Contributions from Serena Smith | Huck
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Serena Smith

Why we need to recognise influencers as workers

Olivia Yallop examines both the pitfalls and the transformative potential of online culture in her new book 'Break the Internet.'

  • Books
  • Serena Smith

How bogus self-employment is harming workers

‘I can’t afford to quit‘ — The pandemic has exposed the extent of the UK’s bogus self-employment problem, an unscrupulous practice which epitomises the tyranny of work under capitalism.

  • Activism
  • Serena Smith

The Facebook group for terrible art in charity shops

So bad it‘s good — An online destination for the most cursed second-hand shop finds is opening up art criticism to the masses – as well as raising questions as to why we are so drawn to ‘bad’ artworks.

  • Culture
  • Serena Smith

Why more young people are ditching their smartphones

Return of the brick — As Covid-19 causes people to become increasingly glued to their devices, growing numbers of Gen Zers are shunning their phones and embracing a way of life that they say is improving their mental health. But how easy is it really to kick the habit?

  • Activism
  • Serena Smith

Uni ‘confession‘ pages: a space to discuss sexual assault?

Speaking up — Liberated by anonymity, students across the country are sharing stories of sexual assault online – but just how effective are these spaces in helping survivors overcome their trauma and addressing systemic misogyny?

  • Activism
  • Serena Smith

Is lockdown fuelling a student gambling crisis?

Rolling the dice — Looking for ways to fill the hours, the pandemic has caused a perfect storm for student gamblers. But some fear their habit to alleviate boredom could be spiralling into addiction.

  • Activism
  • Serena Smith

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

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