A brief overview of what is currently trending in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
Ryan Clark: Ryan Clark discusses Angel Reese with Robert Griffin III, responding to Griffin's recent comments about her.
Norm: Following the passing of actor George Wendt, users are paying tribute to his iconic Cheers character, Norm Peterson.
Gerry Connolly: Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly has passed away.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
The Propaganda Detox
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What It Is: A new trend is emerging on TikTok in which users list the types of “propaganda” they refuse to fall for. This trend is the perfect way to get a pulse on what Gen Z is feeling at the moment. Some users' lists are lighthearted and trivial, including things like mocktails, high-intensity workouts, and oat milk. Others take a more serious approach, rejecting things like the rising use of ChatGPT, the traditional 40-year career path, and organized religion. Social media has become a dumping ground for a wide range of opinions, so much so that forming an original point of view can easily give way to adopting the perspective of an influencer or a favorite brand. This growing trend reflects a broader sentiment: users are stepping back to decide their own perspectives rather than automatically aligning with the online collective or societal expectations.
Brand Takeaway: The Anti-Propaganda trend is the latest form of online pushback against previously accepted norms related to consumerism, hustle culture, and perfectly curated lifestyles. Gone are the days when users easily adopted the views of influencers, brands, and marketers. Today, marketers and influencers should expect resistance. Brands should continue prioritizing authentic communication and remain mindful of audience sentiment, especially around the kinds of “propaganda” users may be pushing back against.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
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Brands are eyeing Substack.
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Angel Reese responds to WNBA’s investigation of alleged fan abuse.
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