Trends
Protecting Our Minds From Digital Distraction And Other Trends To Watch For In 2018
Year-ahead predictions often teem with hipsterish bloviation, writes Julie Wittes Schlack. But in 2018, many trends-to-watch are grounded in real and potentially profound developments.
Why The Facebook Trending Topics Controversy Matters
It comes down to a face-off between journalists and algorithms -- and ultimately, news versus content.
Making A Fashion Misstatement: Why Do People Buy Pre-Ripped Jeans?
Pre-torn jeans are back, and once again, fashion sense is overriding common sense.
Trending: #MyMuslimNeighborhood — Patrolling Bigotry, And A Dangerous Idea
GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz urges stepped up vigilance in so-called "Muslim neighborhoods," and a Twitter hashtag conveying indignation, humor and humanity is born.
With New Body Types, Mattel Expands Barbie's Bottom — And Its Bottom Line
Today, as ever, Barbie reminds us that women will always find something wrong with their bodies.
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The Era Of The 'Mecosystem' Is Upon Us
Examining the increasingly blurry boundaries between consumerism and self-expression.
The Closing Of America’s Open Road
The “connected car” age brings efficiency -- and the end of a long cultural romance.
The Problem Of Living In The Past
Sarah Chrisman would have us believe that life in Victorian times was better. Whose, life, exactly? Not women's.
Periscope Review: Once You Get Past The Silliness And Self-Promotion, An Opportunity For Meaningful Sharing
Why are the mundane sights and sounds of other people’s lives so fascinating when video-streamed in real time?
Too Wrinkly To Rock? Confessions Of An Aging Fan
Should we follow the musical heroes of our youth into that good night, or feel out of place at a Mumford & Sons concert instead?
Humiliation In The 21st Century: Should We Be Ashamed Of Public Shaming?
Public shaming can enforce positive social values, but is the cure worse than the disease?
With Amazon Dash, We're One Step Closer To Never Having To Leave Home Again
Amazon’s newest offering, the Dash Button, safely eliminates the serendipity, exertion and troublesome human interaction borne of shopping in the physical world.
Just Desserts? Craving The Tried-And-True, Not Trendy
Cupcakes have crested. Macarons are moving on. Time to bring back the basics -- Tollhouse cookies, icebox cakes and cream puffs -- and leave the bacon and salted caramel out...
To My Selfie-Obsessed Fellow Travelers, An Apology — And A Plea
Whether capturing the sights or ourselves at the sites, we brand ourselves through the pictures we take.
Digital Detox Vacation: For Those Who Have Everything — Except Willpower
Tech addiction is real, folks. But for the right price, you can disconnect in style.
It’s Cool Hunting Season: Social Trends To Watch For In 2015
Commerce may feast on fads, but amidst the ephemera, some transformative new cultural trends are taking root.