Latest Stories from Charlie
Why brands are struggling to keep Gen Z spending
Economic uncertainty and permanent stress have young people reluctant to fork out cash on purchases they don’t need, at least according to the latest research. What’s causing this hesitation to spend? Are brands and marketers facing a potential crisis in 2026? New research by The Robin Report has described Gen Z as ‘checked out,’ claiming that they’re ‘spending less and expecting more from retailers.’ The data suggests that young consumers...
Why has the Winter Olympic village run out of condoms?
Athletes in Italy have reportedly run out of condoms, which are offered out for free at the Olympic Village every year. More are ‘on the way’ say organisers, though athletes say the initial supply was unusually low. There’s a crisis happening at the Winter Olympic village in Italy, and no, we’re not talking about the athlete who confessed to having an affair on live television. Reports from anonymous athletes...
Selling love to Gen Z in the ‘sex recession’ era
Sexual activity across generations is on the decline for the first time in modern history. As Gen Z avoid intimacy and love, how do marketers sell romance in an era that seems keen to do anything but? Love. Dating. Swiping. Apps. Anxiety. Does any of that sound familiar? For many Gen Zers, the yearning for connection and love is apparently on the decline. A survey last year by a prominent...
What was Turning Point’s ‘All-American Halftime Show?’
Last weekend, the right-wing political organisation Turning Point hosted its own, alternative NFL Super Bowl LX halftime show in protest of Bad Bunny’s official stadium performance. The reviews were less than stellar. Turning Point USA, a right-wing political organisation founded by the late Charlie Kirk, has faced criticism and ridicule for its ‘All-American Halftime Show’ during the NFL Super Bowl LX this past weekend. Positioned as an ‘alternative’ to the...
Living offline has become Gen Z’s quiet luxury
Tech companies and AI slop have taken over the internet. As social media becomes increasingly homogenised, invasive, and polarising, there is now status in actively choosing to avoid the digital world entirely and rejecting the pursuit of a personal brand. Zuckerbergs of the world, beware: offline living is on the rise with Gen Z. Young people are increasingly turning off their phones, keeping their screens dark, and seeking out internet-free spaces...
Is new AI social network ‘Moltbook’ legitimate?
‘Moltbook’ is a new platform made exclusively for AI to discuss any chosen topic. It operates exactly like Reddit, except humans can’t post. The company claims to have over 1.5 million users - are they all real? For the past few weeks, the tech world has been buzzing over ‘Moltbook,’ a new social media network made exclusively for AI agents. Modelled after Reddit, an extremely popular human-based forum website, Moltbook...
UK to increase ‘forever chemicals’ tests due to concerns
Following environmental and health concerns, the UK has announced it will increase testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment as part of a nationwide plan. Critics say it fails to match the EU’s much ‘tougher’ stance. The UK is planning to crack down on ‘forever chemicals’ with increased testing, the government has said. ‘Forever chemicals’ are known as PFAS and are in lots of regular, everyday products as they are...
Gen Z are turning thirty…do they look it?
As the eldest Gen Zers start turning 30, many have pointed out that they seem to look a lot younger than their parents did at the same age. Is it a real phenomena, or just a symptom of our youth-obsessed social media era? Are Gen Z ageing slower than their parents did? If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram the past few weeks, you may have noticed growing discussion around turning...
The rise of #RichTok, Gen Z’s latest escape
A specific brand of TikTok luxury is doing the rounds online, known as #RichTok. Wealthy creators are unashamedly flexing their expensive lifestyles for millions of followers, showing off homes, jets, meals and branded clothing. Unsurprisingly, Gen Z are using this content as a way to escape, though not everyone is pleased. Ever heard of #RichTok? If you’re an older Gen Zer or millennial, we wouldn’t blame you if you hadn’t....
BBC set to make shows for YouTube in new deal
Amidst Trump’s legal threats and a waning Gen Z audience, the BBC is hoping to gain back some much-needed goodwill with a landmark new YouTube deal. The BBC has struck a deal with YouTube to make brand new content tailored specifically for the digital platform. It comes after months of turmoil for the BBC. Its editing blunder in November saw US president Donald Trump launch a multi-billion dollar lawsuit, and...
