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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.

  • Culture
  • 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.

  • Activism
  • 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?

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Opinion
  • 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?

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Activism
  • 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?

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Activism
  • 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.

  • Culture
  • Catharine Hughes

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