Weekly Digital Roundup (3.24.14)

A common thread among our this week seems to be disappearance, whether it's Facebook's Organic reach, @s and #s, and even the new Cloak app. Without further ado, here’s what we found to be the biggest news, so you may comfortably remain snuggled under a rock.

Organic Reach a Dying Breed

Facebook organic page reach may be all but extinct according to recent reports. A source close to Facebook reports that the social network plans to slash organic reach down to 1-2 percent due to an update in its EdgeRank algorithm. This is a steep jump from the 16 percent organic page Facebook cited a few years ago. Many brands are reconsidering their Facebook strategy now that they must pay to have content seen. This is one story we're only seeing further confirmed week to week.

@ + # = Gonzo?!

Are the days of @ replies and hashtags almost done? Twitter is considering doing away with the iconic communication symbols on its platform. According to Twitter's Head of News, Vivian Schiller, the social network feels @ replies and hashtags are "arcane" and are working on a way to hide the features while still retaining functionality. #sadface

More Brands on Snapchat

More and more brands are hopping on the Snapchat train. Big names like McDonalds and the NBA have taken to the short-form messaging app to engage customers. This article outlines a few tactics such as Taco Bell's storyline of customer experiences and exclusive promotions from GrubHub.

Old Dog, New Tricks

Can't decide where to have dinner tonight? Why don't you ask Foursquare! The popular mobile app has shifted its focus to becoming more of a recommendations app rather than simply a record of where people have been. Foursquare Co-founder Dennis Crowley said the service's users are the human equivalent of Google Web crawlers, helping identify the best places to visit in real-time.

Cloak It Up

Finally, a social app for the non-social. If you're looking to avoid an old flame or annoying co-worker, Cloak's got your back. This mobile app uses your friends' Foursquare and Instagram check-in data to alert you when they're within a half-mile of your location. Say goodbye to awkward run-ins! Or, at least deal with less of them.Spring has sprung!