Latest Influencer News in 2025
What Is Self-Employed Tax Credit? SETC-Assistance.org Enlists Influencers To Help Bring Awareness On Program
In a strategic move to increase awareness about financial aid available to freelancers and gig workers, SETC-Assistance.org has launched a new initiative enlisting YouTube and TikTok influencers. This effort aims to inform self-employed individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic about the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) tax credit program, which offers up to $32,220 in tax credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This program is set to expire in April 2025. As the economic fallout from the pandemic continues to challenge independent workers across the United States, the SETC 2024 program seeks to provide substantial financial relief. But what is SETC tax credit? SETC-Assistance.org recognizes the influential power of social media personalities in reaching large and diverse audiences. By engaging influencers, the organization aims to ensure that eligible self-employed workers know and can access these crucial funds. Influencers who participate in this campaign are not only helping their followers navigate these challenging times but also stand to gain significantly through referral commissions. This is a unique opportunity for influencers to potentially earn between $225,000 and over $10 million, depending on the engagement level and the size of their audience. Eligibility for the influencer program requires a minimum of 100,000 followers on either YouTube or TikTok, making it an attractive opportunity for creators with substantial followings. Interested influencers, here's how to apply for SETC tax credit: Qualified individuals will be guided through the registration process and supplied with promotional materials to aid in their outreach efforts. This campaign is particularly geared towards influencers whose audiences include many self-employed individuals, freelancers, or gig workers. This collaborative campaign between SETC-Assistance.org and digital content creators offers dual benefits: it empowers influencers to expand their revenue streams while providing their followers with valuable information on accessing financial aid. The swift payout structure promises the disbursement of funds between 15 and 30 days following application approval, ensuring timely support for the applicants and the influencers involved. With the application deadline approaching in less than a year, it's crucial to act quickly to maximize the reach and impact of this vital financial relief initiative. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and earn substantial commissions.
Kim Kardashian Allegedly Stole SKIMS T-Shirt Designs From Influencer
The fashion world is in a state of uproar as Camille Charrière, a prominent fashion blogger from London, has accused Kim Kardashian's fashion line of design copying. This accusation has not only sparked a debate but also raised questions about originality and creativity in the industry. Charrière shared her side-by-side comparison of her 'Baby Tee' floral T-shirt and the Skims t-shirt 'Marigold Rosebud Cotton Rib Tee' on X (formerly known as Twitter), pointing out a striking similarity between the two. Charrière, who had passionately collaborated with the lingerie brand Stripe & Stare to produce a £45 T-shirt made from 95% biodegradable materials, expressed her frustration in her post. She accused Kim Kardashian Skims' of copying a project she was deeply committed to, even waiving her fee to promote a brand not accused of 'greenwashing.' This accusation has not only raised concerns about design copying but also about the ethics of the fashion industry. The accusation has ignited a fierce debate on social media, with users divided in their opinions. While some argue that floral T-shirts are a common style available at many retailers, others believe that the similarities between the two designs are too significant to be dismissed. According to some users, the design in question, a white baby tee with a yellow floral pattern, can be found in various stores, including Forever 21 and Walmart. This debate not only reflects the diversity of opinions in the fashion community but also the power of social media in shaping public discourse. However, some defended Charrière, arguing that the similarities between the two shirts were too significant to ignore. "The resemblance is undeniable," one supporter wrote. This is not the first time Kardashian has faced accusations of copying designs. Last year, she was criticized for allegedly ripping off an Agent Provocateur dress for her New Year's Eve collection.
McDonald’s Taps Walmart Exec As New Social Media Director
Amanda Mulligan was recently hired as the new McDonald's Social Media Director, following her role as Director of Brand Social at Walmart. Mulligan expressed her excitement for the new position on LinkedIn, describing it as a "dream role" due to the brand's commitment to excellence and meaningful customer connections. She highlighted McDonald's dedication to understanding its customers' passions and its influence on culture. Mulligan, in a show of respect, acknowledged the remarkable work of Guillaume Huin, McDonald's Senior Director of Marketing, who has built a robust social media presence for the company. She expressed that it's a 'privilege' to follow in his footsteps and continue building on his success in establishing McDonald's influencer marketing and social media direction. Amanda Mulligan's Walmart background is said to be a big advantage for her new role. She also expressed her gratitude for her previous experiences at Walmart, noting how the company champions its customers and remains culturally relevant. Mulligan is eagerly looking forward to embarking on this new chapter as McDonald's social media director under the guidance of Jennifer Healan, McDonald's Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Brand Content, and Engagement, a testament to the collaborative spirit within the team. Recently, McDonald's social media strategy included the celebration of manga and anime culture with an immersive campaign that temporarily rebranded the company as "WcDonald's." Huin explained that the rebranding was inspired by how McDonald's is often referred to in manga and anime. The fast-food giant partnered with Studio Pierrot, known for anime hits like Bleach and Naruto, and manga artist Acky Bright to release four mini-anime episodes and short mangas. Fans could access them via QR codes on the packaging or at selected manga stores across the U.S. Each story covered different anime genres, including romance (shoji), action (shonen), fantasy, and mecha battles, and had its characters. Huin emphasized that the campaign demonstrated McDonald's commitment to celebrating cultures it's involved with organically. The campaign, led by Anna Engel, Nathaniel Gaynor, and Yaritza Vallejo, also introduced a new spicy WcDonald's sauce developed by McDonald's culinary and menu team. Mulligan's arrival coincides with this creative initiative, as McDonald's continues to connect with diverse audiences through social media.
Bangladesh Heatwave Bonds Influencers To Push For Tree Planting
Because of the Bangladesh weather today, social media influencers are calling for tree planting to help alleviate record-high temperatures, particularly in Dhaka. The city has seen temperatures reach up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in heat-related deaths and causing roads to melt. This has prompted desperate people to seek relief in mosques and pray for an end to the heatwave. In response to the Bangladesh heatwave, social media influencers have urged their followers to plant trees to help make the city more livable. Model and lawyer Peya Jannatul asked her 1.6 million Facebook followers to each plant 10 trees. A student group linked to the ruling Awami League launched a campaign to plant 500,000 trees in 10 days. A popular cleric with 4.3 million Facebook followers encouraged donations to fund the planting of 300,000 trees. Organizations like Green Savers are translating these calls into action by allowing people to sponsor tree planting across 22 districts. For less than $2, a sponsor can fund a tree and follow its growth through digital tracking. Since 2012, the program has facilitated the planting of 66,000 trees. However, environmental activists and experts warn that tree planting is not the only solution for the heatwave in Bangladesh 2024. Photographer and activist Amirul Rajiv emphasized the need to protect mature trees that provide shade for people, birds, and other wildlife. Mohammad Zashim Uddin, a botany professor at the University of Dhaka, noted the importance of choosing the right tree species to avoid harming local biodiversity. City authorities have proposed a plan through 2035 that includes creating 55 new parks and 14 eco-parks to promote biodiversity. Specialists believe a coordinated approach is necessary. Md Imran Hosen, a researcher at the University of New South Wales, suggested combining tree planting with better water management, rooftop gardens, and vertical greenery to maximize cooling. "Planting trees to cool cities is common sense, but you need to combine that with many other factors," he said.
Pennsylvania Social Media Bill Will Require Parental Consent For Under-16 Users
The Pennsylvania House passed a bill on Wednesday aiming to increase parental oversight of children's social media usage with a 105-95 vote. Sponsored by Representative Brian Munroe (D-Bucks), the Pennsylvania social media bill requires social media platforms to verify the age of new users and obtain parental consent for users under 16. It also prohibits companies from selling minors' data to third parties or using it for targeted advertising. Munroe argued that this social media bill 2024 is long overdue to protect against social media effects on teens, children and parents in an increasingly digital world. However, the bill has sparked criticism from free speech advocates and social media lobbying groups due to similarities with other state laws blocked by courts for First Amendment violations. A key concern, highlighted by Liz Randol of the ACLU's Pennsylvania chapter in the PA social media bill is a section requiring platforms to create policies allowing users to report "hateful" posts that may humiliate individuals or groups. Companies would face penalties if they don't respond adequately. Randol compared this provision to a similar New York law that was blocked for compelling companies' speech. Munroe acknowledged the New York ruling but remains confident that his bill aligns with anti-discrimination rules. "We're not telling these social media companies what policy to make," he said. Instead, he emphasized that it's not the legislature's role to anticipate court decisions. Critics are also concerned about enforcing the bill's age verification requirements, arguing that it could lead to privacy violations by forcing platforms to collect more user data. The Computer & Communications Industry Association, representing major social media companies, submitted a letter opposing the bill on these grounds. This is only one of several legislations currently being endorsed to control social media use among the young. Despite opposition, Munroe believes the bill balances privacy and protection. He amended out an earlier proposal that would have required companies to monitor private conversations, following criticism from lawmakers and groups like Planned Parenthood. Munroe emphasized that as a parent of two daughters, parents have the right to oversee their children's social media use.
Social Media Engagement Is Down Despite Users Consuming More Content: New Study
A recent social media engagement research by Hearsay, a digital client engagement platform, found that social media engagement for financial services firms declined in 2023 despite individuals consuming more content overall, suggesting that current social media marketing strategies are becoming less effective. The study analyzed data from over 100 leading global financial services firms and 260,000 agents and advisors using Hearsay's platform. They reviewed 13 million published social media posts, which attracted over 21 million engagements across Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. According to Leslie Leach, Hearsay's chief marketing and strategy officer, target audiences consume a significant amount of financial content but engage with it less frequently than in previous years. Instagram saw the highest engagement despite declining from 1.6 in 2022 to 1.1 last year. While it remains the least used platform, Instagram's engagement rate was three times higher than Facebook's and 14 times higher than X. Facebook's engagement rate stayed consistent at 0.4, while X slightly increased from 0.07 to 0.08. The study also noted that firms reduced their post frequency on both platforms, suggesting a shift to publishing fewer but more carefully curated posts. The study found that when it comes to social media engagement strategy, original content was the most engaging, performing three times better than modified content and ten times better than unmodified content. However, the publishing of original content decreased from 6.5% in 2022 to 4.4% in 2023. Despite this, firms have seen a significant increase in engagement with video content, which has increased by 287% from 2019 to 2023. Firms have embraced video content as part of their social media strategy over the past few years, increasing their video posts by 287% from 2019 to 2023. Despite this, text-only posts maintained the highest engagement rate at 4.3, compared to 0.64 for video. The social media marketing study recommends how to improve social media engagement: Financial firms focus more on Instagram, which consistently outperformed other platforms but accounted for only 2.2% of published content. Meanwhile, LinkedIn saw 51% of the firms' social content, proving valuable for financial professionals to share diverse content types. Asset management professionals found particular success on LinkedIn by sharing trusted, data-driven analyses. Facebook remained a popular choice, hosting 40% of firms' social media content, and was used by asset and wealth management firms to help wholesalers and financial advisors build personal brands. Facebook remained popular, hosting 40% of firms' social media content. Asset and wealth management firms use the platform to help wholesalers and financial advisors build personal brands.
TikTok Sues US Government To Block Ban On Social Media App
TikTok, alongside its parent company ByteDance, has initiated a lawsuit against a new U.S. law that could result in a ban of the social media platform unless it is sold to a U.S.-approved buyer. The company argues that the law discriminates uniquely against TikTok and represents an unprecedented infringement on free speech rights. Filed in a Washington appeals court, ByteDance's lawsuit contends that the legislation unfairly labels TikTok as a national security threat, thus circumventing the protections afforded by the First Amendment. The company claims that there is no substantiated evidence to support such a designation and could result to a TikTok ban in the U.S. This TikTok ban lawsuit emerges against the backdrop of a broader tension between the U.S. and China over technological and data security supremacy. The law, signed by President Joe Biden as part of a larger foreign aid package, marks the first instance of a social media company being potentially banned in the U.S. TikTok suing U.S. government stresses that the imposed divestiture would not only strip the platform of its critical algorithm—which enhances user engagement by tailoring content feeds—but also make its operation in the U.S. commercially and technologically unviable. ByteDance argues that segregating a U.S.-specific TikTok would isolate it from the global community, adversely affecting its functionality and user experience. The Justice Department has opted not to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, and the White House has similarly refrained from detailed comments regarding the president’s usage of TikTok for political activities. In defense of the new law, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi argued that the legislation is necessary to mitigate the national security risks associated with ByteDance's ownership of TikTok. Meanwhile, critics of the law, including the ACLU and the Knight First Amendment Institute, argue that it overreaches and lacks substantial justification, urging instead for broader privacy protections across all platforms. The unfolding legal battle may prompt a preliminary court injunction, which could temporarily halt the law's enforcement while broader legal arguments are considered. This case, pivotal in its implications for free speech and international commerce, may eventually escalate to the Supreme Court.
GAP Hires Ex-PepsiCo, Apple Marketing Exec As New Global CMO
Gap Inc. has made a significant stride in its marketing strategy and global reach with the appointment of Fabiola Torres as Gap's new global Chief Marketing Officer. This move, first reported by Women's Wear Daily, heralds a promising future for the brand. Fabiola Torres, a seasoned executive based in Los Angeles, brings a wealth of experience from her roles at major corporations, including Apple, Nike, and, most recently, PepsiCo. Fabiola Torres' PepsiCo stint, where she served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Energy Drinks and Hispanic Business Unit, was marked by significant contributions that energized the brand's portfolio and enhanced consumer engagement. In a LinkedIn post, the new Gap chief marketing officer expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "After four years at PepsiCo, I've decided to leave to embark on a new journey. This company has taught me a lot in a short period of time." She emphasized not just product delivery but also creating joy and energy for consumers. Her appointment comes at a crucial time for Gap Inc., which has not had a CMO for the last year and a half following the departure of Mary Alderete in November 2022. The leadership gap has been a critical focus for Gap's recently appointed president and CEO, Richard Dickson, who joined the company in July 2023 from Mattel. One of Dickson's primary tasks was to fill this vital position to revitalize the company's marketing efforts across its brands, which include Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. With her impressive background in consumer branding and marketing, Torres is poised to inject new energy and innovative strategies into Gap Inc. Her appointment is expected to elevate the company's profile and market performance in a competitive retail landscape. Her role will be instrumental in shaping the future of Gap's branding initiatives and driving growth across its global markets, instilling confidence in Gap Inc.'s future. Torres' arrival heralds a strategic shift for Gap Inc., a shift that the company has eagerly anticipated. Gap Inc. is poised to reconnect with its customer base and rejuvenate its brand image in the digital era. Torres' expertise in targeting diverse markets and leveraging digital marketing tools will be pivotal as the company looks to enhance its online presence and adapt to the fast-evolving retail landscape. Gap Inc. anticipates that her leadership in crafting compelling marketing narratives and her proven track record in brand revitalization will play a crucial role in their next phase of growth and innovation, sparking excitement for the company's future.
List Of Influencers At The Met Gala 2024
The Met Gala 2024 witnessed a shift in the spotlight as influencers overshadowed A-list celebrities with their captivating fashion statements. Traditionally dominated by Hollywood's elite, the event saw social media stars turning heads and setting trends on this year's red carpet. YouTube star Emma Chamberlain, a veteran of Met Gala appearances, embraced the event's theme, "Garden of Time," with a unique interpretation. Chamberlain wore a chocolate-colored Jean Paul Gaultier gown that mirrored the appearance of twisted tree branches, complete with a light train that accentuated her movements. The mermaid-cut dress was a nod to nature and hinted at a darker, more mysterious aesthetic. "It has a bit of spookiness to it," Chamberlain described her look while speaking to Vogue, emphasizing the gown's dynamic and reflective qualities. Another standout among the influencers at the Met Gala 2024 was TikTok sensation Haley Baylee, who declared the arrival of spring with a vibrant floral dress adorned with 3-D flowers. Baylee's ensemble was a hit among fans, with one remark on social media platform X, "Not an influencer serving more than celebrities," as she exited The Mark Hotel. Wisdom Kaye, known for his impeccable fashion sense and experimental style, also received acclaim for his attire. He appeared in a stunning red monochromatic outfit by designer Robert Wun, featuring a button-up shirt paired with dress pants, a striking floor-length coat adorned with pleated collars and sleeves, and a distressed rose design. Fans quickly took to social media to express their approval, with one fan demanding, "Put some damn respect on his name." The Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet proved to be an influential showcase for these internet stars, who not only met the high expectations of Met Gala fashion but, in many instances, surpassed those of seasoned celebrities. This year's Gala highlighted a significant cultural shift, where the influence and impact of social media personalities are being recognized and celebrated on one of fashion's biggest stages. Emma Chamberlain's role as a Vogue co-host further cemented influencers ' rising stature in the world of high fashion.
Jojo Siwa Praises Chloe Fineman’s ‘SNL’ Impression Of Her: ‘ICONIC’
JoJo Siwa expressed delight over Chloe Fineman's recent Jojo Siwa SNL skit during a "Saturday Night Live" segment. The young singer and dancer, known for her vibrant persona, took to Instagram to share her reaction after Fineman's portrayal in the show's "Weekend Update." Describing the sketch as "ICONIC," Siwa was surprised and entertained by the three-and-a-half-minute parody that aired over the weekend. "I don't know what to say," she wrote, sharing a segment clip on her Instagram Stories. "This is f---ing crazy," added the 'Dance Moms' alum, visibly excited by the mainstream recognition. Fineman's performance captured Siwa in what the singer calls her "bad girl" era, contrasting her typically colorful and sparkly image. In the sketch, Fineman donned a bedazzled black and silver outfit reminiscent of the Jojo Siwa Karma makeup look from her recent music video. The comedian's portrayal exaggerated Siwa's new edgier persona with lines like, "I used to be rainbow sparkles, and now I'm black sparkles. I look like a figure skater joined a street gang." Addressing "SNL" co-host Colin Jost, Fineman, as Siwa, humorously inquired if her transformed appearance was intimidating, to which Jost replied, "Yeah, but not in the way you're hoping." The SNL Jojo Siwa segment also saw Fineman's Siwa proclaiming herself as "the first gay girl in the world," poking fun at Siwa's real-life discussions about her sexuality and public image transformation. These comments follow Siwa's statements in March at the 2024 GLAAD Awards, where she discussed her musical transition and the shift in her public persona as she navigates adulthood. Embracing satire, Siwa reflected on her journey and the public's reaction to her evolution from a child star to an adult artist. By publicly endorsing the "SNL" skit, Siwa demonstrated her acceptance and sense of humor about her ongoing transformation in the public eye. "Saturday Night Live continues to feature celebrity parodies as part of its cultural commentary, airing weekly on NBC.
69% Of Influencers Charge At Least $250 Per Sponsored Post: Sprout Social
In the dynamic field of influencer marketing, understanding the financial dynamics is beneficial and crucial for brands looking to engage. A recent study by SproutSocial provides a detailed breakdown of how much influencers typically charge per sponsored post, revealing varied pricing strategies catering to different engagement and content complexity levels. Understanding sponsored post rates can empower brands to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively with influencers. The influencer marketing strategy of pricing for influencer posts shows a wide range, with almost half of influencers charging between $250 and $1,000 per post. The study details that 24% of influencers set their rates at $251 to $500, while 23% price their posts between $501 and $1,000. On the more affordable end, 17% charge between $101 and $250, and 9% have rates between $51 and $100. A smaller group, 6%, offers posts at a minimal cost of $1 to $50. Per a report, the upper echelons of influencer sponsorship cost show significant premiums, with 15% charging between $1,001 and $5,000 per post and an exclusive 7% commanding more than $5,000 per engagement. These figures underscore the influencers' perceived value and audience engagement levels, which can justify higher rates due to the anticipated return on investment for brands. In addition to understanding the rate structures of influencer-sponsored posts, the survey underscores the potential benefits of long-term partnerships. 71% of influencers offer discounts for agreements involving multiple posts, indicating that both parties recognize the value of sustained engagements over one-off transactions. This approach helps brands maintain a consistent marketing presence and fosters a more authentic connection between influencers and their audiences, potentially leading to higher returns on investment. Regarding content types, the survey uncovers a clear preference among influencers. Short-form videos are the favored medium, particularly those spanning 15 to 60 seconds. A staggering 53% of influencers opt for 15-30-second clips and 50% choose 31-60-second videos. These formats not only boast high engagement rates but also perfectly align with the rapid consumption habits of social media users. This insight provides a reassuring path for brands in their influencer marketing strategies, highlighting the importance of incorporating short-form videos into their campaigns. By placing shared values, clear payment structures, and respect for creative input at the forefront, brands can confidently navigate the influencer marketing landscape. This strategic approach ensures that investments in influencer marketing are not only effective but also mutually beneficial, driving engagement and growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
Ex-Trump Campaign Manager Who Used Cambridge Analytica Launches Own AI Platform
Former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale has launched a new artificial intelligence platform, Campaign Nucleus, to enhance digital strategies for conservative political campaigns. Parscale, who played a pivotal role in Donald Trump's 2016 digital campaign strategy through targeted Facebook ads, introduced his latest venture, which proposes to use AI to revolutionize how political campaigns assess voter sentiment and target persuadable voters. According to Parscale, Campaign Nucleus will employ AI to analyze data to identify voter sentiments, subsequently pinpointing voters who can be swayed and creating customized outreach efforts, such as emails. Moreover, the platform claims to boost the visibility of social media content by "anti-woke" influencers, although specific details on how it navigates social media algorithms remain vague. This initiative follows Parscale's involvement with the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which accessed the personal data of approximately 87 million Facebook users without their consent to target U.S. voters. This scandal led to a substantial privacy settlement in 2018, costing Facebook $725 million and affecting nearly every U.S. Facebook user from mid-2007 to December 2022. Despite Donald Trump's mixed public statements on AI platforms, describing it as "scary" and "dangerous," his campaign and other Republican entities have reportedly invested over $2.2 million in Campaign Nucleus. This sum also includes contributions from the Republican National Committee and related political groups. While Trump's current campaign expenses on Campaign Nucleus are a relatively minor portion of his political spending, Parscale actively seeks to expand his clientele. He has been working with various conservative leaders across Israel, the Balkans, and Brazil to implement his AI-driven strategies in their political campaigns. However, Parscale is reportedly not involved in the day-to-day operations of Trump's latest presidential campaign. The platform's operations in the U.S. are also linked to Lara Trump, Eric Trump's wife and the newly appointed co-chair of the RNC, who previously consulted for a company co-owned by Parscale. Despite its promises, Campaign Nucleus's effectiveness and ethical implications remain controversial as it begins to influence political campaigning in the U.S. and abroad.
Google Bans AI Porn Ads, Deepfake Pornography
Google has announced a strict ban on advertisements for deepfake porn, addressing the growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create and distribute fake sexually explicit content. The new Google ads policy, which takes effect on May 30, 2024, will prohibit ads on any site or app that creates, instructs, or endorses deepfake pornography. The policy targets a sinister trend that has seen the faces and bodies of individuals digitally altered to appear in non-consensual, pornographic material. High-profile victims have included celebrities and public figures, illustrating the broad and damaging implications of this technology. In a statement to The Verge, Google spokesperson Michael Aciman emphasized the company's commitment to ethical advertising standards, saying, "This update is to explicitly prohibit advertisements for services that offer to create deepfake pornography or synthetic nude content. We consider violations of this policy egregious." Under the new guidelines, any advertiser found in breach of these rules will face severe repercussions, including immediate suspension of their Google Ads accounts without prior warning. The company also stated that violators would be permanently banned from using its advertising services. Google's decision comes amid increasing instances of deepfakes, which have not only targeted celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jenna Ortega but have also affected political figures such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Moreover, the spread of such content has reached educational institutions, with reports from Los Angeles schools of deepfakes involving students circulating locally. The tech giant’s crackdown follows a year in which nearly 2 billion ads for AI porn were removed under its sexual content policies. This latest move is part of a broader effort by technology companies to tackle the darker aspects of AI influencers and maintain the integrity of digital advertising while protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals online.
Woman Goes Viral On TikTok For Finding Her Friend A Date By Giving Out Her Business Card
In a unique twist on modern dating, New York content creator Natalie Abatemarco has turned to a novel method to help a friend find romance—by printing 500 business cards designed to introduce her friend to potential dates. This creative approach, blending traditional networking tools with social media connectivity, quickly captured the internet's attention, amassing over 550,000 views and becoming a TikTok trending video. The cards feature a photo of Abatemarco's friend, who prefers to remain anonymous, along with a QR code linking to her social media profiles and a short biography. Abatemarco, 25, spent just $20 on this inventive project, which she described as a humorous "secret Santa" gift meant to bring a little fun into the often daunting world of dating. The duo distributed these cards while socializing in New York City, targeting men they found appealing. Abatemarco told SWNS that while the cards have yet to lead to any dates, they served as an excellent icebreaker, sparking many amusing interactions and enhancing their social outings. The activity has become one of the top trends on TikTok. "We were parading around New York City handing out the cards to people she thought [were] cute," Abatemarco explained. "It makes our evening so much better when we go out," she added, noting the funny situations that often ensued from their card distribution antics. This isn't the first time singles have gotten creative with their dating strategies. Several other videos which have become TikTok trends, can be found in the platform. In a similar vein, Karolina Geits walked the streets of New York last September with a cardboard sign stating she was "looking for a husband," a stunt that gained substantial traction on social media. Another inventive dater, Michelle Arshad from Toronto, used a custom stamp as her conversation starter, imprinting a playful message and her Instagram handle on the hands of potential suitors. Meanwhile, others like Carly Galluzzo from Long Island are opting out of the dating game entirely, with Galluzzo proclaiming herself "boy sober" after growing tired of the pressures associated with continuous dating, regardless of the quality of her dates. As modern dating continues to evolve, these stories highlight the diverse and sometimes unconventional approaches people are willing to explore in the quest for companionship.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew Walks Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and his wife, Vivian Kao, made a notable appearance at the Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 6, 2024. The prestigious event, a convergence of influential figures from various sectors including Hollywood, business, and fashion, saw the couple in the spotlight amidst ongoing legal tensions between TikTok and US lawmakers. TikTok CEO Chew, who was an honorary chair of this year's Met Gala 2024 alongside Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson, has been at the center of a significant legal battle concerning US data privacy and the safety of minors on the platform. His testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in March 2023 highlighted these issues, particularly focusing on a national security bill that threatens to force ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest the platform or face a possible ban. This legislation could impact TikTok's 170 million American users, with Chew vowing to contest any such ban vigorously. The personal history of Chew and Kao adds a rich layer to their professional endeavors. The couple first met through email in 2008 during their time at Harvard Business School and later in person when they both landed summer internships in California—Kao at a clean energy startup and Chew at Facebook. Both hold MBAs from Harvard, and their close partnership is often highlighted by their ability to complete each other’s sentences. Currently residing in Singapore, where Chew was born and raised, the couple shares three children. They have lived in multiple major cities across the globe, including London, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Their household maintains a cautious approach to social media, with restrictions placed on their older children, aged seven and nine, from using TikTok. Vivian Kao, who is Taiwanese-American, brings her own distinguished career background to the table. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and Chinese studies from Wellesley College and has held positions as an independent non-executive director at several companies. The TikTok CEO Met Gala presence not only underscores their significant influence in the tech and business worlds but also highlights their ongoing navigation through complex legal landscapes concerning digital privacy and security.