Last week, an abundance of posts circulated about a study that suggests Aug. 24 is the day with the highest number of people calling in sick to work. However, I must admit that I haven’t thoroughly examined this study. It was conducted by an employee tracking company that provided limited information about its findings, and it’s the type of data point that raises some skepticism. Nevertheless, based on personal observation, I tend to believe it. The end of summer tends to bring a quieter atmosphere to the office and a generally more laid-back energy in the city. Maybe it’s just me, but that’s been my experience.
I’ve always had a personal theory about the internet, although I must emphasize that it holds absolutely no scientific merit. The only review it has received is from my friends to whom I’ve shared it. So, consider yourselves my new friends. My theory is that the summer season creates a dull online experience. It’s the worst time of year to be active on the internet. Lately, my social media feeds have been filled with digital tumbleweeds rolling by.
That being said, this week hasn’t been entirely uneventful. For instance, former President Donald Trump’s mug shot quickly became a meme, which was quite predictable if you know anything about the internet.
I’ve also developed a recent fascination with DJ Mandy, who is possibly the best/worst DJ on the internet. Insider referred to her mash-ups as “intentionally gawky,” and calling them mash-ups is an insult to the art of mash-ups itself. Whatever they are, they both delight and disturb my brain simultaneously.
In addition, there’s an alarming piece from 404 Media about AI-generated mushroom foraging books flooding Amazon, posing potential dangers to unsuspecting readers. It’s a new and entertaining source of terror for me.
Even my TikTok likes have taken a sleepy turn lately. Potato salad recipes, tips on transferring credit card points, and stylist videos on determining the best colors for individuals. Yawn!
I’ve come to realize that I’ve unintentionally been watching a lot of “Call the Midwife” on TikTok. It’s an old TV show that I’m now digesting through short clips from bootleg accounts. The show evokes powerful emotions, but it’s not exactly the weird and hyper-specific content I seek on TikTok.
Anyway, I’ll catch you all online next week. Let’s hope we can shake off this late summer slump.
Now, let’s move on to what’s happening in the online world this week:
**Internet Candy**
Here’s some other interesting stuff happening online this week.
**Mugging for TikTok**
Trump’s mug shot has been hard to miss in the past week – that scowling, off-center photo that will surely be a part of history. It has become a prominent meme, being “yassified” and “de-aged” all over the internet. On TikTok, a peculiar filter has gained popularity, allowing users to insert their own facial features into the mug shot. People of various opinions about Trump are posting videos where their faces melt into the mug shot, often accompanied by Akon’s “Locked Up” in the background.
It seems like reposting or adding captions to viral images is no longer enough. To compete in today’s meme ecosystem, one must immerse themselves in the action.
– Callie Holtermann
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