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TOTEM Times:

Digital & Cultural Transformation



The “ChatGPT Effect”

The “ChatGPT Effect”

Large language models (LLMs) have transformed the search landscape. Here’s the general impact of the “ChatGPT Effect” on search. Why It Matters Shift from Linking to Answering. Traditional search engines focused on providing a list of links to sources. LLMs introduced generative answers, meaning users are provided with a synthesized, direct answer to their query […]


A purposeful closing

A purposeful closing

Not yet, though. Why It Matters Our CEO, Andy Stalman, had the privilege of delivering the closing address at the 17th Leadership Course at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, organized by the Chair of Management and Business Culture. It was more than a conference. It was an encounter filled with emotion, reflection, and vision. A […]


The impact of short videos on our brains is deeper and more concerning than many realize

The impact of short videos on our brains is deeper and more concerning than many realize

According to an extensive meta-analysis*, excessive consumption of formats like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts negatively affects key cognitive functions such as sustained attention, self-control, and concentration. Why It Matters Simply put, the more we consume these short videos, the less capable we are of maintaining focus on tasks that require effort or extended […]


Will Your Next President Be an Artificial Intelligence?

Will Your Next President Be an Artificial Intelligence?

Human politics drags an eternal burden: corruption, vested interests, blinding ideologies, divisive passions. Against this backdrop, AI emerges as a promise of objectivity, impartiality, and efficiency. Why It Matters Albania recently introduced Diella, an AI presented as a “minister” against corruption. The message was clear: an intelligence without personal interests or political ties. A sign […]


A defining moment for AI

A defining moment for AI

After years of exponential investment and inflated promises, 2026 will test whether AI truly transforms business, creativity, and culture — or whether it falls into another wave of disillusionment. Why It Matters Global spending on AI infrastructure will surpass one trillion dollars, yet only around 5% of companies currently integrate AI into their core products […]


At TOTEM Branding, we believe every brand begins with its people

At TOTEM Branding, we believe every brand begins with its people

When Emmanuel College (University of Queensland) entrusted us with the evolution of its brand identity, we set out to do more than refresh visuals — we set out to capture the essence of a community that, since 1911, has inspired generations. From day one, our approach was rooted in listening From day one, our approach […]


Can you make it to the end of this post?

Can you make it to the end of this post?

In today’s digital age, attention has become one of the most valuable and scarce resources. Why It Matters The overabundance of information, content, and stimuli that users receive daily creates fierce competition to capture and maintain people’s attention. This phenomenon, known by many as the “attention economy,” poses unique challenges for brands and businesses seeking […]


Cuando uno piensa que ya llegó al final, otro piensa que recién está empezando

Cuando uno piensa que ya llegó al final, otro piensa que recién está empezando

Después de más de 150 episodios con distintos invitados, hablando de tendencias, de todo tipo de especialidades y de branding, MUCHO branding, hoy arranca una temporada que esperamos que sea muy especial. Lo que significa Sabemos que en internet está lleno de podcasts muy interesantes, y que competir por la atención y el tiempo de […]


Where are the fastest-moving conversations about marketing and branding happening?

Where are the fastest-moving conversations about marketing and branding happening?

It’s not just on LinkedIn anymore. Or Instagram. Why It Matters TOTEM is now also on TikTok. Because not all knowledge is shared in carousels or PDFs. On TikTok, we talk about what’s happening each week in branding, marketing, creativity, and brands: → Trends that are setting the course. → News that you have to […]


The way people search, interact, and decide on the internet is changing radically

The way people search, interact, and decide on the internet is changing radically

At 2 years, 7 months, and 22 days old, ChatGPT processes more than 2.5 billion interactions per day. Google processes approximately 14 billion searches per day Google processes approximately 14 billion searches per day. ChatGPT received nearly 1 billion prompts per day a year ago. Gemini and other generative AIs are growing, but it’s still […]