what if i promise to make you smarter/hotter/cooler in ten minutes?
10 free articles i DEVOURED this month
Okay, I think this may be my best monthly curation yet!
Enjoy, besties!
The New Generation of Online Culture Curators (paywall-free link here!)
Okay, this one is a little meta, but bear with me.
Chayka discusses how digital curators are becoming essential in navigating the vast, often overwhelming landscape of online content. With the proliferation of AI-generated content and algorithm-driven platforms, there is an increasing need for human guides or curators who can sift through the noise and offer more personalized, meaningful selections.
It suggests a shift towards a more personalized, curated approach to online culture, which could lead to a more discerning and informed audience. However, this shift also raises questions about the commercialization of taste and the potential for curators to wield significant influence over cultural trends and consumer behavior. Additionally, the reliance on digital curators highlights a broader societal move towards niche marketing and the segmentation of cultural consumption, potentially leading to a fragmentation of shared cultural experiences.
Why Insecure People Buy More Things
People who experience attachment anxiety or avoidance due to inconsistent affection and support during their upbringing may turn to material possessions as a substitute for the interpersonal security they lack.
Those with attachment anxiety, who typically crave approval and affection, might channel their need for validation into acquiring goods that symbolize success and acceptance.
Of course, hyperindividualism and capitalism are alllllwaaaaysss hand-in-hand!
You’re Not Imagining It — Movies Are Getting Longer
The article argues that the lengthening of media content is not just a result of technological changes but also reflects deeper societal anxieties about attention spans and the consumption of digital media.
Also, the article hints at a potential cultural shift toward valuing immersive, extended experiences as a counterbalance to the fragmentary nature of digital media consumption.
The Rise of Poverty Inc. (paywall-free link here!)
Kim discusses the transformation of anti-poverty efforts in the United States into a lucrative industry for private corporations. Since the declaration of the "unconditional war on poverty" by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, federal spending on poverty alleviation programs has significantly increased. However, much of this spending now benefits private-sector middlemen rather than directly aiding the impoverished. The privatization of government services, which began in earnest during the 1980s under the belief that the private sector could deliver services more efficiently, has led to the establishment of powerful industries that thrive on the continued existence of poverty. These industries, which Kim refers to as "Poverty Inc.," include tax preparation companies that profit from services related to the earned income tax credit and contractors that manage welfare programs. The article argues that these corporations have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, as their profits are directly tied to the persistence of poverty.
Given the entrenchment of these private industries in poverty programs, I wonder what realistic policy reforms could be implemented to shift the focus back to direct aid and away from intermediaries?
Internet princess is arguably the best Substack account on here.
Wonderful read on the push towards self-reliance in personal development may undermine the natural human need for community and shared experiences, potentially leading to greater feelings of isolation and disconnection. The piece also raises concerns about how mental health is treated as a marketable commodity, which may shift focus away from effective treatment and support towards more profitable, but less beneficial, therapeutic products and services.
The Same Old Sex Talk Isn’t Enough (paywall-free link here!)
The article particularly focuses on the rising trend of sexual choking among young people, a practice that is not only dangerous but also gender-skewed, with women often on the receiving end. Murray mentions research indicating that this practice has become alarmingly common among college students, often without consent, highlighting the need for updated and more nuanced conversations about sex and consent in the digital age.
How can parents effectively discuss the topics of consent and safety in sexual relationships in a manner that resonates with teenagers exposed to varied and sometimes extreme sexual content online?
The Hidden-Pregnancy Experiment (paywall-free link here!)
Tolentino (loml) writes about her attempt to keep her pregnancy (congratulations, Jia!) hidden from the pervasive surveillance of the digital world. Despite stringent efforts to maintain privacy by avoiding searches related to pregnancy and disabling various tracking features on her devices, Tolentino explores the larger implications of what she terms "surveillance capitalism," where personal data is harvested and sold by tech companies. She discusses the extensive monitoring not just by corporations but also by government entities, reflecting on the intimate yet intrusive relationship between technology and our personal lives.
I wonder how the awareness of being constantly monitored influences our behavior and the authenticity of personal experiences…
Will Being ‘Ugly’ be Aspirational One Day?
As cosmetic enhancements become more accessible and mainstream, there is a growing dialogue about the value of rarity and authenticity in personal appearance!
I can’t stop thinking about how if beauty continues to be tied to economic and social advantages, the underlying issues of discrimination and inequality might not be addressed, merely shifting the goalposts of what is considered desirable…
We’re All Reading Wrong (paywall-free link here!)
The article suggests that returning to reading aloud can enhance memory, improve mood, and foster deeper connections between individuals. It incorporates insights from research, which shows that reading aloud activates the hippocampus more than reading silently, enhancing memory and cognitive engagement. :-)
Tett discusses the perceived decline in the quality of life despite significant technological and economic advancements, and suggests that increased digital choice has led to a crisis in democracy.
The article suggests that the ability to customize individual experiences and access an abundance of choices has led to a fragmentation of society and a weakening of democratic cohesion. It argues that this has resulted in increased tribalism and a decline in collective action.
I hope you learned a thing or two… can’t wait to chat in the comments.
Talk soon.
x,
Maalvika
currently reading Chayka’s book, this is a fantastic curation!!
wonderful work!!!