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Offbeat

Unusual stories, viral culture, human interest, animals, and internet culture.

Offbeat

Concerns Rise as TikTok is Used to Recruit Minors for Prostitution in France

A troubling trend has emerged in France where TikTok advertisements for 'rose sellers' are reportedly part of a recruitment scheme linked to prostitution, often targeting minors.

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Speculation Grows Surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei's Fate Following New Mural

The unveiling of a mural depicting Iran's new ayatollah alongside deceased leaders has fueled rumors regarding his possible death or serious injury from the February 28 attacks.

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The Unseen Influence of Memes in Politics

Memes, often humorous and provocative, serve as a significant political tool that can shape public perception subtly and effectively.

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The Allure of Southeast Asia: TikTok's Influence on American Expats

Many Americans relocating to Vietnam and Thailand report a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. However, the appealing portrayals on TikTok may not fully capture the reality of expat life.

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Who are viral math rock duo Angine de Poitrine – and is the hype justified?

Strategic angle: Angine de Poitrine have conquered the internet in a matter of weeks with their alien polka-dotted get-up and experimental math rock.

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Briefing: Reddit is moving on from r/all

Strategic angle: Reddit is deprecating r/all to enhance feed personalization.

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Briefing: Iran's war propaganda homes in on Trump with Lego memes

Strategic angle: Iranian propaganda targets the global economy and rising energy prices amid ongoing conflict.

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Briefing: Jim Cramer on Reddit (RDDT): “I Want to Buy Reddit Right Here”

Strategic angle: Jim Cramer expresses interest in investing in Reddit at its current valuation.

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Briefing: Reddit accounts with ‘fishy’ bot-like behavior will soon need to prove they’re human

Strategic angle: Reddit is implementing measures to identify bots, requiring some users to confirm their humanity.

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Briefing: Researchers uncover gut-liver serotonin pathway that limits nanoparticle and viral delivery

Strategic angle: A new study reveals the gut-liver immune regulatory axis and its role in limiting nanoparticle and viral delivery.

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Briefing: No, Iran didn't publish a 'list' of 11 American cities to target

Strategic angle: A viral video claiming Iran has targeted 11 U.S. cities is misleading and unfounded.

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Briefing: Meta will pay Instagram, TikTok and YouTube creators with big followings to post on Facebook

Strategic angle: Meta is offering monthly guaranteed pay and boosted reach for creators to start posting on Facebook's Reels.

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Briefing: Social media abuzz with viral rumours of Benjamin Netanyahu's death

Strategic angle: Unverified reports circulate online, sparking widespread speculation.

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Briefing: Trump administration is allegedly collecting $10 billion on the TikTok deal

Strategic angle: Sources indicate that the fee for brokering the TikTok deal could reach $10 billion.

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Briefing: Oracle Reveals $2.2 Billion Investment In TikTok's US Business After ByteDance Divestment, Holds 15% Stake

Strategic angle: Oracle's significant investment marks a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of social media and technology.

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Briefing: Oracle's TikTok stake sits at just over $2 billion, filing shows

Strategic angle: Oracle bought 15% of TikTok's U.S. operations in January after China's ByteDance was forced by U.S. law to divest.