SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " influencers " 100 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Sign in to save shuffle history.
California tightens disclosure rules for influencers who post political ads
A new law will allow authorities to impose administrative, criminal and civil penalties on social media users who don’t make clear when they’re paid to post.
Memories for profit: Is influencer marketing becoming too much?
Wimbledon removes accreditation for influencers to attend the U.S. Open.
I’m a pulmonologist. Here’s why new wellness claims about nicotine worry me.
Some wellness influencers are saying nicotine promotes cognition and longevity. Scientific studies, however, paint a more complicated picture.
Does the science of peptides live up to the hype?
Synthetic peptides are getting some serious hype, from fitness influencers on your FYP to people seeking new options for chronic conditions. And while the human body already makes peptides, like insulin and the hormone oxytocin, most of the viral synthetic peptides are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists say that raises some big concerns about safety and efficacy. So ahead of this week’s FDA meeting to discuss seven commonly used peptides, we get into the science with health reporter Sarah Boden.Interested in more science behind health trends? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. It includes perks like bonus episodes, early access, archive access, curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Influencers and biohackers swear by fasting. Here’s what the science says.
Fasting can help some people reduce how many calories they eat — but it’s not “effortless” as some influencers would have you believe.
They're helping influencers combat misinformation about menopause. Is it working?
Not all of the information about menopause that's floating around online is accurate. What's going on, and how do we fix it?
Tanner Thomason dives into entertainment hot topics
Should you pay for your bestie to fly first class with you? Tom Cruise is still dancing, and Pete Davidson had something to say about influencers.
Paid influencers quietly push political messaging on social media
Paid content creators are quietly pushing political messaging on social media platforms like TikTok to shape public opinion. Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell reacts to the trend and a new California law requiring political ad disclosure.
How Do Business Owners Really Feel About Influencers? It’s A ‘Love-Hate Relationship’
Four entrepreneurs tell Inc. how they leverage content creators to grow their U.S. brick-and-mortar businesses.
Are politicians using influencers to bolster their campaigns?
FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers dives into the story to find the answers.
Why Is Children's Entertainment Getting So Stupid?
From YouTube influencers to Blippi, today's kids have endless entertainment options. But is all that content making them less curious?
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
When Did Sports Get So Loud?
Athletes have become influencers. In-game production has become “storytelling.” And everything has gotten very, very stimulating.
Healthy Kids Healthy Futures: Misleading online health claims
In this edition of "Healthy Kids Healthy Futures," we're revisiting the topic of online health claims, diving deeper into posts made by influencers or created by AI.
Nearly 6 in 10 young women get health and wellness information from influencers
57% of women ages 18 to 29 say they ever get health and wellness information from influencers.
US Open under the influence: content creators spark debate
Jessica Pegula is all in favor of bringing more fans into tennis, but the world number three said Wednesday it's important to keep the focus on the game.The influencers focus not just on tennis, but on fashion, food and lifestyle topics that are now an inextricable part of the game.
Stanford lecturer says red light therapy has real science behind it — but not every device works
Red light therapy has become a fixture on social media, with influencers claiming it can improve skin, reduce pain and speed recovery. Rachele Pojednic, faculty at Stanford University and chief science officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, said the science behind it is more solid than many people assume.
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:58 a.m. EDT
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in Miami, US Marshals Service tells AP
Divorce is getting a rebrand. These influencers are cashing in.
Influencers like Mikayla Noguiera, Jen Hamilton, Gabrielle Stone, and Meghan McTavish are reframing their divorces as empowering — and making money off it.
Facing tight race, Gov. Tina Kotek taps friendly influencers to spread message
The Democratic governor has granted in-person interviews to a cast of social media users this year.
I’m going viral again in Brazil. It must be election season.
I received free emergency medical care in Brazil. Brazilian President Lula and the influencers won’t let me forget it.
Blazers' Moda Center Battle Has Become a PR War
Local influencers and hundred-million-dollar ultimatums take center stage as the franchise deploys new tactics to secure massive public funding for a high-stakes arena renovation project.
Wimbledon refusing to credential influencers after US Open drama
Like a Biblical plague that descended upon Egypt, influencers have crashed the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing Meadows this year. The final tennis major of the season has become mostly about everything but the tennis. The US Open invited 100 influencers and content creators, nearly doubling the number invited from last year. Videos are…
US Open news: Jessica Pegula calls out influencers
Jessica Pegula has spoken up about the rise of influencers at the US Open . She says there should be a clear line between promoting tennis and disrupting the matches . The world No. 3 talked with Front Office Sports about the bigger role influencers and content creators now play at the tournament. Pegula said they can help the sport. However, she […] The post US Open news: Jessica Pegula calls out influencers appeared first on ClutchPoints.
3 takeaways from the MAHA Summit
Trump administration officials mingled with insurers, corporate executives and wellness influencers at the second Make America Healthy Again Summit. They discussed issues ranging from affordability…
Creatine: is there truth behind the hype?
Creatine has become the go-to supplement for anyone wanting to give their fitness a boost and build muscle. It’s even made it out of the gym, with influencers touting its cognitive benefits. But what’s the science behind creatine, and does the evidence stack up? Madeleine Finlay hears from science editor Ian Sample and Dr Justin Roberts, professor of nutritional physiology at Anglia Ruskin University
Study finds young women more likely than men to get health and wellness information from influencers
A recent Pew Research Center study found that young women are more likely than young men to get health and wellness information from social media influencers, with 57% of women ages 18 to 29 reporting they receive such information from influencers, compared with 47% of men in the same age group.
“Defiantly Hopeful” - Inside The Movement To Transform Latino Representation In Business
AVANCE recently announced its future plans, including conferences and the acquisition of Hispanic Executive magazine, aiming to elevate Latino leadership. Founders Gary Acosta and Pedro Guerrero highlighted the paradox of Latinos being economic drivers and cultural influencers despite underrepresentation and vilification
Influencers, weed and disruptions stir controversy at U.S. Open
Social media influencers and other spectators are stirring controversy at this year’s U.S. Open, with viral videos, bright lights and other distractions prompting complaints from tennis fans and some of the sport’s biggest stars. The debate intensified during Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova, when people in a courtside suite were seen filming themselves […]
LinkedIn Is No Longer a Business Network—It’s a Platform for Influencers Now
The Microsoft-owned platform has changed dramatically over the past few years. LinkedIn in late 2026 just feels different.
Gen Z conservative influencers bring campus debates to Valley colleges, drawing online audiences
At a table on the campus of Mesa Community College, microphones are on, cameras are rolling and students are lining up to debate everything from politics and religion to culture and public policy.
Fact check: No, James Talarico was not in a mental health facility in Ohio
When James Talarico took time off the trail with the flu, conservative influencers spread rumors he was being treated at a mental health facility - which he and the center have denied.
Body Scans Are Suddenly Everywhere. Should You Try One?
Inside the wellness trend taking celebrities and influencers by storm.
California may fine content creators who don't disclose they were paid to post about politics
States are debating whether to crack down on social media influencers making political advertisements without disclosing that they were paid.
Look out, Hollywood. Influencers are taking over Burbank
As traditional film and TV production keeps shrinking in Los Angeles, YouTube creators are expanding into Burbank's soundstages.
Former Tennis Pro on Influencers Swarming Grand Slams: ‘Done a Lot for the Sport’
John Isner says there’s upside to content creators’ presence at Grand Slams.
Influencers are shaping politics more than ever
The battle for Gen Z voters is increasingly being fought on social media. Republicans have established a strong ecosystem of influencers, while Democrats are trying to catch up. Three political influencers share what they think it might take for both parties to win over young voters in the midterm elections.
FDA reviews peptide injections favored by RFK Jr. and wellness influencers
Federal health advisers are meeting to review a group of controversial chemicals called peptides
New ‘Menopause at Work’ project aims to protect midlife women’s health and help them thrive at work | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Thanks to a WIN Challenge grant, the Center for Health Communication will help online influencers share evidence-based information about menopause that can prompt employers to provide more support for women workers.
How influencers are taking center stage in Burbank
LOS ANGELES — The exterior of the two-story, beige-colored building looks like any other drab office space near the Hollywood Burbank Airport. But on a recent weekday afternoon, the inside
Influencers with 46M followers urge Home Depot, Lowe's to drop Flock
A group of influencers with a combined following of 46M followers are demanding Lowe's and Home Depot drop their Flock Safety contracts.
Americans’ use of social media for health information differs by race and ethnicity
Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults are more likely than White adults to get health information from social media and turn to health and wellness influencers.
Paid influencers are everywhere in US politics. We need transparency
Secret coordination between politicians and social media creators is a form of astroturfing. But there are few legal regulations
Enough with the podcasts. We elected politicians, not influencers.
Nancy Mace posed in a bikini. Gavin Newsom launched a podcast. AOC and Bernie Sanders are TikTok stars. Can they start doing the jobs we pay them for?
California may fine content creators who don't disclose they were paid to post about politics
States are debating whether to crack down on social media influencers making political advertisements without disclosing that they were paid.
'Creator Rally' Aims to 'De-Risk' Politics for Influencers Ahead of Midterms
The goal of the virtual confab: to give creators, both budding and established, a framework for how to talk politics ahead of the midterms.
How NYC plans to get young people to vote: Less politics, more influencers
Ahead of this fall’s midterm elections, New York City’s Campaign Finance Board is betting that one way to reach young voters is to make voting information
New California law will penalize influencers who don’t disclose political ads
The new legislation adds teeth to disclosure requirements for online influencers who are paid to post about politics.
Schiff proposes federal bill requiring influencers to disclose paid political ads
“California’s primary this year made a clear case that our current guardrails around campaign advertisements are not keeping up with the changing landscape of political speech.”
Pete Davidson slammed female influencers. ‘Today’ hosts point out one big problem
During an interview with Variety, Davidson questioned the profession of women who post “get ready with me” videos.
Lawmakers send bills to Newsom shoring up ballot security, transparency for paid political posts
California lawmakers on Sunday approved bills aimed at preventing interference in this fall’s midterm elections and requiring more transparency from social media influencers who are paid by political campaigns.
3.2K views · 13 reactions | Our media and politics reporter Ken...
Our media and politics reporter Ken Bensinger examines how political campaigns in the U.S. are increasingly paying social media influencers for support, though the ties are not always clearly...
How a New Pistachio CEO Leverages CPG Experience to Drive Health Demand
Mike Forbes draws on leadership at Alter Eco, Procter & Gamble and California Olive Ranch to harness TikTok influencers, clean eating and global culinary partnerships.
No, James Talarico was not in a mental health facility in Ohio
When James Talarico took time off the trail with the flu, conservative influencers spread rumors he was being treated at a mental health facility — which he and the center have denied.
Rockstar Games' New Modding Policy Crushes Influencers' Dreams for Monetized GTA 6 RP Servers
Rockstar Games has outlined its policy for modding ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's release, and it may crush the dreams of some would-be entrepreneurs.
California could tighten rules around influencers' paid political posts
The California Senate has passed a bill to fine content creators who don’t disclose they were paid to post in support of a political candidate or issue on the ballot.
‘Loneliness influencers’ have no friends, but they say they’re happy. What they can teach us
The rise of “loneliness influencers” on social media shows how being alone doesn’t mean you have to hate your life. And for some, it has brought a sense of community.
Politicians paying influencers for support — some without disclosing: Report
Unbiased Politics News
California lawmakers vote to increase transparency over influencers’ paid political posts
The California Senate has passed a bill to fine content creators who don’t disclose they were paid to post in support of a political candidate or issue on the ballot
Jiang Feng: The Unravelling of German & European Politics
A state election in eastern Germany has become a revealing test of the changing political landscapes of Germany and Europe, writes Jiang Feng, Professor and Chairman of the Council of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS) at Shanghai International Studies University. His analysis follows the decisive victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) (which has been classified as right-wing extremist by German authorities)in the state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, in which it finished far ahead of its mainstream rivals. Jiang previously served as Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The following article was published on 8 September 2026 on huanqiu.com, the online platform of the Global Times. On 6 September, the results of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, were announced. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), classified as far-right by German authorities, made history by becoming the largest party in the state parliament, winning 43.8 per cent of the vote — twice its share in the previous election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which had governed the state continuously for 24 years, won just 17.2 per cent, its worst result ever in Saxony-Anhalt. On the night the results were announced, the atmosphere at the CDU gathering was unusually calm. There was neither shock nor argument, as if the defeat had long been expected. Several veteran party members who had spent years working in the state government said: “Defeat is not a bad thing. It is time to make changes.” This state election has not only upended Saxony-Anhalt’s political landscape, but also laid bare the deep tensions between Germany’s traditional party structure and model of governance, on the one hand, and an increasingly polarised society on the other. Its repercussions are already being felt at the federal level, making Saxony-Anhalt a useful case study of the broader trend towards political polarisation and realignment in Europe. Governing Difficulties after Electoral Victory The most immediate consequence of the election is a historic setback for the mainstream party order that took shape in post-war Germany. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has leapt from a peripheral party to the largest political force in the state. Its electoral base has expanded beyond the traditional category of “marginal protest voters” to take on the characteristics of a cross-class coalition. The party has not only consolidated its support in rural areas, but also attracted many middle-class voters and even members of the social elite with stable jobs, their own homes, and substantial incomes. It has thus evolved from a “protest party” into one with the potential to govern. Despite its commanding lead in the vote, however, the AfD faces an institutional obstacle to governing the state: the mainstream parties’ long-standing “firewall” against it. Neither of the two potential routes to forming a government appears likely to break the current political deadlock. The first would be a coalition of establishment parties, led by the CDU and bringing together the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in a cross-camp government. In terms of parliamentary arithmetic, such a coalition could prevent the AfD from forming a government and preserve the outward stability of the traditional political order. Yet these parties are fundamentally divided over key issues including immigration, the energy transition, economic management, and cultural and education policy. Coalition negotiations would therefore be extremely difficult, and even if a government could be formed, it would most likely prove short-lived. More importantly, an alliance of establishment parties aimed at keeping the largest party out of government would play directly into the AfD’s narrative that “political elites are suppressing public opinion”. It could deepen perceptions of political unfairness, further strengthening the AfD’s political capital, and creating a dynamic in which “the more it is suppressed, the more people vote for it”. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s candidate for state premier, has said that if efforts to form a government fail because other parties refuse to cooperate, the AfD will push for a fresh election, which he believes could deliver the party an absolute majority of seats. This points to more intense political battles ahead. The second option would be a coalition between the AfD and the BSW. Together, the two parties would command a simple majority in parliament, making this, on paper, the quickest route to forming a government. The BSW is the only elected party that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD, and the two parties share some common ground, including on policy towards Russia. There is therefore a degree of political basis for cooperation. Were such a coalition to materialise, Germany would see its first state government jointly formed by a party defined as far-right and one with a far-left background, creating what might be called a “bipolar anti-establishment alliance”. Such an outcome would fundamentally break with the ideological boundaries of post-war German party politics. It is worth noting that even if the AfD ultimately fails to enter the state government, its roughly 47 per cent share of parliamentary seats would give it a powerful blocking minority. Without its consent, major decisions requiring a two-thirds majority — including constitutional amendments, significant budgetary adjustments, and state-level institutional reforms — would be extremely difficult to pass. Therefore, whoever ultimately forms the government, the AfD will be an unavoidable force in Saxony-Anhalt politics, with a direct influence on the state’s legislative process. Systemic Failures in Germany’s Governance Model The Saxony-Anhalt election result reflects a systemic failure of Germany’s post-war mainstream-party model of governance to adapt to rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions. It stems from multiple, mutually reinforcing structural tensions and highlights the existing political system’s difficulty in adapting to “an increasingly polarised society First, collective anxiety has replaced individual material hardship as a central driver of political mobilisation. The rise of the AfD can no longer be explained simply by poverty or social marginalisation. Its increasingly cross-class electoral base suggests that what is driving voters towards the party is, above all, concern about the broader direction of society. This anxiety about the future of the political community goes beyond individual gains and losses. In political discourse, economic anxiety has become closely intertwined with immigration, while immigration and refugee issues are, in essence, questions of social fairness. This perception turns conflicts over the distribution of social resources into negative assessments of governing parties, providing a broad social basis for far-right political narratives. Second, regional disparities and East German identity have undermined the strategy of addressing eastern Germany’s structural challenges at the regional level. More than three decades after German reunification, eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt have experienced periods of economic growth, but their underlying economic structures remain weak, and household incomes and wealth remain significantly below those in western Germany. At the same time, they continue to face population outflow, an ageing population, labour shortages, and other structural challenges. At a deeper level, historical experiences — including the collapse of the former East German economic system, mass unemployment during the transition, and the westward shift of decision-making power over major issues — have left some residents with a sense of being “second-class citizens” and of being excluded. For years, the German government treated the “syndrome” of reunification as a regional problem to be gradually addressed at the local level. That approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as regional development disparities emerge as a core structural factor shaping national politics. Third, the erosion of institutional trust is perhaps the most decisive factor. AfD supporters tend to distrust establishment institutions, including parliament, government, and the mainstream media. Their concerns about economic security, pensions, and social fairness are significantly greater than the social average. Increasingly, their support for the AfD reflects not an expectation that the existing system can be improved, but a search for an alternative to the current political order. Such a systemic deficit of trust will be extremely difficult for the traditional parties to repair in the short term. Fourth, a generational shift in political mobilisation has amplified political polarisation. Unlike traditional parties, which rely heavily on offline rallies and mainstream media coverage, the AfD has developed a social-media mobilisation strategy built around “raising an issue — identifying who is responsible — offering a simplified solution — building a shared identity”. It turns complex social tensions into concise political narratives, rapidly channelling public sentiment into political support. The contrast on the eve of the election was particularly telling. The establishment parties, together with trade unions and churches, organised an offline march attended by more than 10,000 people, but its reach was largely confined to those present and to traditional media coverage. The AfD held a much smaller indoor event, yet livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, combined with the involvement of online influencers, gave it a reach and mobilising capacity far beyond that of the march. The contrast illustrates how the traditional parties’ methods of political mobilisation are increasingly struggling to keep pace with a political environment transformed by changes in media technology. A Microcosm of Structural Political Change in Europe The shockwaves from the Saxony-Anhalt election quickly travelled beyond the state to the federal level. Calls for political accountability followed immediately after the results were announced. The governing CDU and SPD are now under enormous pressure, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil face an unprecedented test. Political polarisation in Germany is no longer simply a regional phenomenon. The post-war model of multiparty government by establishment parties is breaking down and being reshaped. Viewed in a broader European context, the Saxony-Anhalt election is part of a continent-wide wave of party polarisation, mainstream-party decline, and rising right-wing forces. Far from an isolated phenomenon, it is a microcosm of the structural political changes unfolding across Europe. Weak economic growth, cultural tensions over immigration, and declining trust in institutions are fuelling the rise of right-wing forces in several countries, challenging the liberal internationalist order established in post-war Europe. As a core member state of the European Union, Germany’s ability to adapt its political system and the direction of its politics will have profound implications for both European integration and the evolution of the international order. Subscribe [ Pekingnology China’s Germany watchers take stock of Berlin’s uneasy turn On 7 December 2025, nearly 50 Chinese scholars and policy researchers gathered in Beijing for the 2025年德国形势年终研讨会 “2025 Year-End Seminar on the Situation in Germany… Read more 9 months ago · 31 likes · 1 comment · YIRUI LI and Yuxuan JIA ](https://www.pekingnology.com/p/chinas-germany-watchers-take-stock?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1151841) [ Jiang Feng on Germany's 2025 and beyond: no easy exit ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond) Yirui LI and Yuxuan JIA · Jan 24 The following is an op-ed by Jiang Feng, published on 29 December 2025 at Shanghai Observer 上观新闻, the digital platform of Jiefang Daily, the official newspaper of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). [ Read full story ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond)
FSU Athletics branding expert offers viewpoint on influencers at sporting events
The U.S. Open has long separated itself from tennis’ other majors with its noise, celebrity energy and New York spectacle. This year, however, one
Jaguar reveals a $130,000 all-electric vehicle. Why?
At a darkly lit event in a Manhattan warehouse this week, actress Florence Pugh, Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns as well as throngs of influencers all gawked at Jaguar Type 01, the British automaker’s first new model in nearly a decade.
Instagram puts new limits on undisclosed AI profiles
As frustration over AI influencers has been growing, Instagram is limiting the reach of undisclosed AI profiles.
Lights, camera, action: Irksome influencers at the US Open are here to stay
Experts say influencers likely to remain a feature of major sports events, despite the anger and irritation they cause.
Meet the “intellectual super influencers” of the new right
A new top 20 ranking of influences on the “national populist” right is at once surprising and revealing.
The Tate brothers must stay locked up during their UK extradition fight, US judge says
A federal judge in Miami has ruled that social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate must remain in custody as they fight extradition to the United Kingdom.
California lawmakers vote to increase transparency over influencers’ paid political posts
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Senate passed a bill Monday that would fine content creators who don’t disclose they were paid to post in support of a political candidate or issue on the ballot.
Healthwatch: Survey reveals how social media influences men’s health
A new Cleveland Clinic survey finds that while a majority of men never trust health information shared by influencers, they are still being influenced.
California adds $5,000 fines, misdemeanor risk for influencers hiding paid political posts
Platforms and campaign teams could face added pressure, too.
Fishy business: who really profits when sardines go viral?
Once a cheap store-cupboard staple, sardines are fast becoming a luxury food item. Last year, #SardineGirlSummer saw influencers promoting the health benefits of sardinemaxxing, while sardinecore became the must-have fashion trend. Now, demand is accelerating just as Morocco’s sardine stock has collapsed, causing shortages on supermarket shelves. The Guardian travels to Matosinhos in Portugal, the cultural home of the sardine industry, to investigate who is profiting from the boom, how it has affected local fishermen, and what sustainability looks like in an era of global heating
Toilet humor over diarrhea-induced weight loss shows fat phobia is alive and well
Social media influencers jokingly promoting cyclospora infection to lose weight are encouraging body shaming and eating disorders.
Dave Portnoy has message for 'trashy, ratchet influencers' amid viral Nantucket sign controversy
Dave Portnoy defends a Nantucket business's viral "No Influencers" sign, saying the island should not be treated as a prop for social media content.
Influencer pleads guilty to criminal impersonation for viral pranks at Arizona businesses
An influencer known for posting viral prank videos has pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation in Arizona for posing as an employee of businesses in a Phoenix suburb and orchestrating brief but chaotic takeover attempts.
‘You have to know’ – Naomi Osaka sends strong message to influencers at US Open
The US Open is more popular than ever, with fan attendance seemingly higher for the early rounds than before. But with influencers showing up, there’s something Naomi Osaka wants them to know.
OpenAI hosted creators at a luxe retreat. The internet isn't charmed.
Over the weekend, influencers posted optimistic videos of AI after attending an OpenAI-led content creator retreat.
Paid influencers and political ads - Illinois Times, the capital city's source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture
My associate Isabel Miller and I worked on a story last week about paid influencers in campaigns. We decided to look into it after reading news reports about how the Chicago Teachers Union has been using paid influencers in its battle to control the elected Chicago school board and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is also […]
Social media influencers shape memorable health messages for young adults
Emily Pfender, assistant professor in the department of communications at the University of Delaware, is a researcher on a new study in Health Communication.
Why 'science-backed' is becoming an important label in wellness
Social media is the go-to place for wellness content today. Influencers promote everything from health tips to supplements and provide education on numerous health issues. Wellness content has even led viewers to seek help or get a diagnosis. However, wellness content is largely riddled with misinformation and conflicting advice. Influencers are encouraged to make
California may fine content creators who don't disclose they were paid to post about politics
California and other states are debating whether to crack down on social media influencers making political advertisements without disclosing that they were paid.
Hailup Is Building the Digital Future of the Caribbean Entertainment Industry
ATLANTA, Georgia , July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hailup Influencers Inc., founded by Byron Aris, is transforming how Caribbean influencers, artists, and creative professionals connect with fans and generate income worldwide. Designed exclusively for Caribbean talent, Hailup enables creators to monetize their brands through personalized video messages, premium fan experiences, live streaming, and exclusive digital content while strengthening authentic connections with audiences across the Car
Red Light Therapy - social media fad or real science?
Red light therapy has become a fixture on social media, with influencers claiming it can improve skin, reduce pain and speed recovery. Rachele Pojednic, faculty at Stanford University and chief science officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, said the science behind it is more solid than many people assume.
New proposal aims to crackdown on influencers paid to support political campaigns
A new proposal aims to crackdown on social media influencers paid to support political campaigns in Chicago.
New California law will penalize influencers don't disclose political ads
The new legislation adds teeth to disclosure requirements for online influencers who are paid to post about politics.
2026 US Open disruption caused by embarrassing social media influencers
The U.S. Open had an unusual disruption Tuesday when influencers were reportedly warned for staging a photoshoot with lights during Naomi Osaka's first-round match.
States respond to paid political posts by social media content creators
States are debating whether to crack down on social media influencers making political advertisements without disclosing that they were paid.
Jessica Pegula: Tennis Influencers Have Become ‘A Little Too Much’ at US Open
Pegula said she also can appreciate what influencers can bring to the sport.
Colorado influencers cash in on campaign season
Paid political messaging is increasingly showing up in Colorado social media feeds, sometimes without voters knowing who paid for it.
What Do Health and Wellness Influencers Post About?
Just over half of health and wellness content on social media focuses on healthy living, while about a third discusses medical topics. And 38% of posts have a product or service promotion.
Political Campaigns Are Quietly Paying Influencers to Support Candidates
Their videos have proliferated on social media, but the payments are frequently hidden from viewers.
California Cracks Down on Influencers’ Undisclosed Political Ads
Under a new law, creators could face fines of $5,000 per post if they don’t disclose that they were paid to make political content.
Influencers are squeezing out critics
The entertainment industry used to suck up to critics. Now they favor your favorite podcaster.
When Scientists Become Commercial Influencers
Peer review in reputable journals gives scientific claims an authority that commercial speech rarely enjoys. But what happens when scientists carry that halo of authority out of the laboratory and into the marketplace, publicly attacking products while enjoying protections their manufacturers do not?
California may fine content creators who don't disclose they were paid to post about politics
States are debating whether to crack down on social media influencers making political advertisements without disclosing that they were paid
Bass lawyers help influencers file complaint against Raman campaign
Two influencers have accused Nithya Raman's mayoral campaign of paying social media influencers who improperly disclosed the payments. The legal fees for their complaint are being covered by Mayor Karen Bass' mayoral campaign.
"We just here for entertainment purposes" - Jaylen Brown calls for Black influencers to raise their voice and support their community
Jaylen Brown says he will never be a mere entertainment prospect.
Enough with the podcasts. We elected politicians, not influencers.
From bikini pics to podcast launches, our elected officials are increasingly obsessed with becoming influencers – chasing followers while the actual job of governing gets left behind.
Nearly 70% of Social Media Health Content May Be 'Misleading' or 'Deceitful,' Says New Study
The analysis also flagged a major issue with "unqualified influencers."
Tech Investors and Longevity Influencers Back Neko Health’s Mega Round
The health tech start-up co-founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek is worth billions more after a new $700 million funding round.
Cleveland Clinic survey highlights social media's influence on men's health
Seventy-four percent of men rarely or never trust health information shared by influencers, yet 39% admit they tried a new diet or wellness trend after seeing it on social media.