Latest Stories from Charlie
TikTok finally admits it has an ‘AI slop’ problem
the rise (and potential fall) of TikTok slop After years of churning out new tools as fast as possible, it seems TikTok has recognised it has an ‘AI slop’ problem. The company has announced new measures to detect automated content, with options to filter and prioritise human creators. Does TikTok have an ‘AI slop’ problem? The short-form video platform has never been shy of controversy. From privacy concerns to a one-day US...
Why FIFA embraced IShowSpeed at the World Cup
we did it, chat Gen Z streaming star IShowSpeed performed at this year’s World Cup final, marking a major shift in mainstream media; online creators have become so influential that they’re impossible to ignore, especially if legacy institutions wish to attract a younger audience. Well, the World Cup has been and gone. There was heartbreak (for us England fans, the pain of that Argentinian loss can’t be overstated) and elation in equal...
OpenAI has launched its own… merch?
The parent company of ChatGPT, OpenAI, has launched its own merchandise brand, which includes hats, tees, tote bags, socks, and even a glowing green basketball. Despite online criticism, stock appears to be selling well. OpenAI has unveiled its first public merchandise brand, Supply Co. Its new line of products includes hats, tees, tote bags, and basketballs, among other items. It is the first time the company has made its merchandise...
Gen Z worries about misinformation on social media. Why can’t they leave?
your nan isn’t the news feed’s only victim Research shows that almost 80% of Gen Z are worried about misinformation, yet most still spend at least 2.5 hours per day on social media. What’s keeping everyone glued to the algorithm? By now, we’re probably all aware of misinformation online. Social media has become the main source of news for Gen Z, with TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat feeds dwarfing traditional outlets like the...
Vevo study says Gen Z nostalgia fuelling music trends
New research by Vevo suggests that Gen Z are ‘borrowing’ nostalgia from decades they never lived in, a noticeable change compared to older generations. This is shaping brand marketing strategies as companies seek to attract new audiences while retaining existing ones. Nostalgia seems to be all the rage right now, at least across the music industry. Thanks to the easy accessibility of streaming, Gen Z is continuously discovering older songs and...
Wimbledon bets on influencers to reach Gen Z
game, selfie, match Wimbledon is aggressively targeting influencers to try and draw in younger crowds. With demand now surging, the tournament is at risk of losing its authenticity for the sake of the algorithm. Is this a common pitfall of Gen Z social media branding? With the World Cup currently dominating our news feeds, you’d be forgiven for overlooking this year’s Wimbledon. Still, despite heavy competition, the prestigious tennis tournament has continued...
Why is Peppa Pig beefing with Clairo?
In a new interview with Pitchfork, the beloved children's cartoon Peppa Pig has said she ‘doesn’t know’ Clairo. The fallout on X has been huge, with major label artists chiming in. It’s a perfect example of new-age, Gen Z marketing. What happens when a cherished, cartoon pig takes shots at major musical artists? Viral tweets and a boost in brand engagement, of course. Yes, it might seem absurd, but Peppa Pig...
How a fragmented internet is reshaping Gen Z marketing
TikTok? Pinterest? Reddit? In our era of AI search engines and algorithmic feeds, social media has become intensely personal and wildly scattered. With audiences now splintering, how can marketers hope to reach Gen Z? Social media marketing has come a long way since the prehistoric days of 2010. Back then, brands were still finding their footing when it came to online advertising, often clumsily announcing a new product or campaign...
Yes, it’s true: Sony is ditching physical discs in 2028
Sony has announced it will no longer be making physical discs for any new releases starting in January 2028. A major blow to the secondhand market, the change means that console players no longer own any game they purchase.
Sony, the producer of PlayStation consoles, has announced that it will no longer make physical discs for new game releases, starting from January 2028. The news was announced in an
viral Vinted allegations + Merlin the World Cup duck
I just want to buy some secondhand clothes, blud Everyone knows that Gen Z loves an upsell. Any thrifted items, secondhand seasonal wear, or funky footwear can find a good home… for the right price and on a decent platform, of course. This explains the rise (and rise) of Vinted, the Lithuanian-based peer-to-peer marketplace that allows users to buy, sell, and swap their personal belongings. Last year, the company announced it...
