Pine Hills: A 19-year-old, who was suspected of shooting and killing a woman in Pine Hills, Florida, is now suspected of shooting and killing an Orlando-based journalist, a 9-year-old girl, and seriously injuring a photographer and the girl's mom in a series of shootings.
How brands can jump in: Ensure you review your posts today and practice sensitivity when posting.
Lent: Lent has begun. It is a 40-day celebration, where Christians and Catholics observe the events leading up to Easter, including the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ariana: People are still talking about Ariana DeBose's BAFTAs monologue.
How brands can jump in: Did your brand do the thing? Who is your Woman King? Jump in on this trend by quoting DeBose in a brand-centric way. Be sure we’re laughing together—not at.
I was definitely born in the right generation
What it is: Gen Z is on TikTok explaining why they were born in the right generation. From sharing how they identify and spending $8 on oat milk lattes to talking sh**, TikTokers are using Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” as their theme song to being unapologetically themselves. Purr! 💁♂️💁♀️
How brands can jump in: When was your brand created? And was it “born” in the right or wrong generation? This is the opportune time to insert your brand into this trend explaining why people or this generation love you.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Urgency level: Jump on this before people regret being born in the right generation (could be soon!)
Ironic enjoyment
What it is: When you push ironic enjoyment far enough, you can end up back at sincerity. From stanning Pitbull to Shrek-themed rave attendees, many people are "committing to the bit" in new ways. A bit could be an outfit you wear or an event you attend, but it is usually defined by escalation. When you commit to a bit, you don’t just go to the Pitbull concert; you show up dressed to the nines in Mr. Worldwide merch, ready to shriek every word to “Hotel Room Service.”
What we can learn: “Bit culture” has taken off with the rise of TikTok and YouTube, which can train users to turn their everyday life into stunts and stories. The defining element of a bit may be less a political stance than a desire to sample identities. People embrace, if not aspire to, the appeal of being someone else.
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Thanks for reading! Today’s issue was created by Kathryn Gans and Paulana Lamonier. Want to subscribe? Reach out to Steph Caruso and Shelby Jacobs.