All articles tagged with #influencers
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain says gamers increasingly rely on online influencers to shape opinions rather than forming judgments from content themselves; the roundup also notes Sony raising prices on used PS5s, FF7 Remake Part 3 director Naoki Hamaguchi claiming over 40 playthroughs, and rumors of Halo 2/3 remakes as well as potential Silksong DLC.
Eric Swalwell’s social-media savvy backfired as a network of influencers amplified sexual misconduct allegations, triggering major media investigations, ending his California gubernatorial bid, and leaving ongoing investigations in New York and Los Angeles counties; Swalwell denies the accusations.
WIRED’s Ej Dickson argues that MAGA influencers misread Animal Farm’s critique of power and ideology in the new Serkis-directed adaptation, which adds a greedy human owner and centers on consumerism, prompting debates about capitalism vs. communism and highlighting broader issues of media literacy amid a mixed reception (23% on Rotten Tomatoes).
A Vox explainer on how a new wave of MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) influencers—young women and teens—are redefining wellness content for teens, blending diet-focused messages with distrust of institutions, raising concerns about misinformation and potential health risks, and prompting educators to meet Gen Z where they are online to teach critical evaluation of health claims.
A BBC report highlights a growing counter-movement to online masculinity trends, where health and nutrition experts critique extreme looksmaxxing practices (including dangerous bone-smashing) promoted by some influencers, while advocating evidence-based guidance and a broader, healthier range of masculinities.
Hulu confirms The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County, a spinoff featuring Bobbi Althoff and a new group of momfluencers (Aspyn Ovard, Avery Woods, Salomé Andrea, McCall DaPron, Chandler Higginson, Ashleigh Pease, Madison Fisher) for a 2026 release. The series expands the franchise to explore devout Mormon life and families, with production resuming after a Season 5 pause related to domestic-violence investigations surrounding cast members.
The piece argues that while daily walking has health benefits, it’s not sufficient for comprehensive fitness. A CDC BRFSS analysis found walkers score near the bottom for combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, prompting experts to recommend adding bodyweight resistance and higher intensity (e.g., faster pace or hills). The author critiques influencer-driven “perfect walk” trends while sharing a personal, practical approach to walking, concluding that walking should be part of a broader exercise plan rather than the sole workout.
Fashion is moving toward visible aging, with Vogue featuring 76-year-olds on its cover and major runways including more models over 40. Industry players say older models reflect real purchasing power and authenticity, signaling a structural shift rather than a passing trend, though challenges around beauty norms and costs remain.
Prominent Russian lifestyle and beauty influencers, including Victoria Bonya, publicly criticized Putin and highlighted fears over tightened internet restrictions and Telegram outages, signaling a rare wave of public dissent as polls show waning support and the Kremlin tightens controls; analysts say war fatigue and political pressure are reshaping public mood even among loyal supporters.
New social-listening data from Muck Rack and Sprout Social show more negative sentiment toward Alex Cooper than Alix Earle since their public feud began, but overall sentiment for both remains largely neutral; the drama, sparked by Earle’s repost of a critical TikTok and Cooper’s response, has amplified attention and exposure for both rather than delivering a clear winner, underscoring how large influencer brands can gain visibility even amid disputes.
Influencers Alex Cooper and Alix Earle have publicly clashed after Earle reposted a negative TikTok about Cooper, prompting Cooper to urge a response. The feud underscores the business stakes behind creator-led media, talent deals, and branding, with Cooper’s Unwell Network and Earle’s Reale Actives at the center and ongoing questions about strategy, marketing, and who benefits from the drama.
Clavicular’s publicist Mitchell Jackson has quit working with the influencer Branden Peters (Clavicular) days after his hospitalization for a suspected overdose, saying he won’t continue unless Peters seeks addiction treatment. Peters, known for the looksmaxxing community, attended a club event after the incident. The Hollywood Reporter confirms Jackson’s departure, with journalist Taylor Lorenz tweeting the update; Peters has also been at the center of other recent coverage about sobriety and unrelated headlines.
Influencer Ashlee Jenae (Ashly Robinson) died on a celebration trip in Tanzania, found unconscious at a Zanzibar villa and pronounced dead after transport to a hospital. Tanzanian police say it is believed to be suicide, following a dispute with fiancé Joe McCann; he is cooperating and has had his passport withheld. The family has called the death suspicious and says the case is under active investigation, with authorities not accusing McCann of wrongdoing at this time.
Kotaku reports that Xbox is circulating Project Helix-branded merch—shirts, a hat, a hoodie, a sweatshirt, and a signed card—to influencers ahead of any public hardware details, signaling a hype push even as Helix development kits aren’t expected until 2027 and amidst leadership shakeups and consumer confidence concerns.
Coachella 2026 opens with up to 125,000 attendees daily as social chatter centers on alleged rental cancellations to cash in on demand and rumors that brand RSVPs were rescinded. Palm Springs and Airbnb say they’ve seen no cancellation letters or notable uptick in cancellations, and Airbnb notes deterrents like cancellation fees and calendar blocks. Lodging and tickets are extremely pricey, with last‑minute hotels in the hundreds to thousands per night and general admission tickets listed around $5,263 (VIP $10,330). Some cancellation stories are disputed, but the festival proceeds amid widespread speculation about demand-driven pricing.