Latest Stories from Charlie
Why is Gen Z fixated on… frozen yoghurt?
slather my dessert in chocolate and call it wellness, baby Frozen yoghurt has been rebranded on TikTok as a luxury ‘wellness’ food. Its newfound popularity reflects Gen Z’s spending habits and growing appetite for premium experiences beyond boozy pubs. Frozen yoghurt is making a comeback, at least in the UK and US. According to data first reported by Bloomberg several months ago and cited by Morning Brew, The Times, and Fortune, frozen...
EA acquisition by Saudi-led group finalised
Popular gaming publisher Electronic Arts (EA) is about to be purchased by a group of buyers, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). It is likely to be the largest leveraged buyout in history. The $55 billion USD purchase of gaming giant EA has reportedly been finalised. The company will now be under new ownership, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Affinity Partners, an American investment firm led by...
Gen Z say they ‘perform’ even during self-pleasure
A new survey titled the ‘Pleasure Census’ has found that roughly 50% of Gen Z ‘perform’ even during self-pleasure, suggesting that poor body image might be affecting young people in the bedroom.
Ever feel like you need to ‘perform’ in the bedroom and tell your partner that you’re definitely, absolutely, unabashedly having a good time? You’re not alone.
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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...
