Molly

Nostalgic fragrances are surging in popularity, with brands reviving vintage scents and creating new perfumes that evoke past eras. “Nostalgia isn’t just a feeling, it’s a physiological response,” said NUE Co. founder Jules Miller. Patients undergoing MRI scans report 63% less anxiety when exposed to gourmand fragrances, and research shows “scents... See more

Gen Z concertgoers are standing still at events out of fear of being filmed and becoming viral memes.

A “TikTok girlie” is internet shorthand for someone — usually a young woman — who embodies the aesthetic, trends, and culture popularized on TikTok. TikTok girlies tend to be early adopters whose influence reaches far beyond their demographic. What goes viral with them quickly reaches people who aren’t even on TikTok: older consumers,... See more

I found that in my self loathing, what I was really doing was protecting myself from actual self reflection that I could improve from. The idea that I was a massive idiot, embarrassing loser, failure, was so extreme that it protected me from any honest and constructive thoughts. The fragility of my self loathing was preventing me from looking at... See more

I wish I could say the delusional thinking changed my mindset instantly, but in reality it was months of doing things in spite of how I felt. Sitting with a feeling of impending doom, and ignoring how mortified I was. Unless I was consciously thinking of it, I would quickly fall back into self loathing.

I was walking a confusing line of self loathing but also somehow thinking I was better than those around me, they were just luckier than me. The universe looked kindly on them and not on me. Gave them ample chances and took all mine away. Poor me.

It was a subconscious pity party. I will admit, it was slightly addictive. It feels good in a sort of... See more

And perhaps that is why they feel so essential now. And why the popularity of these experiences is on the rise as more people are turning to them.

Off-script moments are not escapes from real life. They are real life.

A real life has surprises and excitement and uncertainty. It has new experiences and learning. It has vulnerability, nerves, and a... See more

The site is what Jessa Lingel, an associate professor of communication at the University of Pennsylvania, has called the “ungentrified” internet.