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I was walking down the street with my partner in Londons Camden neighborhood on Wednesday night when we saw an ad that said, This app was designed to keep you hooked. A finger could be seen tapping Instagrams app icon above a claim reading, 45% of teens say they spend too much time on social media. In theory, this was all straightforward messaging, but the ads final note in the corner threw us: From Meta, logo and all. We turned to each other in confusion, trying to make sense of it. The ad looked so professionally designed that we wondered, could Meta Platforms, a company that has repeatedly denied responsibility for its users mental health, be advertising it? [Photos: Mad Youth Organise] No. In short, Instagram and Facebooks parent company has done nothing of the sort. Instead, the ad is from Just Treatment, a U.K.-based health justice group started in 2017. The organizations latest campaign is Mad Youth Organise, a push to improve accessible, quality mental health care for young people. The ad we saw was one of eight that activists have plastered guerrilla-style across London, Just Treatment told Fast Company. A similar design to the one we saw features a photo of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg smiling. If you feel worse, its working, it says. Other ads are plastered with statements such as Our anxiety is exploited by Meta and Were more lonely with Meta. Each includes a statistic to back up these claims. The campaign launched Wednesday and included a group of young people blocking Metas London office with another ad that bluntly stated: The youth mental health crisis, sponsored by Meta. The individuals involved in the protest believe social media has pushed them into mental health crisis, according to Mad Youth Organise. Young activists whove lived with adverse mental health have run and designed the entire campaign, Just Treatment says. Alongside Meta, Mad Youth Organise has also targeted TikTok. One sign reads, Eating disorders start on TikTok, while another says, Misery starts on TikTok. Both also cite a statistic claiming 46% of teens feel social media makes them have a worse body image. Fast Company has reached out to Meta and TikTok for comment. We will update this post if we hear back. What does the Mad Youth Organise campaign want? Mad Youth Organise is pushing for a Big Tech Tax, a 4% tax on tech companies earning over 500 million ($663 million) globally. The money raised would be put toward funding youth mental health services. Its also insisting that Big Techs social media monopoly be severed, among other demands. How bad is social media for young people? Its no secret that social media has been shown to cause adverse effects. A high-profile social media trial in the U.S. held closing arguments on Thursday: TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and Snap have been accused of knowingly designing products that are both addictive and harmful to young peoples mental health. These social media companies have all taken the same approach to these accusations: Deny. Deny. Deny. TikTok and Snap previously settled with the plaintiff, identified only by her initials KGM. She claims that early social media use made her addicted to technology and exacerbated her depression and suicidal thoughts. However, this is the first of a consolidated group of cases for over 1,600 plaintiffs, including families and school districts. Research has consistently found evidence of social medias harm to young peoples mental health. A 2025 survey from Pew Research found that 48% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 believe social media sites have a mostly negative effect on their age group. This figure is a significant jump from the 32% who felt the same in a 2022 survey. Participants also listed social media as the most negative influence on teen mental health (22%), higher than bullying (17%), pressure and expectations (16%) and school (5%). Young Minds, a U.K.-based charity for young peoples mental health, reports that 34% of young people feel trapped on social media sites. Meanwhile, 22% report receiving distressing content on social media at least weekly.
Category:
E-Commerce
Shares in the preeminent graphics software company Adobe Inc. (Nasdaq: ADBE) are dropping significantly in premarket trading this morning following the companys Q1 2026 earnings results. Yet it’s not the earnings themselves that are driving ADBE stock lower. It’s an announcement from the companys CEO, Shantanu Narayen, who said he plans to exit the role he has held for over 18 years. Heres what you need to know: Whats happened? On Thursday, Adobe announced the results of its first quarter for fiscal 2026. And for all intents and purposes, the results were of the caliber that would normally make investors happy: Total revenue of $6.4 billion (up 12% year-over-year) Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $6.06 adjusted Total annualized recurring revenue (ARR) of $26.06 billion As noted by CNBC, for the quarter, Adobes total revenue and EPS figures exceeded investor expectations. The LSEG analyst consensus was that Adobe would bring in total revenue of $6.28 billion and achieve an EPS of $5.87. But if Adobe beat expectations, why is the stock down significantly this morning? Longtime boss is saying goodbye The main reason Adobes shares are in the red this morning is that in addition to the companys earnings results yesterday, the Photoshop maker also announced that its long-running CEO, Shantanu Narayen, will be stepping down from the role. Without a doubt, the departure of Narayen is a loss for the company. As the departing CEO said in his resignation letter, Narayen has worked for Adobe for 28 years and led the company in the chief executive role for over 18 years. Narayen, who is 62, first became CEO in 2007. Adobe shares have grown more than 542% over that period, although they are down considerably since 2024. During Narayen’s 28-year tenure at Adobe, the companys workforce has grown tenfold, going from 3,000 to 30,000 employees. Its revenue has grown from less than a billion dollars annually to more than $25 billion. Perhaps most critically, under Narayens chief executive tenure, Adobe transitioned from a company that primarily sold one-time software licenses to one that is now primarily subscription-based. While that move was not always popular with Adobes customer base, it has built a foundation for the recurring annual revenue the company now relies on. Narayen has long been a respected figure at Adobe, and within the broader tech industry, so it’s no surprise that his announced departure is having a negative effect on Adobes stock price. Narayen says he will stay on as CEO until Adobes board appoints a new one, at which point he will remain as Chair of the Board at Adobe. Adobe investors cant shake AI anxieties Another element to Narayen’s departure that is likely causing investor jitters is that he is stepping down at a time when Adobe has never been more vulnerable. Narayen successfully navigated Adobe through the largely iPhone-driving death of its core Flash technology in the early years of his tenure as CEO. But now the company arguably faces an even more critical flashpoint. As AI tools become more advanced, investors are increasingly worried that they threaten the very foundations of Adobes business models. If an AI chatbot can generate a photo on demand, investors worry that customers will find less value in its stock photo service. And if AI can make edits and enhancements to photos and graphics simply by using natural language prompts, will fewer future creatives find less value in the companys Creative Cloud software? To be fair, the AI threat isnt a problem unique to Adobe. In the first part of this year, software companies of all stripes have been hit hard by investor worries that AI chatbots and their increasing capabilities will negatively impact enterprise and commercial software solutions. And while Adobe itself is of course embracing AI tools in its own products, the planned departure of the companys beloved CEO at this critical time in the industry is making a lot of investors nervous today, as is evident by the companys plunging stock price. Adobe shares crash on CEOs planned departure As of this writing, in premarket trading, ADBE shares are down over 7.5% to $249.31 after yesterdays announcement of Narayens upcoming exit. The companys shares ended yesterday down 1.43% to $269.78. But even before todays steep drop, Adobes shares have had a bad year. As of yesterdays close, ADBE shares had lost nearly 23% of their value since the year began. Looking back over Narayens tenure as CEO, Adobes share price has had a stellar run. In December 2007, when Narayen became chief executive, ADBE shares were trading around the $42 range. By 2021, the companys shares had peaked at nearly $700. But, particularly since 2024, the companys shares have declined significantly, as fears over AIs impact on legacy software companies have grown. Those fears are now something that Adobes next CEO, whoever that may be, will have to effectively manage.
Category:
E-Commerce
Being seen is a fundamental human need. We all can recall a moment when we truly felt “seen” by someone for who we are, and how good and empowering it made us feel. When this happens, it deepens our sense of belonging and makes us more connected to our work, and to others. And today, with so much of our attention being scattered and superficial, being truly seen is as surprising as it is refreshing. Research supports this: a sense of social belonging is one of the strongest predictors of engagement and performance at work. According to Deloittes Global Human Capital Trends report, 79% of organizations say that creating a sense of belonging is important or very important for their success. However, only a small percentage feel equipped to make it happen. This needs to change, now. Because when people feel seen, they feel validated, appreciated, and engaged. And thats where leadership truly begins. According to Nina Bressler, Global Head of Service Academy at Hitachi Energy, Every time we see someone fully, not just their role but in their humanity, we have the experience of learning and growing together. People lean in, share what they know, and risk showing what they dont. In that mutual recognition, performance becomes a natural outcome of belonging. A Personal Story: The Power of Sawabona In the Zulu language, theres a greeting I love that captures this sense of belonging. Its Sawabona. It means I see you, but it’s much deeper than that. Its not just an acknowledgment or a greeting; its an affirmation of someones existence and humanity. The response to Sawabona is just as powerful: Ngikhona, which means I am here. This exchange conveys mutual respect, and sets the tone for meaningful connection and authentic interaction. For years, I sat on a leadership advisory board within the intelligence community, made up of accomplished experts across a variety of fields. We always sat at the boardroom table, putting our heads together to urgently tackle the high-stakes issues that needed our input. The pressure to perform was always stressful, and the environment felt as intimidating as it was inspiring. But one day, the mood changed. The chairwoman of our board, Renee, began our meeting with Sawabona, she said. This was definitely different from the typical call to order and reading of the agenda, and people were seemingly caught off guard. We all then said the response: Ngikhona, I am here. And immediately, people smiled. Not just because it was a little awkward, but because it was so human. This exchange set the tone for the entire meeting. It was a kind acknowledgment of each persons presence, and importance. That single act of recognition created an atmosphere where we could show up genuinely and engage deeply, not just as experts but as humans with unique experiences, values, and stories. Why Sawabona Matters for Your Team At work, we forget the power of seeing each other fully. I know Im guilty of this, because I get, well, busy. We all focus on tasks, deadlines, and outcomes, but better outcomes happen when people feel seen as themselves. Research from BetterUp found that when employees experience a strong sense of belonging, organizations see: 75% fewer sick days 56% improved job performance 50% lower turnover risk These kinds of results are worth the risk of an awkward moment, in my opinion, no? Sawabona is rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes both interconnectedness and mutual care. I am because we are speaks to the understanding that our individual worth is shaped by our connection to others. When we see each other, we strengthen the bonds that foster collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. If you want your team to thrive, fostering a sense of Sawabona is key. Leaders who do this are recognizing people for who they are, not just what they produce. When you honor someones existence and humanity, you unlock their potential. How to Bring Sawabona to Work Incorporating Sawabona into your team culture isnt about using the phrase as a token gesture. Its about showing everyone mutual respect and authentic connection, even in small ways. Heres how to start: Show Up Fully Sawabona means showing up, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. That means you dont just show up and sit in the room; be engaged. When people feel their presence is valued, theyre more likely to show up as their best selves. Practice Active Listening The foundation of Sawabona is truly listening. So, be attentive, ask thoughtful questions, and seem understanding. Celebrate Individuality Everyone on your team is unique. Their perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds shape what they bring to the table. Take time to acknowledge what makes each person special. Let that perspective add to new ideas and solutions. Create Space to Share People need to feel safe to express themselves. Create an environment where your team can give ideas, voice concerns, and add to the conversation without fear of judgment or rejection. The Radical Power of Being Seen The act of being seen is alarmingly radical in a world that frequently treats people as a means to an end. Sawabona rejects the transactional nature of work to focus on a deeper, more authentic human connection. Because people arent just cogs in a machine. Theyre individuals with worth, complexity, and unique contributions. As a leader, its your responsibility to create an environment of support, because your success depends on it. Sawabona is a practice that says, I see you for who you are, and I value your presence. Next time you gather your team, start by greeting them with Sawabona, and watch how it transforms the way you work, collaborate, and connect. SEO Tags: Sawabona, Ubuntu leadership, team engagement, mutual respect, leadership culture, active listening, team empowerment, empathy at work, authentic leadership.
Category:
E-Commerce
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