ICYMI

Tensions rise as controversy brews over an influencer's upcoming book that blends queer themes with a mainstream narrative. The hosts dissect accusations of queerbaiting and the complexities of ghostwriting in the influencer space. They delve into the audience's feelings of betrayal and the ethical dilemmas surrounding authorship. With humorous banter, they explore personal development in the context of internet culture and the appeal of BookTok. This lively conversation challenges norms about who gets to tell certain stories in today's publishing landscape.

Dive into the wild world of internet inside jokes! From the hilarious claim that J.D. Vance killed the Pope to Demi Lovato's twin rumored to be locked in a basement, the hosts explore absurd memes and their real-world impact. Discover the legacy of a progressive pope and how misinformation spreads through social media. They also tackle the evolution of internet humor, examining quirky tales that blur the lines between fact and satire. It's a delightful exploration of how we laugh and connect in the digital age.

The hosts dive into the drama of a $50 million lawsuit against Revolve, accusing it of deceptive practices impacting over a million shoppers. They unpack the ethical dilemmas in influencer marketing, spotlighting the importance of transparency and disclosing paid partnerships. Coachella's blend of music and commerce sparks discussions on celebrity culture, while the rise of sponcon skepticism raises questions about authenticity in digital promotions. The evolving influencer landscape and its challenges add depth to this conversation on modern marketing ethics.

The hosts dive into the chaotic world of family vlogging and the recent laws aimed at protecting child influencers. They highlight Utah's new legislation that confuses the realities of content creation with financial responsibility. The discussion raises questions about lawmakers' understanding of social media and its dynamic impact on creators. Ethical dilemmas surrounding child welfare and audience engagement come to light, alongside humorous takes on the complexities of regulations in the digital age. This leads to a thought-provoking exploration of balancing creativity with responsibility.

A recent influencer controversy sparks a deep dive into body image and authenticity. Remi Bader, once celebrated for her body positivity, faces backlash after revealing her weight loss surgery. Her followers feel deceived, questioning the integrity of social media influencers. The discussion also touches on societal expectations and the emotional toll of navigating public perception. As the hosts analyze the intersection of personal choices and public scrutiny, they highlight the complexities of maintaining a positive narrative in the digital age.

Explore the intriguing rise of Mel Robbins' 'let them theory' on TikTok, and how it promotes emotional well-being while posing risks to genuine relationships. Discover the pitfalls of pursuing self-improvement in a world increasingly dominated by individualism, leading to a loneliness epidemic among Gen Z. The speakers discuss the balance between letting others make their choices and the necessity of tough conversations in fostering meaningful connections. Can this theory provide solace, or is it simply another trend with hidden dangers?

Kate Lindsay and Candice Lim break down the saga revolving around a fashion industry employee who got fired after posting a viral TikTok about whether or not influencers were boring. From the “Brokey” challenge to internet history-making GIFs, more and more people are getting fired because of social media. But is it fair — or even legal — for a company to fire someone just because they post online? And how much control should your job have over your social media? Plus, the emerging creator whose own job might be at risk after his followers flooded his employer’s phone lines.This podcast is produced by Olivia Briley, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candice Lim picked the wrong time to become a fan of  Emergency Intercom , the podcast hosted by former Viners Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. However, it makes her the perfect person to explain the recent backlash to her co-host Kate Lindsay. Emergency Intercom has longtime listeners threatening to quit after an out-of-touch joke about Greta Thunberg revealed a larger frustration with the hosts being out of touch, and the podcast losing its appeal. This podcast is produced by Olivia Briley, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Special thanks to A.C. Valdez.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candice Lim and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe play High Speed Downloads and recap the most pressing stories on their timelines. In one minute or less, they’ll explain the internet’s rising support of Snow White star Rachel Zegler. They also discuss some massive developments in a story involving one of South Korea’s hottest actors and the untimely death of a Korean actress. But first, they recap Nadira’s nostalgia-filled trip to New Jersey’s very own JonasCon.This podcast is produced by Olivia Briley, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay, with help from A.C. Valdez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Jenny G. Zhang, Slate's senior culture editor, sheds light on the journey of Connor Hubbard, an influencer who transitioned from a 9-to-5 job to full-time content creation. They explore the allure and pitfalls of daily routine videos that resonate with viewers yet can feel monotonous. The conversation highlights the 'relatability trap' social media influencers face, balancing authenticity with audience expectations. Zhang raises critical questions about the societal implications and identity crises influencers encounter in this fast-evolving digital landscape.