Opinion – we need to prevent ‘third places’ from disappearing
The mounting cost of living, social media prevalence, and post-pandemic isolation mentality is driving socialisation outside of school, work, or home underground. With loneliness now a global public health concern, physical community locations where quality connections can flourish have never been more important – or needed. Before the pandemic,...
Current in Culture
AI-scripted film debut cancelled after widespread backlash
London’s Prince Charles cinema was set to debut the world’s first film with a fully AI-generated script, but the project was scrapped after more than 200 people filed complaints. Artificial Intelligence software such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and DALL-E has sparked worry amongst creatives since they first burst on the scene. Artists...
England players call out media treatment of Black footballers
The continued scapegoating of Black players has drawn backlash from sporting giants, and set a worrying precedent for a summer of football. Hopeful Brits will be firing up BBQs and filling pubs over the next few weeks, as the Euros kicks off another summer of football. Despite the general camaraderie that...
What is the ‘Dead Internet Theory’ and is it real?
With the ceaseless growth of AI since 2022, conspiracies surrounding the so-called ‘Dead Internet Theory’ have grown stronger. First thing’s first, though, what the hell is it and does it have any credibility? Is this an online rabbit hole worth getting lost in? Is it pure storm in a teacup?...
Is popular music really getting worse with every new decade?
While art is highly subjective, a new study suggests that popular music has gotten simpler and more repetitive over the past few decades. One sure-fire way to tell someone is getting ‘old’ is if they utter the all-too-familiar sentence: ‘Music these days is garbage.’ While this may seem like a matter...
New study says there are microplastics in your balls
A growing number of studies are finding microplastics inside the testicles of humans and dogs. Scientists anticipate this has repercussions for fertility and reproduction. Plastics are now permanently ingrained in modern life. They’re used in almost every industry, and now, tiny invisible plastic particles are making a home inside our...
Diddy faces new sexual assault allegation by sixth accuser
Music mogul and personality Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has faced continual accusations of sexual assault over the last six months, including a recent leaked CCTV video. Now, a sixth accuser has come forward. TW: This article includes references and descriptions of sexual violence and assault. Reader discretion is advised. Rapper and record producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been hit with a wave of sexual assault accusations over the past six...
The unsettling rise of Facebook Marketplace sperm donors
Why bother with expensive IVF or IUI treatments for your fertility needs? Facebook Marketplace apparently has you covered. What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve heard today? Wait, here us out. Thousands of people are currently looking for unregulated fertility treatments on – get this – Facebook Marketplace. Now, it goes without saying that assisted conception is a sensitive topic, and the sad reality is that treatments are incredibly expensive and inaccessible to...
Yungblud launches music festival to shake up the ‘too expensive’ industry
Fighting for a new world that ‘represents love, unity, and equality for all,’ the acclaimed singer has announced Bludfest, which offers cheap, and even free, entry to people from all backgrounds. The aim is to set a precedent that music is for everybody, not just the few who can afford it. To his fans, Yungblud is the voice of Gen Z. And although his music may not be to...
Coldplay cut carbon emissions by 59 per cent on world tour
Three years ago, the band pledged to put on one of the greenest tours in history. In light of updates that they’ve exceeded their climate change target by almost 10 per cent, they’re being praised as ‘setting a new standard’ for eco-conscious approaches to live music. In 2019, world-famous artist Chris Martin vowed never to tour again unless it was done sustainably and with a positive impact. Coldplay’s frontman has...
