Donald Trump, a figure who’s often been polarizing within the United States, has unexpectedly gained traction in some of China’s online spaces. Though at first glance, Trump’s conservative policies might seem incongruous with China’s values, his growing popularity among certain Chinese social media users reveals complex intersections of social, economic, and generational dynamics within China. […]
Month: November 2024
The Circle by Dave Eggers: A Modern Tech Dystopia That Falls Short
When you spot The Circle by Dave Eggers on Cambridge University’s Human, Social, Political Sciences Program’s reading list for prospective students, it’s reasonable to expect a masterpiece. After all, it stands among classical and towering works of social analysis. While Eggers’ novel introduces an intriguing premise set in a high-tech dystopian world, it ultimately falls […]
Baskin-Robbins Announces Limited-Time Thanksgiving Cheese Flavored Ice Cream
Baskin-Robbins recently announced two new ice cream flavors in time for the 2024 holiday season. Customers can try the limited-time flavors “Brie My Guest” and “Turkey Cake” until mid-November. “Be the hostess with the mostess this fall with our new Flavor of the Month, Brie My Guest! This cheeseboard-inspired flavor packs all your platter faves into one creamy scoop,” said Baskin-Robbins […]
Digital Fashion: Are Virtual Clothes the Next Big Thing?
The fashion industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and virtual clothing is emerging as a surprising yet powerful trend. With the rise of social media, virtual reality, and the metaverse, digital fashion—garments that exist solely in the digital realm—is gaining momentum. Digital fashion items are designed to be worn by avatars, used for social media, […]
Privacy vs. Surveillance: How New Tech Policies Could Reshape Personal Freedom
In today’s digital age, the boundaries between personal privacy and state surveillance are increasingly blurred. With technology advancements enabling faster data collection and analysis, governments worldwide are enacting new policies to regulate information flows. While many policies aim to bolster security and prevent cyber threats, they also raise concerns about encroachments on individual privacy. One […]
Misinformation in the Polls: How Fake News Is Influencing Voter Behavior
Misinformation has become a powerful force in the modern political landscape, especially during election seasons. The spread of fake news on social media, messaging apps, and even mainstream outlets often influences voter behavior in ways that challenge democratic integrity. False information, intentionally or unintentionally spread, can confuse voters about candidates, policies, or even the election […]
Listening to Classical Music Enhances Physical and Cognitive Performance
The “Mozart Effect”—the idea that listening to certain classical compositions can enhance cognitive function—has been a widely discussed topic since the early 1990s. Named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the concept gained popularity after a study published in Nature claimed that listening to Mozart’s music could improve spatial task performance. Although some researchers argue that this […]
If Trump Wins, Anti-Vaccine Conspiracist RFK Jr. Will Have an Important Role in Public Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed he was promised “control of the public health agencies” by former President Donald Trump, though Trump’s intentions regarding Kennedy’s potential role at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) remain uncertain. What does seem clear, however, is that if Trump were re-elected, Kennedy would likely wield significant influence […]
Celebrity Endorsements Further Democrats’ Advantage among Younger Voters
As Trump struggled to gain endorsements from major celebrities, many of them called on fans to vote for Harris. For Kamala Harris’ campaign, celebrity endorsements certainly play a role. As Beyoncé, whose song “Freedom” has been widely used in the Harris campaign, appeared at the Democratic Candidate’s campaign on October 25, she joins a list […]
When Korean Beauty Meets Skin Tone Diversity in Global Market
When Miss Darcei, an African American beauty influencer, opened a PR package from TIRTIR, a Korean cosmetic brand, she discovered that the foundation’s darkest shade was nowhere near her skin tone. This was not a new experience for her; she had previously received PR packages from other K-Beauty brands, such as Hera and Kahi, and, […]
U.S. Presidential Campaigns on the Rise
With Election Day just days away, U.S. presidential campaigns are entering their final phase, intensifying rallies and outreach efforts to sway voters in critical battleground states. Both Democratic and Republican candidates are focusing on areas where voter margins are slim, aiming to capture undecided voters and energize their bases. Key issues like the economy, healthcare, […]
“Shockingly Ugly”: the Global Rise of Kpop and Body Dysmorphia
In the world of K-pop, nothing else is more attention-grabbing than the leaked internal document from HYBE, one of the four largest and most famous entertainment companies in South Korea. With lines such as “there is a clear tendency to focus on their looks or sex appeal,” “surprisingly, none of them are pretty,” and “shockingly […]
