A TikToker Went Super Viral After Accusing Converse Of Stealing A Design She Submitted For An Intern Application
"I don't think it's a coincidence," Cecilia Monge said in her now-viral TikTok. A spokesperson for Converse told BuzzFeed News the "National Parks" shoe line was conceived "before" Monge pitched her idea.
Some TikToks Are More Creative And Better Produced Than Feature Films
In one part of this week's newsletter: Really, really cool and really, really impressive videos under 60 seconds that should both be a threat and inspiration to Hollywood.
Don’t Meet Your Heroes. It Won’t Make Your Parasocial Relationship More Genuine — It’s Already Real!
In this week's newsletter: I write about how superfans are often shamed and told to form relationships with people "in real life," but the relationships they have with their faves are very, very real.
Asian American Adoptees Are Grappling With Incomplete Histories And Cultural Gatekeepers
In response to the surge of racist violence, many Asian Americans are reconnecting with their ancestral cultures. But that’s not so easy for those who were adopted into white families.
Am I Getting Too Old To Write About The New Internet?
In one half of this week's newsletter: I ramble about my newest existential crisis being an aging digital media writer for a young audience and their ever-changing online ecosystem.
David Of "David After Dentist" Is Now A 20-Year-Old College Student And Selling His Viral Video As An NFT
David DeVore Jr.'s dad told BuzzFeed News that profits from the sale will help fund college tuition for his two sons.
I Can’t Imagine The New Netflix Reality Shows About Influencers Will Do Any Good For The Industry’s Reputation
In this week's newsletter: shows about influencers may continue to be two-dimensional, and the already-controversial IG Loop giveaways just reached new toxic heights.
The Power And Heartbreak Of Watching Ma’Khia Bryant’s TikToks
Weeks before she was fatally shot by Ohio police, the teen girl made mundane and charming TikToks that have since gone viral.
Influencers Getting Vaccinated Are New Targets For Right-Wing Conspiracy Theorists, But Many Are Rising To The Challenge
In this week's newsletter: Instagram influencers are trying to stand up for science, and another round of teen TikTok drama — except it's not as satisfying anymore.
The Owner Of An LA Restaurant Has Sued TikTok Star Bryce Hall Over Alleged Racially Motivated Violence
Co-owner Hernan Fernando has filed a lawsuit against Hall alleging assault, battery, and "violence motivated by race."
These Are The Self-Defense Weapons — And Burdens — Asian Women Are Carrying Because They Don’t Feel Protected
“Carrying my defense weapon gives me peace of mind, but it is also a sad reminder of my vulnerability as an Asian woman.”
Will The Real Khloé Kardashian Please Stand Up...For Herself?
In this week’s newsletter: The irony of what that infamous Khloé Kardashian photo represents, and Tabitha Brown’s new brand deal that is so tailored for her.
DMX Has Been Hospitalized And Is In Critical Condition, His Former Manager Says
Family and friends are "praying and waiting" for the 50-year-old rapper to recover.
Lori Loughlin's Husband, Mossimo Giannulli, Has Been Released From Prison
The fashion designer, who pleaded guilty to his involvement in the college admissions bribery scandal, was released to home confinement.
Who’s To Blame That Black TikTok Creators Are Not The Ones Invited To Perform On Late Night Shows? Everyone.
In this week’s newsletter: Why Addison Rae’s Tonight Show appearance is another tipping point for inequities on TikTok, and a curious look at Rachel Hollis’s latest video rant.
I’m Not Convinced The David Dobrik Scandal Will Change Anything About YouTube Culture
In this week's newsletter: the repetitive and demoralizing culture of trying to hold YouTubers accountable.
What’s In Your “Other” Name? Asian Americans Are Trying To Reclaim Their Native First Names And Wear Them Proudly.
Asian Americans have long worn masks to protect ourselves and one another.
Starbucks Fired A College Student For Posting Jokes On TikTok About Demanding Customers
In a viral TikTok that Eli has since deleted, he jokes about throwing drinks out the window when a customer complains.
Asian Women Are Hypersexualized, So Don’t Tell Me The Killings In Atlanta Aren’t About Race
“People sometimes seem to think that treating Asian women as exotic sex objects is somehow a compliment for us, when it's actually something that contributes to violence against us.”
Is There An Invisible String Between Religious Proselytizing And Influencing? I Asked Some Influencers.
In this week's newsletter: Inspired by this Times op-ed, I ponder — and then I ask influencers to ponder — whether their jobs are a form of secular preaching.