on my mind lately, is it a crush or is it limerence?, the sandy liang girl is all grown up, and myspace memory lane
Hello.
On my mind lately:
-having mental breakdowns reading existential philosophy
-the joy of popcorn and sliced envy apples as a late night snack
-DE-INFLUENCING
-this audiobook i’m listening to called Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen
-my headphones have been in longer than usual throughout the day: i’ve been inundating my brain with podcasts, music, audiobooks (i’m a bit overstimulated… Brain rot- perhaps the good kind?)
-I've been thinking a lot about social media, and more specifically, influencers. From what I’ve read and observed on the internet (or maybe it’s just me), I think we’re finally reaching a point of being fed the fuck up with the oversharing and inundation of dry, bland, disingenuous content being bottlefed to us. In other words, who fucking care. Who cares? How are influencers providing any value to us as consumers? (Before you attack me about this, I truly believe there is a space for professionals and educators to share their expertise in the digital world. We need more of that and less of the other). Then that poses the question: what makes someone an expert or trustworthy resource?
-gua sha. I’m not quite sure if it works or if it’s just a placebo. But I look forward to doing it every evening. This is my self care. It feels so good and I always feel better after.
-skincare is my weakness, my vice, my obsession, and what I break the bank on the most. I consume so many articles, podcasts, and other media written by dermatologists. So… this leads my brain to think deeply about anti-aging and how we age as women and how aging women are perceived in the world compared to aging men.
-I always fantasize about deleted Instagram permanently… I’m on the precipice.
-I’ve been thinking a lot about purpose, living a fuller life, rotting away in the mundanity of corporate work, what I contribute to the world, and what’s next?
-are we all craving deeper, richer, and more meaningful friendships?
Okay moving on.
Today’s articles explore a range of contemporary cultural phenomena, from the psychological depths of limerence and TikTok's changing user experience to the evolution of fashion and digital social platforms, each offering unique insights into how personal identities, relationships, and cultural landscapes are shaped and reshaped in the modern world. They collectively highlight the complexity of human emotions, the impact of technology on social interaction, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in various facets of life.
News:
Is It a Crush or Have You Fallen Into Limerence?
Limerence transforms a simple crush into a profound, often prolonged state of intense longing for emotional reciprocation, distinguished by its addictive nature and emotional extremes, much like the dramatic arcs found in classic literature and modern music. This deep-seated yearning, analyzed since its coinage by Dorothy Tennov in 1979, reveals the complex interplay of hope, doubt, and self-esteem in human emotional experiences, challenging individuals to navigate the fine line between passionate longing and personal well-being.
The New York Times
Have We Reached the End of TikTok’s Infinite Scroll?
The article reflects on the evolving user experience on TikTok, contrasting the initial charm and novelty of discovering unique content with the current state of overwhelming commercialization and algorithm-driven monotony. It highlights the transition from a platform of serendipitous cultural encounters to one dominated by targeted ads and homogeneous content, questioning the sustainability of its user engagement model amidst a cluttered landscape of diminishing creative diversity and authentic discovery.
The New York Times
The Sandy Liang Girl Is All Grown Up
In the Sandy Liang Fall/Winter 2024 show, hairstylist Evanie Frausto reimagines the modern career woman's aesthetic with playful, nostalgic elements like Sailor Moon-inspired accessories, blending professionalism with whimsy to reflect a grown-up yet spirited Sandy Liang girl. This creative juxtaposition of minimalist hairdos adorned with bold, dramatic accessories encapsulates the brand's evolution towards an adult identity that retains its playful heart.
Coveteur
Let’s Take A Trip Down MySpace Lane
The article on Byline delves into the unique culture and features of MySpace, highlighting its role in shaping internet culture in the early 2000s. It reminisces about MySpace's customizable profiles, the pressure of selecting a "Top 8" friends, and the site's blend of social networking with personal expression. The piece also touches on the darker aspects of internet fame and the experiences of young users navigating online relationships, underscoring the mix of nostalgia and caution in looking back at MySpace's legacy.
Byline
Psychologist Critique The 5 Love Languages
The critique of the "5 Love Languages" by psychologists underscores the complexity of human relationships and challenges the oversimplification inherent in categorizing expressions of love into just five distinct types. This analysis points to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of love, advocating for a more nuanced understanding that accommodates the diverse and evolving ways individuals experience and communicate affection.
LiveScience
The Bluey Method Of Reducing Grown-Ups To Tears
"Bluey" transcends typical children's entertainment by masterfully blending the innocence and imagination of childhood with the profound emotional depth of adult experiences, striking a resonant chord that evokes nostalgia and the poignant reality of ephemeral human connections, leaving adults tearful amidst the joyous escapades of its canine characters.
New York Mag
The novel "Followed by the Lark" reimagines Henry David Thoreau not as the emblematic recluse of American literature, but as an individual deeply engaged in the community, family, and friendships, challenging the traditional narrative of Thoreau's solitude with a portrayal grounded in his own detailed journals, and revealing his true quest for a life lived deliberately, not in isolation but in mindful engagement with the world around him.
The Atlantic
Imagine What Would Happen On A Lesbian Version Of The Bachelorette
This satirical take on a lesbian version of "The Bachelorette" playfully subverts typical reality TV romance tropes, presenting a colorful array of contestants from diverse backgrounds and quirky interests, all while humorously navigating the complexities and clichés of modern lesbian dating culture, ultimately poking fun at the genre's predictability and the broader societal challenges of representation and inclusivity in mainstream media.
The New Yorker
If you’re reading this, I love you.
Thank you for being here.
If you ever need me, my inbox is open.
Bye <3
