Marketing
fromwww.businessinsider.com
1 hour ago'Clipping' on social media makes me wonder what's real and what isn't
The internet is filled with undetectable fake content, making it increasingly difficult to identify authenticity.
For today's young people, online content isn't a backdrop to daily life-it is daily life. Streaming platforms, short-form video, and social media don't just entertain; they influence how young people see themselves, their health, and what behaviors are seen as normal or aspirational. Movies, television, and streaming content still have influence, but as the digital ecosystem expands, so does its power to shape choices-for better and for worse.
Over the past few weeks, millions have been sharing throwback photos to that time on social media, kicking off one of the first viral trends of the year - the year 2026, that is. With it have come the memes about how various factors - the sepia hues over Instagram photos, the dog filters on Snapchat and the music - made even 2016's worst day feel like the best of times.
Instagram's new 'Shop the Look' feature and recent algorithm shifts highlight the vulnerability of social media reliance, where creators fear brand dilution from automated tags while companies like Oddity faced a massive stock drop due to the instability of rented social spaces.
The rise of TikTok and YouTube has dramatically changed the lives of content creators by turning social media into a legitimate career path rather than just a hobby. These platforms allow ordinary people to build massive audiences without traditional media connections, often through algorithm-driven exposure.
It's our job to be translators of science so people understand what's happening and why it's so important. It's a global ocean. Just because something's happening in one place, doesn't mean it's not going to have an effect elsewhere in the world.
From Gen Z and their TikTok dances to the millennial squares of IG, when we think of social media we think of the younger generations. However, 'older' audiences are also getting involved. From how to remove stains on walls and 'Things I wish I knew in my 20s' to fashion advice and rediscovering their personal style, older gens are increasingly growing their share of voice on social - seeking advice from (as well as giving advice to) the young ones.
While the main feed is built for discovery and curated content, stories are built for connection. For local businesses like bakeries, cafes and restaurants, this distinction isn't just a technicality; it is a direct line to the consumer's daily routine.