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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Nobody's content with the 'content'
Recently, Fahad Mustafa's old comments against family vlogging and the overuse of the word 'content' resurfaced online and caused an uproar among Tiktokers and YouTubers. "'Content' is the most overrated word in this country. There is no such thing as content. Everyone is selling their families. They haven't even left graveyards alone. They go to their mother's grave, and record themselves saying I'm missing my mother, please pray for her. What kind of 'content' is this?" Mustafa had said when asked about sharing the screen with digital content creators during a TV appearance. "I can tell a good or a bad story. But I can't sell my family. I can't sell myself. If you go on a film or TV shoot, it takes time to do this. They can't understand that this takes us 8 to 10 hours since they live in a 10-second world." While the comment offended the Instagram, TikTok and YouTube content creators especially Rajab Butt, as Ricky Gervais says, "Just because you're offended doesn't mean you're right." This back-and-forth has sparked a debate between the traditional media vs digital 'content'. But it's not a clash between Mustafa and Butt. The actor didn't even mention the YouTuber by name. The scope of this is much bigger than a forced, illogical personal feud. Content overload What Mustafa spoke about is a worldwide concern of artists in the face of countless challenges faced today. Be it AI coming in as a wrecking ball to destroy authentic human expression, shorter attention spans engineered over the last decade by social media overconsumption or the declining understanding of storytelling and art due to the aforementioned issues, there are already more than enough battles artists today are fighting to preserve their chosen media and forms of expression. This is not to defend shows like Mustafa's Jeeto Pakistan, which feed into the same Black Mirror-esque humiliation-in-exchange-of-gifts convention. But Mustafa has created work with a certain artistic integrity in film and TV both, namely Actor in Law and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. However, phone cameras and social media platforms combined today have created an illusion that everyone is an artist, actor, or filmmaker. While the democratisation of the media has had numerous benefits, and this is certainly not an issue of gatekeeping, talking into a camera and showing what you cooked for lunch does not exactly require an abundance of talent or skill. There are many arguments to be made against family vlogging. The internet is full of stories of disgruntled and traumatized individuals forced by their in-house vlogger, be it a parent or a child, to be documented 24/7 for the sake of views. But the crux of the matter isn't even that. It's the fact that 'content' has replaced art, cinema and storytelling. The issues start with the usage of the word 'content' which piles up every artform into one giant automated factory where every creation serves the algorithm and the algorithm, in turn, feeds it back to us. It disintegrates the distinguishing characters of each art form and strips it of any value. This is why Mustafa's comments about the word ring true. If everything is content, then there's no difference between a feature film that takes years to produce and a bag of apples. This argument doesn't devalue platforms like YouTube which can be used for a myriad of purposes from education to art and music and everything in between. It criticizes the forced homogeneity of all art forms. And family vlogging is definitely not an art form. Casting influencers In recent years, even in Hollywood, we have seen a number of so-called social media influencers turn to film and TV. But none comes to mind when thinking about who has excelled and been recognized for their skills. One can bring up Logan Paul but he has succeeded in WWE and pro-wrestling is a vastly different kind of storytelling than film or TV. Films which star the influencers usually land on streaming platforms which again play by the algorithm and casting content creators becomes essentially the same as product placement or a gimmick to cater to the said individual's social media following. Earlier this year in an interview with Variety, Ethan Hawke also lamented the fact that filmmakers are being forced to cast based on Instagram following. He said, "Sometimes I'll be setting a movie up and someone will say, 'Oh, you should cast Suzie.' I'm like, 'Who is she?' 'She has 10 million followers.' I'm like, 'OK cool, has she acted before?' 'No, but ' And you're like, 'Wow, so this is going to help me get the movie made? This is crazy.' So if I don't have this public-facing [platform], I don't have a career? And if I get more followers I might get that part? What?" Just because someone is a social media 'content' creator doesn't automatically mean they'd be good at acting or creating any kind of art. The mindset involved in both is on the opposite ends of the spectrum. That ties in with another question: aren't most studio films made with the intent of profit and hence, they cast bankable actors to attract their fanbase. How is that different from casting a digital content creator? One response to that would be that the bankable actors can usually, if not always, act and do their job well. It's the same as when Pakistani media networks and digital platforms tried to make the 'Chaiwala' into the next big star after he went viral for his looks. It didn't work. As a filmmaker, there's a massive difference between working with trained professionals and amateur enthusiasts. Most of the time, the lack of understanding of the process results in a low-calibre work. But we live in a world where everyone only wants to be on screen and get those 15 minutes of fame. And if 10-second reels can do that, who would spend months and years to tell a good story?
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tyrone stun Donegal as Peter Harte hands Jim McGuinness first Ballybofey loss
JIM McGuinness was beaten in Ballybofey as Donegal manager for the first time in league or championship as Peter Harte's two-pointer sealed a dramatic Tyrone win. Malacy O'Rourke - the only man to beat McGuinness in six seasons in the Ulster SFC with Monaghan in 2013 - saw his team lead the way for the most part and then stave off a late 2 Tyrone stunned the Ulster champions as they fell to defeat at home for the first time in sixteen games 2 Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke shakes hands with Donegal manager Jim McGuinness after his side's win Peter Harte's two-pointer with three minutes to play finally swung it Tyrone's way. And a late Cormac Quinn point put the seal on a three-point win for McGuinness's first loss in 16 at MacCumhaill Park, in his two stints stretching back to 2011. Harte's score was reminiscent of the 2016 belter in On an evening for ponchos, sunglasses and woolly hats, the weather was unpredictable and on the field, things were probably going against the grain as well. READ MORE ON GAA While Donegal edged their way past Armagh on a 2-23 to 0-18 scoreline in the Ulster SFC two weeks ago. Tyrone had been watching on, having run the But the result shows that you can never get too far ahead of yourself in the northern province and the teams who go deep into it come away with bumps and bruises. With Shaun Patton having put in a decent warm-up but missing out with an ankle injury. Most read in GAA Football Donegal had lost a foundation from the restarts and Tyrone's Seanie O'Donnell's two first-half goals gave Tyrone a foothold from which they could climb. The first of those came on eight minutes when he punched past Gavin Mulreany when Caolan McGonagle failed to get a proper hold of a raking ball in from Michael McKernan. Sharlene Mawdsley encounters unexpected headache on first trip abroad since GAA boyfriend reveal O'Donnell seemed to be popping up here, there, and everywhere and on 24 minutes he scored his second. This time he came from deep on the run and with Mark Bradley supplying the lay-off, went for power and although Mulreany got something behind it, he couldn't stop it going home due to its sheer power. Donegal were 2-3 to 0-4 down, at sixes and sevens, and Tyrone looked dangerous time and again. Michael Murphy was the one the bulk of those in the home support of 16,120 turned to and Michael Murphy was the one who delivered. Two monster frees against the wind - both worth two in the current currency as they say these days - were meat and drink for the Tiktokers. But Donegal were clawing their way back. Darren McCurry, with a two-pointer, and Kieran McGeary hit two late first-half points for the visitors, with Tyrone going in 2-7 to 0-11 in front. A Ciaran Thompson point took Donegal back to within one, but the moving quarter didn't happen. They would post four wides in succession, and Tyrone would post four points to move into a five-point lead of 2-11 to 0-12. Ben McDonnell, Darragh Canavan and their scoring constant, McCurry, was the one to help things tick along in times of trouble. Murphy, 11 minutes after Donegal's only second-half score, was typically the man to get them going, with another two-pointer from a free. If the 2012 All-Ireland winning captain was almost single-handedly keeping his team in it, Langan was certainly the one playing the support act. A minute later, by now at the midpoint of the second half, he slung over from outside the arc and Donegal were back to just the one down again, before Langan himself equalised. The trajectory now seemed to be Donegal's and second half substitute Patrick McBrearty lamped over another two-pointer and Donegal were 0-20 to 2-12 in front woith just eight left. But when it was in the melting pot, it was Tyrone who graped the initiative to post a huge win. With Cavan winning in Mayo last week to instantly scattered the pigeons and two into one never going to happen with Donegal and Tyrone. Things might not always turn out as they seem. DONEGAL 0-20 TYRONE 2-17 Donegal: G Mulreany; F Roarty, B McCole, E Gallagher; R McHugh (0-1), C McGonagle, C Moore; H McFadden, M Langan (0-7); D Ó Baoill, C Thompson (0-2, 1f), S O'Donnell; C O'Donnell, M Murphy (0-8, 3 2pt f, 1f, 1 '45), O Gallen. Subs: O McFadden-Ferry for McGonagle (31). Subs: E McHugh for Ó Baoill (half-time), P McBrearty (0-2) for McFadden (42), P Mogan for O'Donnell (50), O Doherty for Gallagher (60). Tyrone: N Morgan; C Quinn (0-1), P Hampsey, N Devlin; M McKernan (0-1), R Brennan, K McGeary (0-1); B Kennedy, C Kilpatrick; S O'Donnell (2-0), M Donnelly, C Daly (0-1); D McCurry (0-7, 1 2pt f, 2f), M Bradley (0-1), D Canavan (0-2f). Subs: B McDonnell (0-1) for Kennedy (h-r), P Harte (0-2) for Donnelly (53), E McElholm for Bradley (55), F Burns for Brennan (57). Referee: M McNally (Monaghan)
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
I'm selling my home now our quiet village is overrun with nightmare ‘TikTok tourists' – It's totally out of control
Locals say they could even resort to extreme measures to reduce the number of Tiktokers blocking roads into the village TIK-ED OFF I'm selling my home now our quiet village is overrun with nightmare 'TikTok tourists' – It's totally out of control Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESCRIBED as a hidden gem, the mountainside of Dinorwig Quarry is a sight to behold - so it's no wonder the area has become a TikTok hotspot. But the stunning slate mine and it's "lost-in-time" village has been besieged by tourists since it went viral online - so much so that one resident says she's been forced to sell her home. 13 Huge lines of double-parked cars on an access road leading to the quarry Credit: John Horrigan/Daily Post Wales 13 The Dinorwig Quarry in the village in Snowdonia Credit: Alamy 13 Rubbish is continuously piling up Credit: 13 Phoebe Griffith is selling up and moving elsewhere after the huge amount of hassle Credit: Villagers have complained that the numbers are so "out of control the only road in is clogged with miles of traffic, with litter being left to rot by disrespectful visitors. The situation has sparked heated rows and left locals being trapped in their homes, with many begging for better parking to cope with the sudden influx. Locals say human faeces is even being left in surrounding fields. One woman has even admitted that she has now sold her home after being fed up with so many TikTok tourists. The Dinorwig Quarry in the village in Snowdonia, North Wales, has become a phenomenon on the social media site TikTok, with users, including the official 'visitwales' account, posting stunning views of the landscape. I am leaving the village and moving because of all the tourists. I put the house on the market and have accepted an offer. I am just waiting for it to go through." Phoebe Griffith The area has been declared an UNESCO world heritage site and was once the world's second largest slate mine, but there are very few car parking facilities. Bank holiday 'mayhem' The problem was even worse over Easter when up to 1,000 cars clogged the road, with queues stretching back two miles to another village. Tattooist Phoebe Griffith, 29, who lives locally, said: "It's got totally out of control. "It was mayhem here over Easter with so many TikTok tourists and others. Scots council under fire for 'butchering' beauty spot loved by newlywed couples "Without doubt, it's gone absolutely crazy with the number of tourists coming here. "They have shattered the peace of the place. I came to live here because it was quiet, but it's not anymore. "In fact, I am leaving the village and moving because of all the tourists. "I put the house on the market and have accepted an offer. I am just waiting for it to go through." Author Ronna Halsall, 63, who writes psychological thrillers, said: "So many tourists are spoiling the place, which is a shame as it is so beautiful with views of Snowdon. She says: "It gets put on social media and one of the top five most beautiful sites in Wales so everyone comes. It's ridiculous." Retired business consultant Rose Cantrell, 75, who lives near the quarry, said: "It's a nightmare at the weekends or bank holidays. "It has got a lot worse recently as people have put it on TikTok. 13 Floods of tourists have been driven to the 'lost-in-time' village Credit: John Horrigan/Daily Post Wales 13 The main road to Dinorwig Quarry's entrance where visitors have been causing chaos with their abandoned cars Credit: 13 Members of the public queue to reach the trig point at the summit of Mount Snowdon, near the town of Llanberis, United Kingdom Credit: Getty "The main problem is parking as there is just not the infrastructure to support the number of visitors especially as it is now a UNESCO world heritage site. "There have been arguments over parking. "Sometimes it can take three-quarters of an hour to get out of the village as cars are parked on both sides of the road and they get blocked. "The TikTok tourists have shattered the peace of the place. "They leave excrement by the side of the road and they leave litter all over the place. "It is upsetting. We have called on the council to do more to solve the problem." Student Emily Walker, 17, said: "It can be a nightmare with all the traffic and problems caused by tourists." 'It's a good thing' But some locals are able to see the positives of having more tourists visit the sleepy town - as long as facilities are improved to go with them. Builder Russell Williams, 59, told The Sun: "I think it's a good thing so many people to visit us. But sometimes there are too many cars." Paid-for parking for the quarry is available in Llanberis – but this involves a climb up the mountain to reach a site billed as the 'place where time stood still', reports NorthWalesLive. Old barracks, sheds, adits and cabins hark back to a time when the quarry was a hive of activity, offering a fascinating glimpse into an industry that once roofed the world. John Horrigan, who lives next to the quarry, told the local news outlet: 'The traffic there at the weekend was the worst I've ever seen." Free parking is available up on the mountain itself at Allt Ddu bus terminus, and this offers an easier route to the quarry. And it was clogged with 30 campervans over Easter. 13 A sign warning against parking in the area Credit: 13 Rose Cantrell in front of her home near Dinorwig Quarry, reports arguing with the influencers Credit: 13 The town of Llanberis at the bottom of the Dinorwig mountain Credit: "You look anywhere online and this is where people are advised to park,' said John, adding it meant on Good Friday, in particular, it was "packed with 'vanlifers'". He said people were parking on blind bends with no repeater signs making things "extremely dangerous". John said of people unfamiliar with the area: "They're driving up and down at speed despite there being sheep on the roads and kids stepping out from behind cars." He added that a woman with a walking stick was also recently knocked over by a car. "If it continues like this someone is going to get killed," he said. Some have even called for a "tourist tax" in a bid to control the number of visitors to the area. Picturesque spot The picturesque spot boasts old barracks covered in tumbleweeds, piercing blue waters, sheds adits and cabins harking back to the time whey the quarry was the hub of an industry that once roofed the world. One TikTok creator captioned their snapshot of cliff diving into the turquoise waters, "Can you believe this in the UK?" TikTok fame has also repopularised the "secret waterful" for divers, which is locally known as the "pool of death" as 22 divers have died there since 1994. Online explorers have been flocking to the site, flouting the clear "Keep Out" signs. 13 The area was a former slate mine and has stunning views of Snowdonia Credit: Alamy 13 Author Ronna Halsall has had untold problems with visitors who constantly block her drive access to her house Credit:
New York Times
01-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Newcastle-supporting influencers criticised for promoting trips to Saudi Arabia
Social media influencers have been criticised by an anti-sportswashing Newcastle United fans' group for promoting Saudi Arabia on their accounts. Several influencers have posted messages and videos encouraging Newcastle supporters to visit Saudi Arabia to continue their celebrations after winning the Carabao Cup last month. Advertisement Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has owned a majority 80 per cent stake in Newcastle since October 2021. According to Human Rights Watch, PIF 'has facilitated and benefited from human rights abuses' while investing in international sporting institutions 'to whitewash the reputational harm'. Adam Pearson, a Newcastle-supporting influencer whose YouTube account has over 56,000 subscribers, posted a video on TikTok which extolled the virtues of Saudi Arabia and passed on travel tips to fans. 'Get yourselves over to Saudi Arabia, enjoy the culture, learn a lot more about the country,' he says in the video. Pearson goes on to explain how 'easy' it is to get to Saudi Arabia on direct flights from the United Kingdom and breaks down the process of obtaining a visa, as well as promoting travel packages to Saudi. 'Book yourselves on, enjoy it, make the most out of it,' he adds. Another Newcastle fan account, The Magpie Channel, posted a video on their TikTok account where the host, Matty Renton, asks fans to guess where famous Saudi landmarks are located. His video promotes the same travel deal to Saudi as Pearson. Thogden, another influencer whose YouTube channel has over 1.9million subscribers, uses similar language in his own video, filmed with his father, on TikTok. Like Pearson, he suggests that fans should visit The Boulevard, an entertainment district in Riyadh. Pearson, The Magpie Channel and Thogden included #ad hashtags with their TikTok posts, while the first two also included tags confirming that they stemmed from 'paid partnerships'. Pearson and Thogden's videos both mention but include links to Southall Travel, while Pearson and Renton's videos include screen records of a user accessing Southall Travel's website. The posts were condemned by NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing, a campaign group set up in the wake of the club's takeover. Advertisement In a post on X, the group said: 'On #NUFC YouTubers & Tiktokers plugging trips to Saudi Arabia to #NUFCFans — a sad but serious issue which shows how far the human rights abusing Saudi dictatorship which owns will go to get young people onboard with their sportswashing project.' (A photo of the Saudi Arabia men's team before a friendly match against Costa Rica at Newcastle's St James' Park in October 2023, Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A TikToker's 3-Wheeled ‘Mini House Car' Has Gone Viral — See the Videos!
A woman's cozy 'mini house car' has gone viral on TikTok — with one of her videos receiving more than 17 million views. The woman, who posts under the name Janet Colby and uses the handle @ellaonwheels_0, first began sharing videos of her three-wheeled electric vehicle in November 2024. The videos started racking up views as she let viewers in on her methods for converting the car's interior into a homey hangout space for herself and her family. The two dozen videos on her feed showcase Janet decorating the interior of the vehicle with items like pink fluffy pillows, patterned privacy curtains and even a portable projector so that she and her family can watch movies and TV when sitting in the parked car. Related: Baker Is Going Viral for Her Cakes Inspired by Popular Perfumes: 'What Smells Good Together Tastes Good Together' Other videos feature her showing viewers how she unwinds in the car after a long day, often settling in with snacks on a portable tabletop. 'After a tiring day, I finally have my own time to relax,' she captioned a video shared on Jan. 4, adding, 'By the way, it's not cold in the car, and there is a heater 🥰.' The TikToker also often includes shots of her mini car from afar, which gives viewers a sense of its true size. 'It looks good from any angle 😘😘😘,' she captioned a video with photos of the car — which has a cartoon cat painted along the side — parked on the outskirts of a town. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Many Tiktokers are all about the tiny portable structure, with a number of them voicing their love for the car in the comment sections on Janet's videos. Related: Guest Goes Viral for Showing Almost Empty Wedding Venue Nearly 2 Hours After Start Time: 'An Unspoken Rule' (Exclusive) 'I want it 🥰🥰🥰,' wrote one person, with another adding, 'IT'S SO CUTE.' Others, however, find the car's small size less than ideal. 'It looks cozy but unsafe,' wrote one TikToker. 'Bro I'm scared,' joked another. Read the original article on People
