All articles tagged with #digital culture
WIRED tests Tilly Norwood, a fully generated AI ‘actor’ created by Particle 6, and finds an avatar that dodges political topics, cannot provide a concrete release date for Misaligned, and even repeats the loaded 'All Lives Matter' slogan when pressed on race, underscoring AI’s current limitations in Hollywood and the ongoing debate over AI performers and industry ethics.
A recent wave of so-called dopamine sites mimics shopping and delivery to trigger anticipatory pleasure without real purchases, a concept that began in South Korea with Food Never Arrives and has spawned imitators like FakeHaul and Food Never Comes (which even offers recipes). Other variants include Damta World, a virtual smoking site. Proponents say these sites can make people more aware of spending, but experts worry the pleasure is short-lived and may intensify cravings, raising questions about their true impact on behavior.
A New York Times feature explains Chinese Dreamcore, a Gen Z-driven online aesthetic that nostalgically reconstructs early-2000s China—from internet cafés to blue-tinted high-rises and retro brands—as a digital coping mechanism for economic anxiety and rapid tech change, while critics warn it could mask real issues or fuel existential distress.
WIRED profiles “screenmaxxers”—people who spend nearly all waking hours on their phones—exploring why they resist reducing usage, how work and connection drive it, and the broader debate over whether heavy screen time is harmful or can be meaningful.
The author advocates for 'friction-maxxing' in 2026, which involves intentionally embracing life's inconveniences and resisting the urge to escape into digital distractions, as a way to foster resilience, independence, and genuine human connection, especially in children.
In 2025, Roblox experienced unprecedented growth with over 50 million daily searches, record-breaking concurrent users, and a vibrant global community that uses the platform for creative self-expression, cultural engagement, and social connection, shaping next-gen digital culture and offering new opportunities for brands and creators.
The article discusses how AI-generated content and social media platforms contribute to 'brain rot,' a decline in critical thinking and meaningful engagement, with examples from Facebook, Reddit, and other online communities, highlighting concerns about misinformation, low-quality content, and the impact on human cognition.
Joseph Epstein, at 88, reflects on the challenges and frustrations of adapting to the digital age, highlighting issues like computer troubles, technological complexity, and the desire for simpler times, while also expressing gratitude for his longevity and ability to continue working.
A record deal was signed with an AI-generated artist, raising complex questions about copyright law and the future of music, as the law struggles to keep pace with AI-created content and the distinction between human and AI contributions.
Facebook, launched 20 years ago, has maintained its dominance in the social media landscape by adapting to changing user needs, expanding its user base, and making strategic acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp. Its focus on real-life connections and gamifying social interactions has set it apart from early competitors like MySpace and Friendster, which failed to keep up with changing trends and user needs. Meta Platforms Inc., Facebook's parent company, continues to innovate and invest in messaging apps and tech hardware, solidifying its position as a social media leader despite competition from platforms like TikTok.
Despite his cartoonish appearance and outlandish statements, King Charles III has not become a popular subject for internet memes. His problematic past and lack of a strong public persona may be to blame, as well as his gender and the shadow of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. To be memeable, royals have to be likable, which is where the previous queen excelled, but Charles has long been seen as waiting for his mother to give him his time to shine.