Writing
Some favorites (in no particular order):
Students find empowerment, learn social media skills through Bumble ambassadorship
From Culinary School to Columbia, Karen Rosenbloom cooks it all on TikTok
Rocio Tambunting, BC ’23, on creativity, living in New York City, and starting her jewelry business
Let Them Eat (Minimalist) Cake!
Christmas Time Is … Here? — The New York Times
Zines Are Back. And Now They’re on Instagram.
Out of quarantine rises a wealth of teen-created art, writing, and activism on online zines and publications.
Why Do I Save Things Online That I Never Look at Again?
An investigation into this pesky habit of mine (and others?).
Statement Jewelry Is Back?
Today’s accessories of choice are weirder and wackier than ever.
The Bizarrely Intimate Experience of Seeing Someone Else Pop Into Your Google Doc
And the unique moment of human connection that comes with it.
The Rise of Niche Spotify Playlists
Creative, weirdly specific playlists show the unique ways that Gen Z interacts with music — and the Internet as a whole.
Niche PowerPoint Parties Are What’s Keeping Us Educated in 2020
Shared on TikTok, Zoom, and Twitter, PowerPoints are everyone’s favorite way to discuss their most eccentric intellectual theories.
All Work
Christmas Time Is … Here? — The New York Times
What I Learned When I Started Embracing Astrology — Unpublished Zine
Wednesday Zine
OGBFF & The Rise of Chronically Online Clothing
‘The Nanny’ Is a Masterclass on How to Be the Coolest Girl in New York City (Or Anywhere)
Can Playboy Be Empowering Now?
The Gossip Girl Reboot Could Be So Much More
The Victoria’s Secret Era Is Over, What’s Next?
The Spectacular, Spooky Spirit Halloween Store
Microtrends and the Revival of Fast Fashion
Essays
VR, Immersive Learning, and Visual and Spatial Memory (2020)
The Future Is Here. It’s Called TikTok. (2020)
Columbia Daily Spectator
Students find empowerment, learn social media skills through Bumble ambassadorship
From Culinary School to Columbia, Karen Rosenbloom cooks it all on TikTok
Vlogging everything from internships to Manhattan nightlife, Clarke Peoples, CC ’23, has become a TikTok star
Columbia University Ballet Ensemble inspires holiday spirit with ‘The Nutcracker’
Rocio Tambunting, BC ’23, on creativity, living in New York City, and starting her jewelry business
‘Undesign the Redline’ at Barnard examines the legacy of redlining in Morningside Heights and Harlem
Substack Posts
"Women Want Me, Fish Fear Me" Isn't a Meme, It's a Lifestyle
Y2K Goes to the Beach? An Analysis of the 'H2O'-Inspired Aesthetic on Your TikTok Feed
Let Them Eat (Minimalist) Cake!
A Summer of Agriculture, Simple Living, and Milkmaid Dresses
The Power of Lip Gloss, Low Rise, and The Powerpuff Girls
Medium Posts
Goodbye Kale Smoothie, Hello Chlorophyll Water
The health drink we’re all obsessing over now is just one in the history of many.
The Heart Pattern You’re Seeing Everywhere
Behold, the cute design that’s taking over the internet.
Statement Jewelry Is Back?
Today’s accessories of choice are weirder and wackier than ever.
This Is How We Do Valentine’s Day Now
Small displays of appreciation and kindness online are what it’s all about.
To All the TikToks That Are No Longer Available
Taking a journey through my TikTok Favorites — the ultimate digital wonderland.
The Necklace We All Can’t Get Enough Of
This Vivienne Westwood choker is on everyone’s Pinterest boards.
Is Vlogmas Still a Thing?
Does the classic YouTube tradition still hold up in 2020?
What on Earth is a Squishmallow?
Behold, the stuffed animal that has taken over the internet.
Teacher Appreciation, Zoom Style
In 2020, to tell a teacher “thank you,” students have to get creative.
On Taking a Break
Some thoughts on the last few months: school, writing, and more.
The Bizarrely Intimate Experience of Seeing Someone Else Pop Into Your Google Doc
And the unique moment of human connection that comes with it.
Why Do I Save Things Online That I Never Look at Again?
An investigation into this pesky habit of mine (and others?).
Crop Tops…But Made of Socks
The hottest DIY fashion trend right now is the Nike sock top, which has drawn a mixed reaction online.
The Pink Cowboy Hat Obsession
The hottest trend of the summer is fun, fashionable, and perfectly Y2K: a sparkly pink cowboy hat.
The Enduring Legacy of “important videos”
In the age of 24/7 TikToks, Snapchats, and Instagram Lives, there remains one spot unlike any other for finding funny content — a YouTube playlist called “important videos.”
Teen Influencers’ Lives Are Becoming More and More Public
On the internet, due to tea channels, paparazzi, and overzealous fans, any expectation of privacy young online creators might have once had is disappearing.
Oatmeal TikTok is the Best Corner of the Internet
Don’t just take it from me. Thousands of people are joining together in praise of all things oats.
Teens Have Given New Life to Byte
With the threat of a TikTok ban looming overhead, some teens have moved onto Byte, where they are finding a close-knit community many are comparing to the “old TikTok.”
The Complicated Politics of the Instagram Comments Section
There are unwritten rules on Instagram.
Inside the Movement to #SaveTikTok
With Mike Pompeo announcing a possible TikTok ban in the US, teens are banding together to try to keep the app up, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on their lives.
On TikTok, Lifestyle and Aesthetic Content Abounds. So Does Privilege.
Through routines, “get ready with me’s,” and daily vlogs, tween and teen girls can live out their dream lives on TikTok — if they’re affluent.
The “Hiiii” Girl vs. the “Bruh” Girl
There’s a trend on TikTok that describes the difference between two different “types” of girls. But many think it encourages internalized misogyny.
Why Don’t Collab Houses Last?
Collab houses allow young influencers to create content together and propel their careers. But business and relationship problems often lead to their downfalls.
The TikTokers Making Fan Edits of Everything
Aesthetic “edits of things that shouldn’t have edits” — like surgeries, appliances, and instructional videos — are popping up on TikTok.
On Depop, Teens Are Becoming Personal Stylists
Through making personalized style bundles, teens are using the thrifting app to experiment with fashion and start businesses.
Forget About Your Follower to Following Ratio
And start following content that you love.
The Internet Loves Capybaras
The giant rodent has become the star of memes, TikToks, and more.
Teens Love the Strawberry Cow Pillow Pet
The beloved Pillow Pet has inspired art, music, and makeup looks and has a cult-like following on the internet.
Into the Internet Archives: Forgotten Instagram History
Instagram wasn’t always the perfectly polished, filtered app it is today.
The Art of the “Quirky” Twitter Bio
Your internet autobiography, in 160 characters or less.
Teens Are Joining a Myspace Look-Alike Called FriendProject
The site offers a nostalgic social media experience — but there are also safety and privacy concerns.
Zines Are Back. And Now They’re on Instagram.
Out of quarantine rises a wealth of teen-created art, writing, and activism on online zines and publications.
When Someone You Stan Gets Canceled
As many celebrities and influencers are being exposed online for sexual harassment, racism, and toxic behavior, their most dedicated fans must decide whether or not they should continue to support them.
Is Digital Art Real Art?
A debate over this question is raging on TikTok.
Inside the “Depop Cult”
Teens on the beloved thrifting app are dealing with toxicity, scamming, and exorbitant prices.
How a Character From Diary of a Wimpy Kid Became a Symbol of the Revolution
“The Manny will not be televised.”
The Rise of Niche Spotify Playlists
Creative, weirdly specific playlists show the unique ways that Gen Z interacts with music — and the Internet as a whole.
All of Social Media Is the Same Now
Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other apps have lost their once-unique identities.
There Are Group Chats for Everything Now
Teens use the internet to make group chats for sports, events, passions, and more.
Teens’ Bedrooms Are Cooler Than Ever
The internet has inspired the design and purpose of the modern teen bedroom.
The Finsta Is Dead
Alas, it has been replaced by the “private story.”
TikTok Is Only Getting Weirder
“DeepTok” is full of strange and surreal content.
The TikTok Effect
Who needs advertising when you can just go viral on TikTok?
Retail Stores Have Taken Over TikTok
Parody accounts of popular brands are filling up everyone’s feeds.
Stan Twitter is Taking Over the Internet
It’s also a huge force for social change.
Why Everyone Wants to Be “Noticed” by Their Favorite Celebrity
Getting recognition from a celebrity is, for many, a dream come true.
Sweats Are All We Wear Now
Comfy clothing is finally having its moment.
Today’s Teens Learn Economics Through Memes
Reddit and TikTok teach valuable lessons about stocks & more.
Produce Has Social Media Now
Welcome to the future.
Even Teens Are Bored of Social Media Now
The virtual world is supposed to be the future. But we’re already over it.
No One Drinks Actual Milk Anymore.
It’s all about oat & almond now.
Is TikTok Getting Worse?
It was once a Gen Z utopia. Now, it’s turning toxic.
The Comments Are Now the Best Part of TikTok
Why everyone is “running” to the comments.
Is Canceling Even Worth It Anymore?
Getting “canceled” was once disastrous for a celebrity’s career. Has it lost its effect?
Government Twitter Is a Thing Now
States, cities, and small government organizations are using the platform in a new way.
Why Gen Z Made Capitalization Irrelevant
because lowercase is cooler, ofc.
Teen Clothing Businesses Are Booming on Instagram
Quarantine has given many the opportunity to start buying and selling thrifted and customized clothes.
The Great Ratings War of 2020
Students are trying to remove their most-hated apps from the App Store by flooding them with one-star reviews.
Why Is a Frozen Meat Brand One of the Most Reasonable Voices on the Internet?
Steak-umm’s tweets offer profound analysis on media literacy and the current pandemic.
Okay but Like, Crocs Are Cool Now
Let me explain.
The Hype House Is Imploding
And once again, we are all reminded how fragile and complicated internet fame can be for young creators.
Niche PowerPoint Parties Are What’s Keeping Us Educated in 2020
Shared on TikTok, Zoom, and Twitter, PowerPoints are everyone’s favorite way to discuss their most eccentric intellectual theories.
Social Distancing Is Making Instagram Casual Again
It is once again acceptable to post weird things on the internet.
The Siliconization of Schools
Personalized learning and tech-filled curricula claim they will reinvent education. But there’s more to the story.
The World According to Google Maps Reviewers
A recent influx of funny reviews makes for stinging social commentary.
Let’s Bring Pop Culture Into the Classroom
Maybe even the Kardashians can teach us something.
Brands Are Using Memes to Try to Attract Teens
But it often comes across as forced and insincere.
Unique Ways to Come Up With Unique Ideas
For writing, designing, engineering, imagining, and more.
There’s Too Much to Learn
A historical perspective on information overload.
Today’s Teens (And Adults) Aren’t Reading Less — Just Differently
But maybe that’s the problem.
We Need to Ask Kids More Questions That Don’t Have Answers
Or better yet, have them ask the questions.
How Today’s Children Can Become Tomorrow’s World-Changers
The power of fiction in encouraging creativity and imagination.
The Importance of Cultivating, Not Forcing, Learning
How I Became Better At Writing (And Started to Enjoy It, Too!)
These steps made all the difference.