TikTok
Inside India’s evolving third gender Hijra youth movement
Body of Our Own — With new means to communicate and earn a living, young members of the ancient trans and third gender community are reframing what it means to be a part of it. A new documentary by Rahemur Rahman and Lily Vetch explores their shifting lives and identities.
Written by: Isabelle Blakeney
Liver King and the problematic rise of primal manhood
Behind the masc — The organ-eating, masculinity influencer has built a powerful brand championing the ancestral lifestyle – but experts say his beliefs promote pseudoscience and harmful gender stereotypes.
Written by: Elizabeth Wenger
On TikTok, people are fuelling surveillance culture
Big brother — Videos of people who’ve been filmed without their knowledge or consent are racking up millions of views on the app – but are these clips ever ethically justifiable?
Written by: Lucy Harbron
The fight to amplify Black stories on BookTok
New chapter — As TikTok continues to transform book sales, Black BookTokers are calling for greater inclusivity both on the app and the publishing industry at large.
Written by: Tife Sanusi
West Elm Caleb is a reminder that abuse is not a buzzword
After the uproar — Last week, a viral TikTok about a certain New York-based furniture designer sparked an internet furore. The drama should make us question whether condemning people in the harshest possible terms harms far more than it helps.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The teen ‘finfluencers’ trying to keep hustle culture alive
Crypto kids — On ‘FinTok’, teenagers who’ve hit the crypto jackpot say they want to help their peers do the same – but are they simply perpetuating a broken capitalist system?
Written by: Chloé Meley
BBLs and penis enlargements: the rise of men’s surgery
Under the knife — Plastic surgery providers are targeting some of men’s biggest insecurities with hazardous procedures, often deploying social media advertising that lacks any meaningful oversight or regulation.
Written by: Chloé Meley
How gen Z are ‘punishing’ sinister algorithms
Undoing bias — From blocking ads to faking their interests, internet users are attempting to take back power from invasive targeted advertising. But just how effective are these tactics?
Written by: Anna Samson
The TikTokers calling out spiritual appropriation
Dark magic — On #SpiritualTok, witches and guides are gaining exposure for stealing practices belonging to other cultures – but a group of outspoken TikTok users are confronting the whitewashing of their ancestors’ rituals.
Written by: Chloé Meley
TikTokers are using secret hashtags to discuss self-harm
Under the radar — The hashtag #selfharm is censored on TikTok, but that hasn’t stopped users from speaking out about their experiences. While the platform needs to do more to keep young people safe from triggering content, experts stress that the problem runs much deeper than social media.
Written by: Serena Smith
The unstoppable rise of Scottish Independence TikTok
#IndyRef2 — As calls for a second referendum grow louder, TikTok is giving young Scots a platform to carry on their fight through lockdown and to build solidarity with other independence movements.
Written by: Megan Wallace
Inside the complex world of ex-Mormon TikTok
Exiting the cult — ‘Exmos’ are flocking to TikTok to share their stories of leaving the LDS Church and building supportive communities which are helping them to heal.
Written by: Catharine Hughes
