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Social Media Archive

Archives for September 2020

Money
Emma Chamberlain and the business of being relatableEmma Chamberlain and the business of being relatable
Money

The most popular girl on YouTube discusses how to bridge the gap between relatable YouTuber and glamorous businessperson.

By Rebecca Jennings
Technology
Apple won’t take a cut — for now — when Facebook sells online classesApple won’t take a cut — for now — when Facebook sells online classes
Technology

The temporary “Apple tax” break will also affect Airbnb and ClassPass.

By Peter Kafka
Technology
The first big test of Facebook’s oversight board will be the US electionThe first big test of Facebook’s oversight board will be the US election
Technology

The board — which has the power to overrule Mark Zuckerberg on content decisions — will start up as soon as mid-October.

By Shirin Ghaffary
This billionaire built a big-money machine to oust Trump. Why do some Democrats hate him?
The future of the vote

Reid Hoffman symbolizes a bigger debate over whether Silicon Valley disruption has any place in our politics.

By Theodore Schleifer
Trans Twitter and the beauty of online anonymity
Culture

The internet can seem like a horrible wasteland. But in small pockets of social media, love and support can be found among those with marginalized identities.

By Emily St. James
Technology
Why Walmart thinks TikTok is the future of its businessWhy Walmart thinks TikTok is the future of its business
Technology

The brick-and-mortar retailer is trying to invent a digital future where it’s a leader of Amazon rather than a follower.

By Jason Del Rey
Money
You can now personalize your iPhone home screen. People are already making it weird.You can now personalize your iPhone home screen. People are already making it weird.
Money

Custom home screens are pointless, and also very fun.

By Rebecca Jennings
Technology
WeChat and TikTok get reprieves from Trump bansWeChat and TikTok get reprieves from Trump bans
Technology

A ban on the Chinese-owned WeChat was supposed to go into effect Sunday night.

By Peter Kafka
Technology
Trump moves to shut down WeChat in the US. But TikTok will live until after the election.Trump moves to shut down WeChat in the US. But TikTok will live until after the election.
Technology

Both companies have Chinese owners. One of them has support from Trump backers.

By Peter Kafka
Money
This week in TikTok: And the song of summer is ...This week in TikTok: And the song of summer is ...
Money

Plus, a TikTok meme power ranking.

By Rebecca Jennings
Technology
What the heck is going on with TikTok and Oracle, explainedWhat the heck is going on with TikTok and Oracle, explained
Technology

Announcement of the “sale” is just the latest plot twist in a months-long political battle over the future of the wildly popular video-sharing app.

By Shirin Ghaffary
Technology
Twitter is tightening its rules against voting misinformationTwitter is tightening its rules against voting misinformation
Technology

The new rules would flag Trump’s tweets if he claims an early victory.

By Shirin Ghaffary
Technology
Right-wing media thrives on Facebook. Whether it rules is more complicated.Right-wing media thrives on Facebook. Whether it rules is more complicated.
Technology

Untangling the influence of right-wing media is hard, especially with limited data.

By Rebecca Heilweil
Money
This week in TikTok: Everybody wants to be “Heather”This week in TikTok: Everybody wants to be “Heather”
Money

Plus, nobody should have to do PE over Zoom.

By Rebecca Jennings
Technology
Facebook won’t stop Facebook from spreading lies about the electionFacebook won’t stop Facebook from spreading lies about the election
Technology

Facebook is sort of banning political ads in the week before the 2020 election and making other well-intentioned tweaks. That’s not nearly enough.

By Peter Kafka