Tag

Youth Culture

All articles tagged with #youth culture

Aura Farming: How TikTok Memes Spark Real-World Street Battles
culture12 days ago

Aura Farming: How TikTok Memes Spark Real-World Street Battles

Aura farming is a TikTok-born street competition where teens perform memes and viral gestures to earn 'aura' in front of crowds and judges. Since starting in Mexico City, the craze has spread across Latin America and into Spain, with battles built around references like Ronaldo's 'Siuuu', 'mewing' and other memes, often using props. Prizes vary from cash to bragging rights, and while supporters see it as a fun way to meet offline, critics worry about cultural decline and generational divides.

Aura Farming Goes Offline: Teens Battle for Internet Charisma on the Street
culture13 days ago

Aura Farming Goes Offline: Teens Battle for Internet Charisma on the Street

A TikTok-origin trend called 'aura farming' has moved from online memes to live street battles where teens perform viral gestures and references to earn 'aura'—a proxy for charisma. Competitions across Latin America and into Spain reward cash prizes or bragging rights, with showmanship and crowd reaction as key. The craze includes quirky props and references (e.g., Ronaldo’s 'Siuuu', memes, quirky gestures) and has even touched football culture (Boca Juniors) while drawing both praise for promoting face-to-face interaction and criticism for dumbing-down culture. Political backlash has also surfaced in places like Honduras.

Growing Up On Screen: 25 Essential Films to Watch Before You Turn 25
culture1 month ago

Growing Up On Screen: 25 Essential Films to Watch Before You Turn 25

The Guardian curates a 25-film guide for children and young adults, inviting filmmakers and critics to pick joyful, imaginative, and thought‑provoking titles that shape how young people view cinema and the world—ranging from animated classics like Fantasia and My Neighbor Totoro to boundary-pushing dramas like Trainspotting and Do the Right Thing—emphasizing media literacy in an era of AI, doomscrolling, and growing screen time.

Manchester's Sky-High Vibe Becomes TikTok's Playground
business2 months ago

Manchester's Sky-High Vibe Becomes TikTok's Playground

Manchester is portrayed as an influencer hotspot where a walkable city centre, 1990s regeneration, and strong transport links have drawn young workers and content creators who review cafés, bars and classes on TikTok, and even launch related businesses. The piece follows creators like Ruwaydah, Harry, Sufia and Lamar, whose online growth is tied to Manchester’s vibe and proximity, while analysts caution that wage growth may be modest and some high-rise developments carry safety concerns. Overall, the city’s energy and Mancunian swagger are driving a new wave of social and economic activity.

Teen-Driven Horror Backrooms Smashes A24 Box-Office Records
business3 months ago

Teen-Driven Horror Backrooms Smashes A24 Box-Office Records

A24’s Backrooms, a $10M horror film directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, earned $82M in North America over opening weekend with about 86% of the audience under 35 (44% under 21), making it the studio’s biggest debut in 14 years and the youngest director to top the box office. Internationally it added $36.5M; the success—alongside other Gen Z-driven hits like Obsession—highlights that young moviegoers will still flock to theaters for the right indie offerings.

KPop Demon Hunters: The Phenomenon Bridging Generations
entertainment1 year ago

KPop Demon Hunters: The Phenomenon Bridging Generations

KPop Demon Hunters, a highly popular animated musical film from Sony streaming on Netflix, has become a cultural phenomenon among youth, surpassing 236 million views and even opening in theaters to great success, praised for its catchy songs and positive message. The article also explores current youth slang, nostalgia trends, and viral videos that reflect the evolving landscape of kid culture in 2025.

The Rise and Impact of the 'Gen Z Stare' in Social Media and the Workplace
society1 year ago

The Rise and Impact of the 'Gen Z Stare' in Social Media and the Workplace

The article discusses the debate over the 'Gen Z stare,' a supposed blank expression used by Gen Z in social interactions, and explores whether it is a real phenomenon or a reflection of generational stereotypes. It highlights how social media, pandemic-related disruptions, and economic challenges have shaped Gen Z's social skills, and suggests that older generations, including millennials and boomers, may be projecting their own issues onto Gen Z. The piece advocates for understanding and unity across generations to address these challenges.

Children Favor Short Videos Over Books
technology-and-society1 year ago

Children Favor Short Videos Over Books

The rise of smartphones and social media has led to a shift in media consumption among young people, who now prefer shorter, snack-sized content over long-form entertainment. This trend is affecting their ability to focus, as seen in educational settings where students struggle to complete full-length books. While young people are processing more information than previous generations, the bite-sized nature of this content may hinder their ability to concentrate on slower, more complex tasks, raising concerns about future workplace focus and appreciation for traditional art forms.

Mass Night Bike Rides for Dumplings Cause Chaos in China
world-news1 year ago

Mass Night Bike Rides for Dumplings Cause Chaos in China

A social media trend in China led to thousands of cyclists causing traffic gridlock between Zhengzhou and Kaifeng as they embarked on a night ride to try local dumplings. Initially praised for its spontaneity and youthful spirit, the event quickly turned chaotic, with police intervention and bike rental companies locking bikes. The trend highlights the economic struggles and burnout among young Chinese, but also resulted in criticism for causing disruption and safety concerns. Authorities have since imposed restrictions to prevent further incidents.

China's Viral Night Bike Rides for Dumplings Face Crackdown
culture-and-society1 year ago

China's Viral Night Bike Rides for Dumplings Face Crackdown

A viral social media post led tens of thousands to participate in a spontaneous bike ride from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng in China, causing significant traffic congestion and prompting bike-sharing companies to restrict services. The event, inspired by four college students' summer trip for dumplings, highlights a trend among young people seeking affordable travel amid a challenging job market. Despite logistical issues and criticism, participants view such events as a way to relieve stress and foster happiness.

Chinese Students' Night Rides for Dumplings Spark Cycling Craze
culture1 year ago

Chinese Students' Night Rides for Dumplings Spark Cycling Craze

Tens of thousands of Chinese students have taken up night bike rides as a popular social activity, driven by a desire for freedom, exercise, and social interaction. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift among Chinese youth towards outdoor activities and communal experiences, offering a break from academic pressures and a chance to explore urban environments in a new way.

"Yasmine El Rashidi Reflects on Egypt's Political Landscape and Musical Evolution a Decade After the Coup"
music-and-culture3 years ago

"Yasmine El Rashidi Reflects on Egypt's Political Landscape and Musical Evolution a Decade After the Coup"

A decade after the military coup in Egypt, the country remains repressive, with the military essentially running the government. However, amidst the political environment, a young generation of musicians has emerged, using hip-hop and rap to express their own stories and challenge societal norms. This genre of music, known as mahraganat, has gained popularity and serves as a form of counterculture. While not directly addressing the government, the lyrics touch on economic circumstances and the stifling environment, making it inherently political. The government's red lines are constantly shifting, creating uncertainty for artists and activists who must carefully navigate their expressions. Despite the oppressive climate, the energy and frustration of the youth population could potentially lead to political instability if their needs and energies are not addressed by the government.

Remembering the Essential Role of MTV News: Reflections from Former Staffers.
entertainment3 years ago

Remembering the Essential Role of MTV News: Reflections from Former Staffers.

Former MTV News staffers reflect on the impact of the network's news division, which was a go-to source for young people on everything from music to politics and social issues. The division, which began as a broadcast in the mid-1980s, grew to become a bustling newsroom that churned out hourly news briefs and special reports. MTV News correspondents interviewed Tupac Shakur and Green Day as well as Kofi Annan and John McCain. The end of MTV News was announced this week amid widespread cutbacks, triggering a flood of fond recollections about the on-air personalities who defined the brand.

MTV News: A Legacy of Raw Emotion and Unhinged Madness
entertainment3 years ago

MTV News: A Legacy of Raw Emotion and Unhinged Madness

MTV News, a cable news division programmed for and largely run by American youth, has been shut down by Paramount after 36 years. The Hollywood Reporter reached out to MTV News' star reporters and executives to reminisce about the glory days of the outfit, where they covered music, politics, and pop culture in a way that spoke to young Americans. The team's coverage of the 2000 election cycle, Choose or Lose, ultimately led to Bill Clinton coming on MTV and talking about "boxers or briefs." The team's coverage of 9/11 was also a significant moment for the network.