Molly
@mollyjbarth
Molly
2016-era “Instagram makeup” has made an inevitable comeback on social media. The revival — complete with sharp contour, matte finishes, block brows, and hyper-pigmented eyeshadow — taps into Gen Z’s obsession with nostalgia and irony. Is it homage? Or parody? I think a bit of both:
Boyfriend Glow-Ups and Decision Paralysis
The “basic” fashion revival is here, says InStyle . Once-mocked 2010s items like Ugg boots, skinny jeans, riding boots, and Longchamp totes are surging in popularity among Gen Zers burned out on microtrend fatigue, though I’d suggest “basic” fashion might be a microtrend in and of itself. In any case, Ugg sales rose 13% in 2025, adding $600 million... See more
Boyfriend Glow-Ups and Decision Paralysis
Social Media Ruined Romance
open.substack.com
Dating apps are the romantic equivalent of DoorDash. No matter what you order it feels spiritually broken. Too easy and casual. Love relies on chance and circumstance, narrative, and above all, mythos.
BOBBY MARSx.comYoung adults say online dating has killed true romance.
59% of young adults aged 18-24 want to meet potential partners in more traditional ways – on a train at a dance or in a pub.
They said these were more romantic than their experiences and led to longer-lasting relationships.___LINEBREAK_... See more
Chris Williamsonx.comSaw a tweet about the homogenization of romance. How all marriage proposals + Valentine’s Day look the same because of social media. Which brings back my thought that most desires are created. And SM has put people out of touch with their personal desires in everything.
Ajanaé Dawkinsx.comThe problem today’s daters face is that the mass adoption of online dating apps has not only eroded incentives to switch from explore to exploit mode, it has made exploration itself boring and dysfunctional.