Healthy Online Communities & Being Original

Hi!!! Welcome!! This is a newsletter that has taken the IRL weekly trends briefing, and transformed into the written word. All this information is a weekly digest of current news, trendy soundbites and sharp insights so that you can quit reading and still sound smart. Gathered from articles, newsletters, reports, and TikTok: It's like Blinkist for culture.

Long Form

The booming business of shaming young men

I want to preface this and say that no one should be shamed, especially not from marketing. Unfortunately, that is not realistic and young men are (allegedly) being shamed more than ever in the pharmaceutical world. They’re being shamed into buying Viagra and/or hair loss treatments, which of course is horrible and the DTC pharmacy world is a slippery slope. I still hold a grudge about how these drugs, at least in Australia, are much cheaper than the ‘women’ specific medication. Viagra is on the PBS, but most contraceptive medications are not. The article talks about how many men don't fully understand the medication they are requesting and consuming because they are avoiding awkward conversations with their regular doctors. Advertisers are hoping for this shame train by saying their services will help exactly with that. An article can’t fix or discuss a whole flawed system, but it’ll be interesting to see if any policies are changed because of this new avenue of exploitation in men, or if it’ll stay the same.

Could social media support healthy online conversations? New_ Public is working on it

Online communities and connections are valid forms of community, and what is great about this article is it talks about how online platforms, done right can lead to healthier connections. New_Public is attempting to create digital public spaces where people can thrive and connect - which is definitely possible through enthusiastic participants, watchers and respected moderators.

• Idk how I feel about quantifying vibes, but I do know they impact everything that is quantifiable! These is a book that talks about this, and a summary article - Vibes Are a Legitimate Economic Indicator

• From brat summer to hot rodent men: why Gen Z love a label - Brat is the new barbie and it’s very exciting. I really hope we never get sick of it, and it stays like this forever. I’m sure we’ve all seen the Kamala Harris brat content

• Strava are a go-to reference for a community tool, and it’s cute to see that brands like Chipotle, Duer & Hoka are partnering with Strava to make branded workouts because it’s such an obvious brand to partner with! I can’t imagine a brand not being right for a partnership with Strava

• How Rest Became Beauty’s Latest Luxury - Rest has ALWAYS been a luxury! That’s why paleness was a sign of being rich, because you were indoors chillaxing and not getting tan from working outdoors. Nonetheless, here is another article about wellness being commodified and if that means people are setting more boundaries and sleeping more then I am ok with it!

• Apparently these are the top 10 AI startups to keep an eye on - lots of names of billionaires in there.

• A great breakdown of the The New Consumer report by First Rodeo. It’s another US report, but it still provides us with data on topics like spending, nicotine and YouTube.

Short Form

• We know Marc Jacobs is popping off on TikTok, and they recently did a collab with Nara Smith which was great. However, I quickly learnt that another creator did almost the exact same video in 2023. I blame Marc Jacobs, not Nara Smith because the brand would have definitely pitched it to her. Some chronically online people are now even pointing out that this jewellers brand did a similar video in 2020… All of which reminds us that unfortunately no idea is completely original and that is ok!!

• Skims seems to be trying to attract Gen Z as customers, mixed responses in the comments

• Praying is a peak ironic fashion brand, and they recently released Melania Trump hoodies

• Two things from MSCHF recently - these rage-baiting high heels and this scout cookies concept which Duncan sent through 

• Kamala Harris’ TikTok is all over my TikTok - Lots of people talking about her marketing team because of content like this video calling our Trump…

• There is a woman that came on TikTok to tell people they should be wearing heels to the club… and many are making fun of it such as here

• Love this thread of seeing inside Women’s bags! Cannot wait to see brands recreate. We’re back to flat-laying being back, so brands might as well take advantage of this!

Weekly Question

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. The history, culture, diversity and values of all Indigenous people are recognised and respected. I pay my respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.

Always was, always will be