A brief overview of what is currently trending on X in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
Mother Teresa: is trending after Trump made a statement that even she wouldn't be able to beat the charges he is facing.
Jorge Lopez: Relief pitcher for the Mets, got thrown out of the Mets v Dodgers game by the 3rd base umpire, causing him to throw his glove into the stands and make a comment in his post game interview that the Mets is the worst team in the MLB.
DeNiro: is trending on X for voicing his dislike of Trump and his supporters. Users either love him more for it, calling him a legend or people are voicing their dislike for DeNiro now.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
Excessive Accessories
What it is: Last summer, the Stanley cup took social media by storm becoming the new IT water bottle that everyone must have. As the Stanley has progressed in popularity, accessories for the water bottle have as well, allowing for snacking along with drinking or the ability to carry extra necessities when going on a walk or a simple outing. However, some of these accessories have gotten out of hand to the point where people should really just have a bag or purse with them. In the example above, one user attached a ring holder, a clip to hold chapstick, a key hook, a mini fanny pack filled with tissues, a comb, perfume, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, a phone, and airpods, then filling it with ice from a specific mold for a stanley cup and topping it with a fan, all to go on a walk. While some are decking out their Stanley in all seriousness, other users have begun to poke fun at these excessive accessories by making their own “pack my tumbler with me” videos, taping outrageous things to their water bottles like a whole first aid kit, a can opener, clorox wipes, scuba goggles and more.
What brands can learn: Consumerism is alive and well. When a product has a large fan base or stan culture, users love purchasing additional products that go along with it. For certain brands these product accessories can be utilized in their favor, such as the stanley snacking topper being filled with Oreos or Ritz, and tapping in to that market to show how it can be best used can show relevnancy for brands.
However, this love for over consumption will be met with criticism and comical commentary. Brands can get in on the joke as well but must do so in a tasteful manner that does not come across as targeting or bullying influencers who do love these products. One thing about the internet is people will take things too far or twist things to put brands in a negative light for their own personal gain so brands must be strategic in their activations and keep it a wholesome joke or appreciate it from afar.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
Alexander Wang did a partnership with celeb lookalikes, like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, aand Kylie Jenner, to show off their latest bags.
North West was Simba in a prduction on the Lion King and peple are NOT happy about Nepo babies taking roles from true theater kids.
Friend dictionaries are taking over tiktok and this couple made one that was 7 minutes long, going mega viral, which lead to the womans best friend to tell their love story.
China is banning 'wealth-flaunting' behavior on social media.
The HangMan - Theaters, 5.30
Jim Henson- the idea man - Disney+, 5.31
Summer Camp - Theaters, 5.31
Ezra - Theaters, 5.31
Chaos Angel - Maya Hawke
Hero - Charlie Puth
The Craving - Twenty One Pilots
In S*xy We Trust - S*xy Red
Want to subscribe? Reach out to culturetaskforce@substack.com.