Study Breaks - Page 344 of 447 - Fresh perspectives on pop culture from students across the United States.

BTS’ new single “Life Goes On” Marks a New Era in Music

Sounds

BTS’s New Single ‘Life Goes On’ Strikes a Somber but Hopeful Note

The K-pop boy band illustrates life in the time of COVID-19 with their newest track.

Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

Classes

An Introvert’s Guide To a Socially Distanced Start To College

Being more on the reserved side can be tough when first starting college — especially during a pandemic.

Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

Screens

Uncle Roger Uses Humor To Stand Up for Asian Cuisine on YouTube

Comedian Nigel Ng employs his humorous alter ego — a stereotypical middle-aged Malaysian man — to address the appropriation of East Asian food.

Aimi Wen, Duke University

Screens

‘The Princess Switch’ Sequel Is Just Another Cliche Christmas Movie

The Netflix original is one of many Christmas movies filled with pointless storylines and overused tropes.

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on the price of a clear face

Thoughts

The Price of a Clear Face: Glossier, Minimalist Beauty and More

Oftentimes, brands that pride themselves on being innovative and uplifting aren't all that great for you.

Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

Screens

How SpongeBob Became the King of Memes

The Nicktoon has become one of the most popular sources for internet laughs, but how did it happen?

Alex Luna, University of California, Berkeley

Men; toxic masculinity; maid costume, (Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash)

Screens

The Maid Costume TikTok Trend Makes Room To Discuss Toxic Masculinity

Is the newest social media fad a role-defying gender transgression or just another reinforcement of machismo?

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Illustration of Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa by Marlowe Pody for an article on Prisoner

Sounds

Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa Are ’80s Rock Vampires in ‘Prisoner’

The two artists break free from the prison of their exes in the campy, rock ‘n' roll themed music video.

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

An illustration of a world with Mario's hat on it for an article on "Super Mario Odyssey."

Screens

Super Mario Odyssey Lacks Purpose Compared to Past Mario Games

In spite of its critical acclaim, the 2017 open-world sandbox does little to inspire players to complete it or even continue after playing.

Brady Fitzgerald, Immaculata University

Thoughts

Damon Dominique Describes Culture Shock in His Home Country

As people are exposed to different cultures via social media, the travel YouTuber believes that culture shock may no longer be about another country, but your own.

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

Thoughts

Are You in a Toxic Relationship? Here Are the Tell-Tale Signs

Falling in love is easy, but falling out of love is hard. Staying in a relationship that is unsafe, controlling, or makes the people around you uneasy or concerned is harder.

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University