenting on the Digital Consumer Trends findings, John Kehoe, a Deloitte Ireland partner who has worked on the Digital Consumer Trends report for seven years, said: “With 60% of us looking at our phones within minutes of waking up, it’s clear that our smartphones continue to play a crucial role in our modern-day lives. But the number of respondents who say they either need a break from social media, are turning their notifications off, or setting screen time limits, shows that how we engage with our devices is changing. The fascinating findings of Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends Survey poses the question – are we entering the age of the digital detox?”

How to Protect Yourself Against Romance Scams

As Valentine’s Day, February 14, approaches, organizations across countries, including the FBI in the US, warn people to be aware of romance scams, where cybercriminals create fake identities and manipulate people into sending money. Cybersecurity experts urge users to be particularly cautious this year, as AI enables even more realistic scams, and are offering tips on how to stay safe.

At the start of February, Nigerian police arrested a local cybercriminal for allegedly being involved in a large-scale romance scam. The man posed as “Travis Kevin,” a doctor from the US on Facebook and Instagram, and asked his victims for money for medical supplies in crypto, promising to repay them soon.

The FBI, UK police, and organizations in other countries have recently issued warnings to be cautious about similar Romance scenarios.

A previous report from the US Federal Trade Commission estimated that romance scams in the US alone cost users over a billion dollars back in 2023. Experts at Planet VPN, a VPN provider that emphasizes free service, claim that since then, these types of scams have increased both in numbers and sophistication.

Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of Planet VPN, says that offenders typically employ tactics such as emotional manipulation and false promises of love or partnership, before fabricating emergencies or investment opportunities.

“Cybercriminals create fake identities on dating sites and social media using psychological manipulation to convince victims to send money. They are increasingly relying on generative AI tools to make their scams more convincing. With AI enabling the creation of fake images and videos with just a click, users should be particularly cautious,” Levinzon says.

A recent report from British bank TSB claims that people aged 65-74 were involved in the most romance fraud cases (23%), with those over 55 making up 58% of cases overall.

Meanwhile, social media platforms were linked to 58% of cases, while dating sites were involved in 42%. The data shows that 30% of scams were connected to Facebook, the highest among all platforms.

Levinzon emphasizes that when it comes to protection from scammers, the same principles apply across all platforms.

“Be suspicious of anyone you’ve never met in person – that’s the only safe approach in a digital world increasingly filled with scams,” says Levinzon. “If someone you meet on a dating site seems suspicious, perform a reverse image search to check if their pictures are stolen from other sources. And if the conversation shifts to money, or if someone asks for personal information, leave the conversation immediately.”

To maximize protection, Levinzon advises using a VPN network. Some scammers can track users’ locations and then try to target them with personalized scams based on their country. When a VPN is turned on, it hides the person’s IP address and location, and encrypts all the data, making it invisible even to your internet service provider.

“For maximum security online, we also advise using strong passwords for all your social media accounts and dating sites, and enabling multifactor authentication. In addition, ensure that your privacy settings on social media platforms are set to the highest level, and limit who can see your posts and personal details,” Levinzon says.

Women’s Aid Ends Use of X

Women’s Aid, a national organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse including coercive control in Ireland, will no longer maintain a presence on the platform X from 8th January 2026.

The organisation has watched the increased levels of unchecked hate, misogyny, racism and anti-LGBTI+ content on the platform with growing unease and concern. The current scandal which has seen the creation and sharing of AI deepfakes, non-consensual intimate imagery, and production of child sexual abuse material by X’s own AI Grok, in breach of the platforms own guidelines and regulations is a tipping point.

This online violence against women and children – especially girls – has often devastating real life impacts and we no longer view it as appropriate to use such a platform to share our work.

This has not been an easy decision. Women’s Aid was an early user of social media, including Twitter/X since 2009. We have engaged with and informed our supporters of the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse, promote our frontline support services to those affected and push for positive social change.

We firmly believe that social media platforms have a crucial role to play in a healthy society, providing crucial townhall spaces for thoughtful, respectful, constructive and positive dialogue. By leaving we acknowledge that we are ceding the stage to the malign actors, and bots who will continue to overrun the space creating and spreading disinformation and other harmful content with effective impunity. However, as an organisation working to end violence against women and children, we balance the costs with any benefits to our continued engagement in this space and find we can no longer tolerate this situation.

While we have reduced leverage on this platform, we call on Governments and Regulators in both Ireland and at EU level to act swiftly and decisively to create effective accountability, legislation and regulation to ensure companies must have guardrails that protect truth, and prevent harm so that in the future any user can use X, and any online platform safely.

Bank of Ireland warns customers of ads impersonating well-known retailers

Bank of Ireland is warning customers about social media advertisements currently in circulation which are impersonating well-known retailers offering deals and bargains.

With online shopping at its peak during the holidays, fraudsters are increasingly targeting consumers through scam social media advertisements. These ads often impersonate well-known retailers, luring shoppers with fake offers and directing them to counterfeit websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

The Bank is also reminding customers that its dedicated fraud support team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Christmas and New Year. Last year Bank of Ireland’s fraud prevention team received over 10,000 calls from customers during the peak holiday period (23 December to 29 December), with 550 calls on Christmas day alone.

Key advice for consumers:

  • Be cautious of social media ads that look too good to be true.
  • Always verify that you are shopping on the official website of a retailer.
  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or posts – go to the retailer’s website for offers.
  • If you suspect fraud, contact Bank of Ireland immediately.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Christmas should be a time of joy, not worry. Unfortunately, fraudsters see this season as an opportunity to exploit consumers, and we’re seeing many fake adverts currently which are impersonating well known retailers. Our fraud team is working around the clock, even over the Christmas and New Year period, to support customers. If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and reach out to us straight away.”

Bank of Ireland customers can call the fraud team 24/7 on Freephone 1800 946 764.

Dowdetector by Ookla: Largest Outages of 2025

In 2025, digital services proved both indispensable and fragile. This year’s largest outages were defined by platform-level disruptions, particularly across video, gaming, and communication platforms, that impacted millions of users. However, given how many individual platforms rely on the same few cloud providers and core systems, the role of centralized infrastructure also played a key role, demonstrating how a single point of failure can still cause disruption to cascade across multiple services simultaneously.

Downdetector® data from 2025 Ookla could analyze millions of user reports and identify the largest website and service outages of the year.

The World’s Biggest Outages of 2025

2025 saw a combination of major outages across gaming, streaming, and social media services, but none were more impactful than the cloud services outages that affected companies across the globe. These large-scale incidents underscored how failures in core infrastructure can ripple outward to millions of users. Here is a look at the largest global outages of 2025, according to Downdetector data.

 

In Europe:

 

  • PlayStation Network global issue topped the EU list with 1.7 million reports.
  • Snapchat saw the second-highest outage activity in the region with 989,559 reports submitted by users.
  • Vodafone’s UK-wide internet outage generated 833,211 reports.
  • WhatsApp caused significant disruption for its users with 621,763 reports.
  • Spotify’s outage recorded 468,334 reports, making it a major non-video streaming event.
  • Odido experienced, within 10 days, two separate outages that totaled 357,685 reports (June 15th) and 382,003 reports (June 25th).

See more