A brief overview of what is currently trending on X in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
Hopkins: X is buzzing since the Titans decided to send DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs in exchange for a 5th-round pick.
Eminem: Posts are circulating of the moment the famous rapper introduced former president Barack Obama at a rally for VP Kamala Harris in Detroit.
Wicked: Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo watched ‘WICKED’ with the Kardashians all while Selena Gomez shares immense excitement for the movie musical.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
“But You Look Like Us”
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What It Is: With the rise of “Instagram Face” and the search for perfectionism online, it’s no surprise that those of us who don’t fit the mold of this aesthetic feel insecure. We’re plagued with visuals of people with poreless skin, high cheekbones, chiseled slope noses, & plump lips. And while individuals with those features are without a doubt beautiful, it leaves those with unique features questioning their own beauty. Thus, what’s emerged in recent days is a challenge to those negative, self-depreciating thoughts like “I hate my face,” “I wish I was prettier,” or “I wish I looked like her.” In a celebration of one’s unique traits, people are using the phrase “but you look like us” to showcase their beloved family members, each part of the fabric of one’s appearance & being.
It’s an emotional take on self love and a strong counterargument to the self-criticism we subject ourselves to. Because, as creator Bella Davis said, “even if I don’t look like those girls, I look like the people who love and have loved me and that is beautiful. Because to me they are the most beautiful people ever. Your face is the result of generations of people that have loved each other before. Every line, scar, and spot tells a story of smiles, tears, and laughter. If we saw our faces for what they really are, a reflection of love and history, then we might stop wishing to look like someone else.”
Brand Takeaway: Brands, this isn’t a trend we would recommend joining due to its highly personal nature. However, it’s important to note the ways that users online continue to shape the conversation around body image & self love. As part of the fabric of corporations and businesses on social media, it’s our job to be mindful of the beauty standards we consciously set or subconsciously reassert through our content and our talent. “But you look like us” has become an ample opportunity for people to reclaim their confidence & honor their lineage which we, as brands, want to support. We know that the world of social can be a toxic place with echo chambers promoting cosmetic surgery & alterations all in the name of beauty. So, rather than jump on this trend with our own content, let’s add to the uplifting love this trend begets by confirming each participant’s immense worth.
Examples: 1, 2, 3, 4
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
Nike has signed a 12-year deal with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League to be their on-court uniform and apparel provider. ⛹️
Netlifx’s games are over. The streaming service is closing its AAA game studio, opting to re-focus on more mobile-esque titles. 🎮
A new series from Recess Therapy puts celebs’ teaching skills to the test starting with Florence Pugh & Andrew Garfield. ✏️
Observing a 70% YoY increase in electronic music-related content, TikTok launched the global #ElectronicMusic hub in recognition of this community, elevating DJs, producers, & artists for peak discovery. 🎵
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