What’s the meaning behind TikTok’s ‘anti-propaganda’ trend?
From whole (or plant based) milk to conservativism and Gracie Abrams, young people are taking to social media to list off things they see as ‘propaganda’ they refuse to fall for. What does it all mean? You’d be forgiven for not fully understanding half the lingo you see online...
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TikTok found to be breaching EU advertising rules
The short-form video platform TikTok has been cautioned over its EU digital ads by the European Commission, after failing to provide sufficient details on their content. TikTok has breached EU rules by not disclosing enough information about its advertising, the European Commission (EC) has said. According to a statement,...
Meta to bar teenagers from livestreaming on Instagram
Those under sixteen will not be able to use Instagram’s Live feature unless they acquire parental permission. New restrictions are being introduced on Instagram for users under the age of 16. As part of Meta’s expansion of current safety measures, younger teenagers will be barred from using the platform’s ‘Live’ feature...
Opinion – emojis are missing the trick with hair inclusivity
Since when did representation stop at skin tone? In the distant land of pre-2015 texting, all emojis were jaundiced little blobs. That was until the great Skin Tone Update, which allowed users to transform their emojis into a spectrum of humanity – sort of. Despite these ostensibly diverse offerings, one very obvious...
Is Tumblr making a comeback with Gen Zers?
Data suggests that Gen Z are finding solace in Tumblr, the creative social media platform that was popular fifteen years ago with younger Millennials. Why are young people flocking to a long-forgotten site? It looks like Tumblr is back in a big way with young social media users, at least...
Are women safe online in 2025?
The 2000s was not the only period when the dot-com bubble burst in the market; it was also the beginning of a new type of cost - the safety of many, particularly women and girls worldwide. Although an online presence can create a haven for equal access to information and a...
Can social media ever tackle it’s body shaming issue?
Backlash against TikTok’s new ‘chubby filter’ suggests so – but is it enough? TikTok’s algorithm may feel chaotic and unpredictable. One minute you’re scrolling past a hotel recommendation, the next a meme about your overbearing boss, then a tour of the M&S aisle. But apps like these have built dedicated algorithms that feed us content they think we want to see. Everything we share, like, and linger on feeds this system information...
Celebrities promos go big on pay-to-pray app ‘Hallow’
Hallow is a Catholic app designed to help people meditate and pray. It sits among the most popular platforms on the Google Store thanks to a slew of promos from some seriously famous faces. So you desire salvation? Time to subscribe. If you haven’t heard of Hallow before, it’s an app designed for those of the Catholic faith to assist in prayer or meditation sessions – and yes, it monetises spirituality. Since...
Are dating apps creating a spark designed to go out?
With an oversaturated market of potential partners to swipe through, and a fast-paced model which tells you to wear your Apple Pay on your sleeve rather than your heart, is it any wonder that dating apps are often failing to provide on their promise? 'Designed to be deleted' is Hinge’s slogan. It is perhaps the most overt example of the teleological offering promised by so many dating apps that present...
Are faceless influencers here to stay?
Online fame has largely correlated to how much a creator was willing to expose of themselves online. Now, faceless influencers have entered the game – and their anonymity is part of their allure. Social media and influencer culture have always encouraged creators to showcase their personal identity, but the last year has seen a unique trend emerging. That is, the faceless influencer. Techniques used by the ‘faceless influencer’ go against the...
