We live in the Influencer Age, where people project themselves as relevant figures to be admired and emulated. We see most of them on Instagram or TikTok, either flaunting their luxurious lifestyle, showing random moments of their day, or sharing something inspirational for their audiences to take in. Recently, LinkedIn has been another platform where supposed thought leaders share insights with fellow professionals.
The film's protagonist, Ed Saxberger ( Willem Dafoe), is a New York poet who quit writing verse decades before but still listens to the greatest hits of yesteryear. That's how he happens to put on a recording of Pound reading his Canto LXXXI: What thou lovest well remains, the rest is dross/What thou lov'st well shall not be reft from thee/What thou lov'st well is thy true heritage.
heartland of beautiful girls. We know this to be true if we are followers-however casually-of something called RushTok, and we know it to be enduringly true because the above sentence was written by Terry Southern in 1963, in " Twirling at Ole Miss," which was published in Esquire and then included in Tom Wolfe's essential 1973 anthology, The New Journalism.
They've been accused of crimes, derided by memes, and the subject of multiple cancellations. Their music video, "It's Everyday Bro," is the 16th most disliked video in the history of YouTube. Clearly, Jake Paul and Logan Paul aren't for everyone. But whatever opinions may be, it's hard not to be impressed by their rise to stardom. Coming from relatively humble means, they've created a massive audience on social media.
Every August, the US Open rolls into Queens with its ever-expanding rituals of consumption. Fans don't just buy in, they perform it: the $23 Honey Deuce held aloft for Instagram, the $40 lobster roll posted before the first serve, the $100 caviar-topped chicken nuggets bought as much for the flex as the flavor. The tennis has never been the cheapest day out, but lately the sticker shock feel less like a barrier than the point.
When a single YouTube video commands more views than a blockbuster premiere, when a TikTok Creator can launch a global trend overnight and when communities once overlooked by Hollywood are finding their voices through creators, it's clear that a new level of opportunity for the entertainment industry has been unlocked. Creators are expanding the industry's reach and helping to reshape its future (literally!), and the impact they are having is undeniable and transformative.
The social network - once a bland haven for professional connections and job listings - has morphed in the influencer age. It's the only place on Will Smith's internet where you'll find entrepreneurial bros preaching hustle culture alongside weirdly inappropriate overshares, clearly fabricated business allegories, and, yes, "some personal news" related to a new job or promotion. It's no wonder multiple publications have crowned LinkedIn as social media's king of the cringe. (There's at least one Instagram account dedicated to it, too.)
'While Ava is the face of tomorrow's social media star, she is always today's warning,' the experts explained. 'She's what years of algorithm-chasing, beauty standard obsession, and constant content creation can do to a person. From endless brand trips to Las Vegas to the daily grind of filters and photo shoots, her lifestyle has left its mark. 'Backed by medical research, Ava's appearance is the sum of influencers habits.'
Princess Andre, despite her royal title, leads a surprisingly mundane teenage life filled with influencer-related activities, showcasing the challenges of growing up under public scrutiny.
Older women are increasingly embracing their age and caring less about societal expectations of beauty, as the trend reflects a shift in confidence and self-acceptance.
The Beckham brand represents a contemporary family dynamic where public and private life intertwine, showcasing an image carefully curated through social media for a global audience.
At the core, Labubu and Sydney Sweeney aren't radically new; they're evolutions of age-old marketing patterns. History is repeating itself. Labubu mirrors the Beanie Babies craze of the '90s: collectible, emotionally charged, and driven by hype cycles.
The use of music in Kyle's short is particularly hilarious - stock, YouTuber-esque music underpins every sad moment with jarringly upbeat vibes, creating a juxtaposition that delivers laughs as well as discomfort.
The reimagination of Bible stories through an Americanised lens of fuckboy vlog culture feels like bizarre, sacrilegious gobbledegook, reflecting a blend of AI, influencer culture, and rising conservatism.
Cristiano Ronaldo has built a substantial brand around his football career, leveraging social media effectively to connect with fans and promote his endorsements. His influence spans beyond the pitch, impacting modern sports marketing.
Aspiring comedians once took to the grueling stand-up circuit or jostled for spots in improv academies like Second City. Waheed is part of a new creator generation breaking through via their smartphones.
"Hey, I'm transgender, and my name is now Jenna. Don't tell my Dad." This text marked the beginning of Wilson's authentic journey five years ago.