Latest Stories from Jessica
Ocean architects reimagine floating homes of the future
As sea levels rise, homes on the water may be the only option for those living in coastal areas. Luckily, many architects are up to the challenge. The Climate Central Estimate reports that globally, 275 million people currently live in areas that will be flooded if we reach a global temperature increase of three degrees Celsius. Ocean-based homes are being explored as feasible solutions to polluted cities and rising sea levels. Wojciech...
Black TikTok creators on strike points to a wider cultural issue
The appβs most famous dances have come from Black creators who rarely receive recognition for their creativity. To prove a point, theyβve stopped posting content. Megan Thee Stallionβs new single, βThot Shitβ, is a track that sounds like it was manufactured for TikTok choreography. Yet, two weeks after its release, a viral dance on the platform has yet to emerge. The creatively underwhelming clips attached to the songβs audio on TikTok...
Could algorithms alter the way we find new musical talent?
Over 25 million creators now use SoundCloud. With so much music available, are algorithms the solution to finding the next pop sensation? Algorithms are now accepted as an integral part of the digital world. They determine what pops up on our social media feeds, allocate tailored advertisements, and are useful in solving our most complex problems. The music industry is having a tough time navigating these new, uncharted digital waters, however. Where...
V&A stands firm on true history of its colonial artefacts
The Victoria and Albert Museum, based in central London, has emphasised its responsibility to tell the true history of the origins of its collection of artefacts. You may already be aware that a large majority of the V&A Museumβs permanent collections include items that were looted by British forces during the colonial era. However, the preservation of controversially acquired artefacts and commemorative statues only came under intense widespread scrutiny during the...
Companies close offices for paid βmental healthβ week
Last week, Bumble closed its office to give staff a βmuch neededβ mental health break. Other companies are following suit despite reports that Gen-Z prefers office life to a work from home setting. The founder of Bumble, the women-led dating app which employs 700 people worldwide, announced a fully paid, week long office closure to give staff time to focus on their mental wellbeing. Following the business's rapid economic growth in...
Disney casting for Snow White remake causes social media stir
The film that propelled Disney forward as an animation legend is getting a live action revamp. This time, Snow White is, well, not so white. Rachel Zegler, the actress and singer known for playing Maria in Steven Spielbergβs remake of West Side Story, has been casted for the lead role of Snow White. Born in America of a Colombian mother and Polish father, the colour of Zeglerβs skin is being contested...
Beauty brands support LGTBQ+ communities for Pride Month
Pride is different this year, with celebrations cancelled or postponed.Β Even so, there are plenty of ways to show support by donating to charities or shopping with brands who give back. Time is up for performance activism. As young consumers, we are far more aware of the philosophical values of the companies we choose to purchase from than previous generations. Brands must now align their values with ours, be vocal about...
New tool created for teens to report leaked nudes online
The charity Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has launched a tool for under-18s who are concerned their intimate photos will be shared online. Content can be reported and prevented from being reuploaded. Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has created a tool designed to give children new powers to prevent their private or explicit content from being shared online. By using the βReport Removeβ feature on the Childline website, young people can flag content...
Animals to be considered sentient beings by new UK laws
The government now formally recognises animals as sentient beings. New welfare measures will be introduced to halt most live animal exports and ban the import of hunting trophies. The UK was the first nation in the world to pass animal welfare laws, making it illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. After Brexit, campaigners requested for animals to be formally recognised as sentient beings, since they are no longer protected...
Love Island announces increased mental health support for cast
Mental health is being prioritised in this yearβs season of Love Island, as previous participants publicly reveal the pressures of being part of the show. Β Itβs that time again. The nationβs favourite guilty pleasure reality TV show Love Island is back for six nights a week this summer after being cancelled in 2020. The seventh season will usher in major behind-the-scenes changes after receiving scrutiny for the psychological pressures contenders face...
