A brief overview of what is currently trending in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
Malcolm: After his tragic passing yesterday, fans of Malcolm Jamal-Warner are taking to social media to pay their condolences and share memories the actor helped them make.
Tyler: Tyler, The Creator released his latest album ‘Don’t Tap The Glass’ yesterday, receiving 41 million Spotify streams on its first day of release.
Hunter Biden: Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, gave an interview on a podcast in which he immigration policy and his fathers debate performances during the 2024 election.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
I Grieve Different and What it Really May Signify
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What It Is: The song “United In Grief” was a hit off of rapper Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 album ‘Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers’ that discussed Lamar’s sometimes unhealthy coping mechanisms after suffering a loss. Recently, the lyric from this song “I grieve different” has taken over the FYP as the latest trend. To participate in this trend users are sharing things that they enjoy in the moment, before sharing a lingering thought in their mind that they can’t shake. Whether that be a thought of fear, anxiety, jealousy, or any other charged emotion the trend gives us an inside look to the minds of the younger generation on social media and how their thought processes operate.
Brand Takeaway: While this trend may seem like a lighthearted way to express missing a partner, it reflects a deeper generational shift. Gen Z, often labeled the "anxious generation," struggles to stay present, constantly battling FOMO fueled by growing up online. Unlike past generations, they’re always connected—making it harder to fully engage in the moment. For brands, this takeaway isn’t something exactly new but something that should be taken into consideration when activating on a campaign. Instead of just a simple post on social channels recapping your next campaign, perhaps look for something more, something experiential that pulls consumers out of the digital world.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
Even Big Time Rush are in on the viral Coldplay concert affair.
Now introducing the humilkifier, a great way to make your room sticky.
Joey Chesnut finally took part in a test of the viral debate, could he beat Usain Bolt in a 100 meter race if they had to consume an entire hot dog first.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith has made it clear he’s not a fan of Love Island USA.
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