Reality TV’s Hall of Shame is a harrowing place.

These shows, while endlessly entertaining, don’t exactly encourage wholesome behaviour.

It would be easy to laugh them off as pure entertainment. But maybe glorifying toxic personality traits isn’t quite as harmless as it seems. Especially when it means giving a platform to people who probably don’t deserve one.

In today's newsletter:

• Should we be worried about reality TV glorifying toxic traits? (PLUS find out what reality TV’s only chance of redemption is)

• 3 Rebranding lessons from Addison Rae (girl went from TikTok dancing to playing Madison Square Garden!)

• Trend plug - We didn’t learn?!

• Ask the Editor - I’ve been creating lots of content but I’m not getting engagement yet. Help!

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

‘Do you watch Love Island?'

It's a question that seems to be on everybody’s lips at the moment. And the answer, 'no' seems to be on mine and mine only.

I’ve just always felt like: what’s the big deal?

I’m not saying I’m better than anybody else. God knows I have my guilty pleasures. But the idea of being into such a toxic display of what can only be described as a modern-day mating ritual is beyond me.

And while both genders typically act, how do I put it…untoward...claims of toxic masculinity, sexism, and misogyny have essentially become part of the genre.

Once upon a time, reality TV held up a mirror to society—showing us somewhat real people, in somewhat real situations.

The early days were about everyday dynamics and relatable, if messy, humanity. But somewhere along the way, this genre twisted into something far more extreme.

Now, it’s not enough to simply watch people live their lives. Today’s reality TV sells a hyper-dramatised circus, with characters who embody these toxic extremes of behaviour.

[Keep reading]

-Sophie, Writer

3 Rebranding Lessons From Addison Rae

If you don't know Addison Rae, you'll know her song.

'When we drive in your car, I'm your baby...'

Yeah, that one.

The one you've watched Froodle dance to on TikTok over and over.

The one you sing quietly when you're about to fall asleep.

The one at the top of your 'On Repeat' playlist.

Ok, these examples miiight be me-specific, but I'm sure you know the song.

But what you might not know is that Rae has undergone a major rebrand.

She hasn't always been a 'cool girl,' like her music videos for Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine might suggest.

These videos communicate Rae's fairly new persona: conventionally hot, slightly weird, great at dancing, and mysterious.

Sort of... cute girl next door, but she's smoking two cigarettes at once.

But she hasn't always been this way.

Because Rae came to fame back in the simple days, in a simple way: She did TikTok dances.

Remember when the platform was all dancing? Users copying each other's moves, experimenting with their facials...and not much else really.

(Here's an old video of Rae's to jog your memory.)

It was cringe.

But it was epic.

[Keep reading]

-Maggie, Copywriter

Trend Plug - We Didn’t Learn?!

If you haven't seen RULA on your FYP before, then you must be lying. 

Because he's been holding mine hostage these past few weeks. RULA recently went viral when he talked about Trump winning the election, screaming the words 'WE DIDN'T LEARN' for fifteen seconds straight.

TikTokers have since taken this video and turned it into a green screen. We're seeing it used over a photo with on-screen text of a situation where they or someone else didn't learn from last time.

For example, 'me to my man when we arguing about something we have already talked about' or 'me in the team meeting at work when the thing I keep bringing up keeps happening.'

How you can jump on this trend:

The easiest way to do this trend is by just using the green screen template in CapCut. But if you're willing to put a little effort into it, just turn your camera on and lip-sync to the sound (like this).

Just remember to have your OST (and make sure it's relatable). Because, as we know, the more people who can relate, the more likes you'll get.

A few ideas to get you started:

• When your intern asks the same questions OVER AND OVER AND OVER

• POV: The boss when they have to keep explaining the same thing over and over

• When my client doesn't want to listen to me and just posts whatever they want

-Carter, Intern

Ask the Editor

Q - I've recently started creating content for my life coaching business but I'm not getting a lot of engagement yet. What am I doing wrong? - Kieran

Hey Kieran!

A few thoughts for you...first, how much thought are you putting into your hooks? If your hook's not engaging, the rest of your video doesn't matter because no one's going to watch it!

If I were you, I'd spend some time on social media, looking at what grabs your attention. What makes the hook work? Think about how can you can apply what you notice to your own content.

Also, think about how relatable your content is. If you want to grow your following, your content can't be too niche. So if you find your content isn't accessible to the average person, put some thought into how you can speak to a broader audience.

Lastly, you should probably be putting out more content. This will make you more visible on the platform. The platforms reward consistency! Plus, posting more often will give you more data, which will help you improve your content faster.

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

For the group chat

😂 Yap’s funniest home videos: OMG AHAHA
❤How wholesome: smilecore
🎧Soooo tingly: Wingstop ASMR
🍝What you should make for dinner tonight: lazy girl mac & cheese

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