#pop-culture-commentary
#pop-culture-commentary

Television

The TV And Movie Content That Drove Social Media In 2025

Television

This company is turning YouTube videos into TV shows as streamers chase Gen Alpha

fromForbes

The TV And Movie Content That Drove Social Media In 2025

Younger generations prefer social media recommendations for TV and movies over traditional streaming platform suggestions.

This company is turning YouTube videos into TV shows as streamers chase Gen Alpha

Streamers are launching creator content to attract Gen Alpha away from YouTube, with Pocket.watch leading the initiative.

SaySo is a new short-form video app that aims to restore users' trust in news | TechCrunch

SaySo is a new app that curates news from vetted creators to combat misinformation and enhance user trust.

Mental health

Most US teens say TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat aren't hurting (or helping) their mental health

Digital life

Social media has positive benefits for teens

Mental health

The Verdict on Social Media Addiction

Recent verdicts against Meta and YouTube indicate social media harm is linked to platform design, particularly affecting adolescents' mental health.

Why Are We So Dependent on Social Media?

Social media's addictive design and users' need for identity and community contribute to deep dependence on these platforms.

Shocking: Parents think their teens spend too much time on TikTok, a new study reveals

Parents are more concerned about teens' TikTok usage than teens themselves, with 44% of parents worried compared to 28% of teens.

SaySo is a new short-form video app that aims to restore users' trust in news | TechCrunch

SaySo is a new app that curates news from vetted creators to combat misinformation and enhance user trust.

Mental health

Most US teens say TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat aren't hurting (or helping) their mental health

Most teens report social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat do not harm their mental health, but some experience negative effects on sleep and productivity.

Social media has positive benefits for teens

Teens prefer TikTok for entertainment and product information, while Snapchat is favored for connecting with friends and private conversations.

Mental health

The Verdict on Social Media Addiction

Recent verdicts against Meta and YouTube indicate social media harm is linked to platform design, particularly affecting adolescents' mental health.

Why Are We So Dependent on Social Media?

Social media's addictive design and users' need for identity and community contribute to deep dependence on these platforms.

Shocking: Parents think their teens spend too much time on TikTok, a new study reveals

Parents are more concerned about teens' TikTok usage than teens themselves, with 44% of parents worried compared to 28% of teens.

more#social-media

fromThe New Yorker

2 hours ago

Justin Bieber Offers a Reflective Ode to Bieber Fever

Bieber's gaze emanated from a pair of huge screens, acknowledging the 'liveness' of his performance as a subtly shifting, always mediated quality.

Music production

Graphic design

fromForbes

51 minutes ago

Google Pixel And Highsnobiety Build A Talent Pipeline For Fashion

The Pixel Institute of Fashion and Technology aims to support emerging designers by integrating technology into sustainable business practices.

#friendship

fromBustle

Social media marketing

Inject Whimsy Into Your Friendships With The "First Follower Theory"

Relationships

My friend keeps sending me unsettling social media videos. How do I tell her to stop? | Leading questions

fromBustle

Inject Whimsy Into Your Friendships With The "First Follower Theory"

An audacious friend is essential for embracing whimsical ideas and creating exciting, supportive friendships.

Relationships

My friend keeps sending me unsettling social media videos. How do I tell her to stop? | Leading questions

Friendship dynamics can shift when communication preferences are not respected, leading to feelings of disconnect.

You Can Pry This Cheugy Millennial Habit From My Cold, Dead Hands

Millennials prefer making big purchases on larger screens due to trust issues with mobile devices.

fromVulture

18 hours ago

The 9 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend

The second season appears to go in a The White Lotus-esque direction with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as a couple whose fight is witnessed by two country-club employees.

Film

American Eagle is back with Syd and not sorry about it

American Eagle's new campaign with Sydney Sweeney aims to promote denim shorts while providing a calming message for Gen Z amidst societal noise.

American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney Don't Need Liberals

American Eagle's new campaign with Sydney Sweeney embraces past controversy, suggesting that outrage does not always impact commercial success.

fromFast Company

1 hour ago

American Eagle is back with Syd and not sorry about it

American Eagle's new campaign with Sydney Sweeney aims to promote denim shorts while providing a calming message for Gen Z amidst societal noise.

American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney Don't Need Liberals

American Eagle's new campaign with Sydney Sweeney embraces past controversy, suggesting that outrage does not always impact commercial success.

The First Draft of Cultural History

Gossip serves as the rough draft of news, with Lena Dunham's memoir providing unique insights into Millennial art and culture.

SF parents

fromThe Cipher Brief

Could Your Child Be a Member of the Most Dangerous Online Community? What Every Parent Needs to Watch Out For

The True Crime Community is a dangerous online subculture that idolizes mass shooters and has been linked to numerous violent attacks.

#ai

Artificial intelligence

frommarginalia.nu

AI makes you boring

AI-aided development leads to less original thinking and boring projects, diminishing the quality of programming discussions.

European startups

I've lived in China for over 10 years and saw the OpenClaw craze unfold. The West needs to keep up.

AI tools like OpenClaw are transforming small businesses in China, supported by government initiatives and a growing microeconomy.

Artificial intelligence

frommarginalia.nu

AI makes you boring

AI-aided development leads to less original thinking and boring projects, diminishing the quality of programming discussions.

European startups

fromPinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

I've lived in China for over 10 years and saw the OpenClaw craze unfold. The West needs to keep up.

AI tools like OpenClaw are transforming small businesses in China, supported by government initiatives and a growing microeconomy.

more#ai

This ridiculous AI video has convinced people that Jennifer Coolidge is trans

The video starts with Cher's son, Chaz Bono, who is transgender and recently got married. However, the video then changes to show a before photo of 'Jennifer Coolidge' as a man; that then morphs into a picture of Trace Lysette, who bears absolutely no resemblance to Coolidge whatsoever.

LGBT

#netflix

from24/7 Wall St.

Marketing tech

Got $1,000? Netflix vs. Spotify - Only One Deserves Your Money Right Now

fromAV Club

Media industry

Netflix is adding a vertical video feed to compete with YouTube

Television

Netflix plans to add a vertical video feed, use AI for recommendations | TechCrunch

Marketing tech

from24/7 Wall St.

Got $1,000? Netflix vs. Spotify - Only One Deserves Your Money Right Now

Netflix and Spotify are at critical junctures, with Netflix focusing on ad tiers and Spotify relying on premium subscribers for growth.

fromAV Club

Netflix is adding a vertical video feed to compete with YouTube

Netflix will launch a redesigned mobile app featuring a TikTok-like vertical video feed focused on promoting its shows and movies.

Netflix plans to add a vertical video feed, use AI for recommendations | TechCrunch

Netflix is launching a TikTok-like vertical video feed and expanding AI use for content creation and recommendations.

"Pinky Time" Is The Wellness Hack You Can Do From The Couch

A viral pinky exercise on TikTok claims to promote brain health and slow cognitive decline.

#youtube

Privacy technologies

YouTube now lets you hide Shorts

fromAdExchanger

Hot Take: YouTube Shouldn't Rely On Creators To Convince Brands It's TV | AdExchanger

YouTube aims to position itself as a television alternative to attract larger advertising budgets.

Privacy technologies

YouTube now lets you hide Shorts

fromAdExchanger

Hot Take: YouTube Shouldn't Rely On Creators To Convince Brands It's TV | AdExchanger

YouTube aims to position itself as a television alternative to attract larger advertising budgets.

Snap Was Always A Terrible Company

Snap laid off 1,000 employees and cut job openings to reduce costs by $500 million, but struggles with revenue growth and market position.

Video games

Why I'm embracing the latest uncool thing in gaming

Marathon offers a welcoming community for feminine-presenting players, contrasting with typical multiplayer experiences in gaming.

Philosophy

fromApaonline

When Jokes Won't Do: Affective Shifts in U.S. Late-Night Comedy

News avoidance is rising due to negativity, while late-night comedy provides catharsis through affective shifts during crises.

Mobile UX

fromGSMArena.com

You can now buy physical printed books on Spotify

Spotify's Page Match feature syncs reading progress and allows book purchases, enhancing audiobook engagement and expanding language support.

#coachella

NYC music

Justin Trudeau at Coachella? That's just wrong: at a certain age, things must change

Coachella has evolved into a festival primarily for influencers and celebrities, raising questions about middle-aged attendance and cultural relevance.

Silicon Valley food

fromInc

Coachella Has Hit Peak Sponcon. The Internet is Not Having It

Coachella has transformed from a music festival into a commercialized event dominated by brand activations and influencer culture.

fromThe Verge

AI influencers are 'everywhere' at Coachella

AI-generated influencers are increasingly indistinguishable from real attendees at events like Coachella.

NYC music

Justin Trudeau at Coachella? That's just wrong: at a certain age, things must change

Coachella has evolved into a festival primarily for influencers and celebrities, raising questions about middle-aged attendance and cultural relevance.

Silicon Valley food

fromInc

Coachella Has Hit Peak Sponcon. The Internet is Not Having It

Coachella has transformed from a music festival into a commercialized event dominated by brand activations and influencer culture.

fromThe Verge

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

AI influencers are 'everywhere' at Coachella

AI-generated influencers are increasingly indistinguishable from real attendees at events like Coachella.

Careers

Older Generations Are Sharing The Things About Gen Z They Simply Don't Understand

Higher education

Students Turning to TikTok to Find Scholarships

fromDeadline

Media industry

Former Disney & Discovery Exec Carolina Lightcap Launches ShowUp Studios To Create Gen Z Content On YouTube & TikTok

ShowUp Studios aims to produce Gen Z-focused content for YouTube and TikTok, with a goal of over 4,500 episodes in five years.

Generation Z marketing strategies for small businesses

Understanding Gen Z's values and preferences is crucial for small businesses to effectively market and connect with this generation.

Careers

fromBuzzFeed

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

Older Generations Are Sharing The Things About Gen Z They Simply Don't Understand

Gen Zers experience constant tracking by family and friends, leading to concerns about privacy and autonomy.

Higher education

Students Turning to TikTok to Find Scholarships

Gen Z students increasingly use TikTok for scholarship advice, with 60% finding new scholarships, but face risks of scams and misleading information.

fromDeadline

Media industry

Former Disney & Discovery Exec Carolina Lightcap Launches ShowUp Studios To Create Gen Z Content On YouTube & TikTok

Generation Z marketing strategies for small businesses

Understanding Gen Z's values and preferences is crucial for small businesses to effectively market and connect with this generation.

TMZ Turns Its Pitiless Lens on Politicians

TMZ has expanded its focus to include politicians, highlighting their perceived irresponsibility while enjoying leisure activities during government crises.

Majority of Australian kids are still on banned social media platforms, study finds

These results raise major questions about the effectiveness of Australia's social media ban and show it would be a high stakes gamble for the UK to follow suit now.

Public health

Psychology

fromBustle

The Viral "Chair Theory" Will Help You Find Your People

Chair theory helps identify where you belong socially by recognizing who invites you to their table and who does not.

fromABC7 Los Angeles

14 hours ago

Hulu's biggest reality stars will be under one roof for Hulu's Get Real event and livestream

Hulu's Get Real House returns with a livestream event featuring reality stars and new announcements on April 22.

Alix Earle and Alex Cooper are feuding, and the internet has a favorite

Alex Cooper and Alix Earle are feuding, with social sentiment showing more negativity towards Cooper.

fromThedrum

14 hours ago

The State Of Influencer Marketing In Gaming

The gaming industry is rapidly growing, with revenues expected to reach $503.14 billion by 2025, driven by mobile gaming and influencer marketing.

Graphic design

fromAxios

1 hour ago

"Digital fantasy"; AI hair, makeup put perfection further out of reach

AI-generated content creates unrealistic beauty standards and challenges for artists in the beauty industry.

fromDigiday

Future of Marketing Briefing: Why brand builders are back in fashion

CPG companies are shifting focus from performance marketers to brand builders in their hiring practices.

fromThe New Yorker

The Art of the Fictional Pop Song

The film 'Mother Mary' explores the concept of an unheard song that symbolizes unresolved emotional conflicts between characters.

Music production

Everything we like is a psyop | TechCrunch

Geese's rise in popularity is attributed to strategic marketing efforts rather than purely musical merit.

fromQueerty

Spectacle or support? The complicated visibility of trans youth in film & TV - Queerty

Since the 1990s, a largely underground upwelling of trans creativity has helped new trans identities, communities, and political movements come together. Trans Cinema provides an entryway to the wildly diverse and creative cinema made by trans creators, including those who are BIPOC.

LGBT

Silicon Valley food

This TikTok vigilante is calling out what he says are obnoxious influencers and getting legal threats

Jay became a prominent influencer critic after mocking entitled influencers, helping to grow his family's snack brand on TikTok.

15 hours ago

How Declining Attention Spans Are Changing Our Media

Second Screen Viewing influences writers to simplify storylines and dialogue for audiences distracted by their phones.

fromScary Mommy

14 hours ago

TV Show Cancellations & Renewals 2026: A Running List Of What's Safe (Or Not)

Falling in love with a show can lead to heartbreak if it gets canceled before you feel like you got any real closure.

Television

3 hours ago

No generation is safe from the nostalgia industry just look at the disappointing Malcolm in the Middle reboot

Future care homes for millennials will feature nostalgic media and entertainment from their youth.

fromPew Research Center

Teens' Experiences on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat | Pew Research Center

Teens' experiences and views on social media vary significantly across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

#influencer-marketing

FOLLOWERS DON'T EQUAL SALES: WHY INFLUENCER BRANDS ARE MISSING THE MARK

Influencer marketing is losing effectiveness as consumers demand more than just a large following; they seek product differentiation and value.

fromThedrum

Finding The Right Influencers For Your Brand

Brands should combine intuition with data analytics to select the right creators for collaborations.

FOLLOWERS DON'T EQUAL SALES: WHY INFLUENCER BRANDS ARE MISSING THE MARK

Influencer marketing is losing effectiveness as consumers demand more than just a large following; they seek product differentiation and value.

fromThedrum

more#influencer-marketing

Finding The Right Influencers For Your Brand

Brands should combine intuition with data analytics to select the right creators for collaborations.

fromFortune

Meet the millennial and Gen Z 'attention activists' who are trying desperately to unplug from their phones | Fortune

A movement is emerging among millennials and Gen Z to reduce screen time and promote real-life interactions over digital distractions.

18 hours ago

From inspirational quotes to depicting himself as Jesus, see how Trump's social media posts have evolved since 2009

Donald Trump's social media presence has evolved from benign posts to a controversial and combative persona, significantly impacting public discourse.

fromGamesBeat

10 years in gaming: Sportfive shares lessons from its first decade in interactive media

Sportfive's gaming department, which started with just three dedicated employees in 2016, has now expanded to a robust team of 80, highlighting the agency's commitment to the gaming sector.

Marketing

fromEsquire

The Best HBO Max Shows of 2026 (So Far)

HBO remains strong in 2026 with acclaimed dramas, comedies, and new unscripted shows despite uncertainty from potential acquisition.

fromKotaku

1 week ago

Scientology Runs Are Going Viral On TikTok

Scientology Runs involve people filming themselves trying to run inside Scientology centers before being caught.

fromObserver

22 hours ago

Facing A.I. Slop and Shifting Algorithms, Brands Bet on Streamers to Stay Real

MrBeast exemplifies success in the creator economy, leveraging YouTube and livestreams while expanding into various media ventures.

#tiktok

fromMashable

TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat: Teens share which app affects sleep most

TikTok is perceived by teens as a major distraction, negatively impacting sleep and productivity more than Instagram and Snapchat.

fromVariety

When Fandom Converts: How TikTok Is Driving Measurable Box Office Growth

TikTok has become a powerful engine for movie discovery, translating online engagement into real-world ticket sales.

fromWWD

Beauty Brands Are Heavily Reliant on Paid Content for TikTok Growth, Data Shows

Paid content significantly drives TikTok views growth for beauty brands, with most top brands relying heavily on sponsored content.

3 weeks ago

TikTok is casting actors for its own short drama series

TikTok is launching its own short drama productions, testing a dedicated feed and casting for a soap opera-style project.

fromMashable

TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat: Teens share which app affects sleep most

TikTok is perceived by teens as a major distraction, negatively impacting sleep and productivity more than Instagram and Snapchat.

fromVariety

When Fandom Converts: How TikTok Is Driving Measurable Box Office Growth

TikTok has become a powerful engine for movie discovery, translating online engagement into real-world ticket sales.

fromWWD

Beauty Brands Are Heavily Reliant on Paid Content for TikTok Growth, Data Shows

Paid content significantly drives TikTok views growth for beauty brands, with most top brands relying heavily on sponsored content.

3 weeks ago

TikTok is casting actors for its own short drama series

TikTok is launching its own short drama productions, testing a dedicated feed and casting for a soap opera-style project.

Spotify's "Wrapped" Branding Influence ... Wrapped

Annual 'Wrapped' branding has inspired various companies to summarize user engagement and performance in a personalized format.

fromDigiday

Why brands can't stop acting like reply guys and jumping into viral comment threads on social media

Brands are increasingly engaging in social media replies to drive interaction and remain culturally relevant.

fromDigiday

Creator content has become critical for retail media networks

Retail media and the creator economy are increasingly interconnected, enhancing advertising effectiveness through data-driven creator partnerships.

Labubu propelled Pop Mart to the top. It might be its undoing.

Labubu's popularity is declining, impacting Pop Mart's revenue and stock performance, leading creators to shift focus to other characters.

fromEast Bay Express | Oakland, Berkeley & Alameda

The expanding digital entertainment economy in the United States | East Bay Express | Oakland, Berkeley & Alameda

The entertainment and media industry is projected to exceed $3.5 trillion in revenue by 2029, driven by digital entertainment growth.

Instagram expands Your Algorithm tool to Explore

Instagram expands its Your Algorithm feature, allowing users to control content recommendations in Explore and Reels.

BeReal is on a charm offensive to bring creators onto its platform and connect them with advertisers

BeReal is actively engaging US influencers to enhance user engagement and regain momentum after a decline in downloads.

fromThe Verge

Can Puck reinvent news for the influencer age?

Puck combines influencer economy incentives with traditional journalism, offering equity and revenue sharing to its star reporters.

fromMail Online

Co-AI-chella! AI influencers cash in on the California music festival

AI influencers are generating significant content and revenue from events like Coachella despite not being real individuals.

Snapchat highlights opportunities for insurance brands

Snapchat users are proactive insurance decision-makers, with a high likelihood of owning policies and switching providers after life changes.

fromThe New Yorker

Could Jomboy Change the Way You Watch Baseball?

Major League Baseball acquired a minority stake in a media company founded by Jimmy O'Brien to attract younger fans.

fromThe Hollywood Reporter

1 week ago

Top Influencers' Secret Weapon for Engagement Might Be Replaced by AI

Evan Stanfield's marketing agency Clipping Culture utilizes freelancers to create shortform videos, while AI technology is increasingly used in video editing and production.

fromNieman Lab

3 weeks ago

Young people want their news to be more fun, a new report says

Young adults prefer news that is entertaining and fun, contrasting with older adults who favor traditional news sources.

fromFortune

How fandom became culture's power center - and a blueprint for Gen Z's economic influence | Fortune

Fandom empowers Gen Z and Gen Alpha to co-create culture, shape IP, and convert collective creativity into real economic and cultural power.