Latest Stories from Charlie
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...
Love Island tanks as Gen Z cools on influencer culture
ITV’s staple reality series drew just 600,000 viewers for its first episode this year, the lowest in its decade history. Amidst format fatigue and waning relevance, is it possible that Gen Z (and, to some extent, Gen Alpha) has largely abandoned the superficial, picture-perfect aesthetic of the traditional influencer? Love Island, ITV’s long-running reality TV series, has seen a steady decline in ratings and audience retention over the past few...
Almost one in four European voters now back far-right parties
New research by more than 150 political scientists has found that European voters are now almost five times as likely to vote for far-right parties as they were in 1995. Anti-establishment parties have also seen a surge in popularity. Far-right parties are on the rise across Europe, new research suggests. Analysis by more than 150 political scientists from 21 countries was recently published by PopuList, with the study led by...
Gen Z rejoining the EU + TikTok nuns are blowing up
we’re going viral, sister If you’re an older Gen Zer like myself (I’m a borderline millennial, I’ll be honest), you may remember the absolute shock of the Brexit vote way back in 2016. We live in an era of constant political upset these days, what with Keir Starmer being booted from office this week, Donald Trump continuing to baffle overseas, and ex-Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau constantly making tabloid headlines for...
