Liam Payne’s death has exposed the hypocrisy of online trolls
Last night, the internet exploded with tributes after news broke about the former One Direction star’s untimely death. In the few weeks before, social media users had been driving a hate campaign against him. Celebrity deaths typically elicit a strong emotional reaction from fans in digital spaces. In the case of...
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Opinion – Tiny Desk revived our love of live music sessions
The virality of Tiny Desk sessions shows us that the public prefers a good live session. If you're a music fan, you've heard about the Tiny Desks, either because your favorite artist had a session or because once in your social media Feed, you discovered an artist you didn't know...
Has the world moved on from Euphoria?
It’s been five years since Euphoria first dazzled, shocked, and terrified us with its glitter-laden, trauma-soaked tales of teenage nihilism. The show became a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to Zendaya’s searing performance and Sam Levinson’s high-octane vision of Gen Z chaos. But as the third season remains delayed by...
Opinion – Charli xcx’s ‘Brat’ was marketing genius
Dominating the summer was not enough for Charli xcx. She's back once again, announcing the remix version of her viral album Brat. It seems Charli xcx is not done dominating pop culture. Once again, she intends to influence the next season of the year with a new version of her album....
Stop shoving online therapy down our throats
i’m trying to watch YouTube in the bath. Go away I’m one BetterHelp ad away from bouncing my Pixel off the wall. Is it just me, or is anyone else being low key harassed by advertising for online therapy portals in 2024? It’s either that or male grooming kits. Perhaps my YouTube...
Billie Eilish partners with Google for a more sustainable tour
Through her partnerships with Google Maps, Reverb, Support+Feed, and Live Nation Billie is seeking to reduce the environmental impact of her upcoming tour. Ahead of the start of her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour, Billie Ellish has announced a new partnership with Google Maps. Typically, 70 percent of a concert’s...
Should the UK’s ‘football blackout’ rule be scrapped?
Football fans in Britain are prevented from watching the majority of Saturday matches on television by law. Though the rule was introduced sixty years ago with the aim of benefitting football clubs at every level, is it now outdated? Back in 1960 – before the inception of the Premier League – UK broadcasters stopped televising major league football matches kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays. Though this slot is when the...
Where do we draw the line on celebrity coverage?
Exploiting vulnerable individuals is not entertainment. No matter how famous they are. Hayden Panettiere, known for her role in Nashville and more recently, for her public struggles with addiction, found herself the unwitting centre of attention this week, but not for reasons she – or anyone with a functioning moral compass – cared for. People Magazine published a video interview with the actress that quickly drew backlash from viewers, many of whom expressed concerns that...
Is the ‘aura points’ trend philosophical or misogynistic?
On social media, young people are using ‘aura points’ to calculate how cool they are. For philosophers, the trend falls in line with Gen Z’s love of astrology and other cosmic belief systems. For members of the manosphere, it’s a lifestyle, yet another opportunity to inject the world of wellness with competitive edge. For the average person, decoding Gen Z slang is no easy feat. Unless you’re chronically online, hearing...
Opinion – we have a lot to learn about identity from Lady Gaga
The pop icon has demonstrated what it really means to be a trans ally. When Lady Gaga first rose to fame in the early 2000s, a persistent rumour began making the rounds: that the ‘Born This Way’ singer was secretly a man. Or a hermaphrodite, depending on who you asked at the time. Like so many baseless whispers circling in the pop-culture industry, it refused to die down, lingering in tabloids...
