📡 The new age of internet movies

Also, Nars' virtual ambassadors, ChatGPT and ugly selfies.

In a new viral TikTok trend, users participate in an imaginary economy centered on fake money and fueled by cat pictures. → What Are ‘Dabloons,’ the Imaginary Currency of TikTok?

Nars' new beauty ambassadors all have distinct features, personalities, and backstories. The Power Players are also totally virtual. The beauty company has built meta-humans based on lipstick shades to serve as its new digital spokespeople. It's the latest way the beauty brand is pushing for branded avatars. → Why Nars’s new brand ambassadors are all virtual

Since we're talking virtual ambassadors: the classifications of virtual beings vary a lot, and here are some definitions to help keep things clear. → What's the Difference Between Virtual Influencers, V Tubers, Artificial Intelligence, Avatars, and More?

Blood sugar is the latest health data trend. I already use a CGM for years because diabetes, but a new spate of startups wants everyone to start thinking about our blood sugar all the time. → Continuous glucose monitor startups still have to prove their worth

The selfie has taken on an altogether new meaning in 2022, at least for Gen Z. Because, for young and cool teens and twenty-somethings, taking "ugly" photos and publishing strange content on social media is not only the standard, but it's arguably the greatest way to become an influencer. → Why Gen Z loves ugly selfies

As interest in pop psychology and audio content merge, Spotify Wrapped expanded its selection this year by including listening personalities. And it was a huge hit. → Spotify Unwrapped: Inside the Company’s Biggest Marketing Campaign

Still on Spotify Wrapped, I learned recently that the whole Wrapped thing was created by an intern that never got acknowledged by her work. → The Intern Who Created Spotify Wrapped’s Story Format Never Got Her Due

Elon Musk fans created a conspiracy theory involving Wikipedia. His supporters have been anxious to find the next project for the billionaire to get his teeth into following his disastrous acquisition of Twitter and a slew of new promises about Neuralink. → Here's what actually happened with the Twitter Files Wikipedia page

Films made for, or inspired by, the extremely online will invade the discourse in early 2023. → Cocaine Bear and the New Age of Internet Movies

The second screen experience still rules and the most recent example is The White Lotus. The theories and memes that have been created in response to the HBO's series are so intriguing; it's like a perfect storm, with drama, mystery and fun. → The best part of ‘White Lotus’ is the online community it's created

Move over Siri and Alexa, there’s a new AI in town and it’s ready to steal the show—or at least make you laugh with its clever quips and witty responses. → Five Remarkable Chats That Will Help You Understand ChatGPT