social media - Page 4

A yellow boy stares down a pipeline with an innocent smile on his face, eager to explore; the pipeline looks old, and grey, and rusty, the phrase "alt-right" looking almost scratched into the metal. The sun looks down with a concerned face from a clear blue sky, as white clouds give way to a dark storm front.

Alt-Right Algorithms

Vera Pavlovich, Loyola University Maryland

Despite the decrease in popularity of the original alt-right YouTube influencers, the alt-right pipeline is still alive and thriving.…

May 28, 2024

A woman with brown skin, dark hair and a pink headband stands in front of a grey wall, with A-shaped markings in it. She's smiling into a camera stand from which the silhouette of an iPhone can be seen; the ring of the stand glows yellow, presumably casting light on her as the phone's camera captures her in shot.

Why Content Creators like xoxo, Akouto are Necessary Online

Cerasela Hanseter, University of California, Berkeley

Akouto Von brings a new perspective to YouTube content, offering a sense of vulnerability not often found in newer creators.…

April 10, 2024

Two pink hands are typing at a laptop on a purple table against a pink background littered with writings and documents. The laptop has a blue screen containing an inkwell and a sheet of paper with scribbles on it, presumably this writer's latest piece of work.

Verse in the Digital Age: A New Perception of Poetry

Sarah Erin, Brooklyn College

From Micropoems to Spoken Word, social media sites like Instagram and TikTok is redefining what it means to consume modern poetry.…

March 4, 2024

Photo of a card from Unsplash that says "Something better is coming" in article about TikTok's manifestation trend

What Is Manifestation? Exploring One of TikTok’s Newest Trends

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

Users of the app are claiming these techniques can help you achieve anything you'd like. But do they actually work?…

July 22, 2020

In article about Roland Barthes, miscellaneous music equipment

Roland Barthes Gives the Reasoning Behind Our Personal Media Tastes

Chloe Hamer, Pitzer College

The philosopher's theories of the 'studium' and the 'punctum' explains why we prefer certain creative works over others.…

July 21, 2020

In an article about YouTuber burnout, a picture of YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen

Why Are So Many Creators Suffering From YouTuber Burnout?

Reem Farhat, Fordham University

Content producers are suffering from overwork, stress and exhaustion as they attempt to satisfy audiences and algorithms quickly and successfully.…

July 20, 2020

Amidst Quarantine, Social Media Has Shined a Light on Global Protests

Farah Javed, CUNY Baruch College

As people scroll through Instagram and Twitter during lockdown, they are forced to confront images from injustices around the world.…

July 16, 2020

Hunger Games TikTok Reveals Gen Z’s Outlook on the World

Brian Xi, University of California, Berkeley

What seems to be a comical trend on the popular video-sharing platform actually hints at a larger discontent with the status quo.…

July 11, 2020

A photo of B Simone in an article about being canceled

B. Simone, Lea Michele and Starbucks Make the Canceled List

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Is cancel culture going too far, or are the stakes too high to just let things go?…

June 24, 2020

In an article about Instagram accounts, a photo of a phone atop a laptop and next to some earbuds

10 Instagram Accounts To Follow That Center Black Voices and Issues

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Keep your feed filled with content about the Black Lives Matter movement, and see the impact and value of Black creators.…

June 22, 2020

Protesters march alongside a "Black Lives Matter" banner at one of many protests across the globe

How To Support Black Lives Matter Protests Without Marching or Donating

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

It may seem like the only meaningful action right now is to hit the street, but there are plenty of other options to support the movement, even if you don't have any money.…

June 17, 2020

In an article about the power of social media art, an illustration of a group of artists protesting

Social Media Art Is Spreading Awareness for Black Lives Matter

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Amidst recent injustices and unrest, Instagram illustrators are using their works to support activists and to call attention to Black victims of racist violence.…

June 15, 2020

How Celebrities Are Supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement

Farah Javed, CUNY Baruch College

As demonstrations in response to George Floyd's death continue globally, entertainers are participating in the movement by donating and marching.…

June 12, 2020

Illustration of social media users engaging with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Why Advocating for Black Lives on Social Media Is So Important

Imani Benberry, Columbia University

Your online presence is an important tool for demonstrating support for black voices.…

June 10, 2020

Toxic TikTok: How the App Became a Body-Shaming Platform

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

With popular trends like the 'back profile challenge' and 'what I eat in a day' videos, the social media app is encouraging body image negativity.…

June 10, 2020

What Happens When Instragram-Fueled Minimalism Is Over?

Kate Carter, Middle Tennessee State University

White walls, sleek design, plants and neutral color schemes are all hallmarks of the style, but what happens once we get tired of it all?…

June 9, 2020

Anna Todd and Wattpad Made It Easier To Dream of a Career in Writing

Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

Using the small publishing platform, the 'After' author was able to make a name for herself — and at the same time, raise the possibility that others could do the same.…

June 9, 2020

5 Ways To Convert Your Instagram Into Customers

Daniel Reed

If you're running a business or side hustle, those followers don't mean anything if they're not buying something.…

June 2, 2020

Emojis Are a Legitimate Part of Modern Day Language

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

The digital symbols have had a huge impact on the way we communicate, whether we like it or not.…

May 18, 2020

Image of a person looking at their phone as they go online

Internet Habits: How Do We Spend Our Time Online?

Daniel Reed

What are people actually doing when they're on their computers or smartphones?…

May 5, 2020

A two-page spread of an isolation journal

Now’s the Perfect Time To Start Your Own Isolation Journal

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

When there's nothing better to do, journaling could be the perfect way to pass time and release your inner anxieties.…

April 26, 2020

The Best Instagram Challenges To Send to Your Friends

Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

Teens being stuck inside with their phones for weeks on end is a recipe for disaster — or a few unique social media hashtags.…

April 5, 2020

Abstract social media picture in article about grieving

The Relationship Between Grieving and Social Media

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

It's changed the way we grieve and share condolences, but that may not always be a good thing.…

March 27, 2020

Girl looking at social media on her phone

Are College Students Addicted to Social Media Use?

Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

You have all the information you could ever want at your fingertips. It's easy to become obsessed with so much power.…

March 6, 2020

Illustration of supplements falling out of a bottle

Beware: Supplements and Detox Teas Might Be Hurting You

Mirella Gonzales, Texas Tech University

These products aren't as harmless as influencers make them seem.…

February 25, 2020

The Origin and Spread of ‘UWU’ — The Word That Epitomizes Cuteness

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

The three letters — two u's that indicate closed eyes and a 'w' for a bashful smile — captures a warm and fuzzy facial expressions that's spread to all corners of the internet.…

February 22, 2020