Tiktok kids: hidden risks and a sounding subway
A disturbing investigation by The Guardian has unearthed hundreds of TikTok videos featuring children offering skincare advice – a trend raising serious concerns about the pressures placed on young users.
Children as influencers: a growing worry
The analysis of 7,605 videos revealed at least 400 instances of minors promoting products and routines, often without proper guidance. Dermatologists are warning that this normalization of multi-step skincare regimens at such tender ages fuels anxiety and unrealistic beauty standards. As one expert stated, “What parents see as blemishes are simply normal skin.”
Cuba’s oil crisis: a ripple effect
Meanwhile, Reuters reports a critical situation unfolding in Cuba, where the US embargo is severely limiting access to vital oil supplies. Previously reliant on Venezuela and Mexico, the island nation now faces a looming energy crisis. The piece highlights a clever transition in the reporting, detailing the consequences of the blockade with a stunning streamgraph chart.
Fuel supply shift: australia’s new reality
Australia is grappling with a changed fuel landscape, driven by geopolitical tensions. The ABC reports that the war in Iran has forced a shift in suppliers, with Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia now providing the majority of refined petroleum products. Prime Minister Albanese is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to secure these crucial supplies.
Decoding cocomelon: the algorithm’s appeal
The Straits Times delves into the design of popular kids’ TV shows like Cocomelon, revealing how pacing and color schemes are strategically employed to maximize engagement. While no definitive ‘bad’ shows are identified, the analysis highlights the potential for overstimulation and emphasizes the importance of educational content.
Dating in the digital age: a bleak assessment
Another Straits Times investigation paints a stark picture of modern dating, based on a survey of 1,000 Singaporeans. Remarkably, nearly half described the dating scene as ‘bleak,’ suggesting a widespread sense of disillusionment. The visual treatment of the data, employing humanizing illustrations, effectively communicates this sentiment.
Subway symphony: a sonic surprise
Finally, a truly unique project from Joshua Wolk transforms New York subway data into a surprisingly evocative jazz composition. Utilizing train location data, the visualization assigns different instruments – from double bass to trumpet – to the movement of trains, creating a free-form, meandering soundscape. It’s a testament to the unexpected connections that can be found in urban data.
Bookmark highlights
Clean energy generation exceeded rise in global electricity demand in 2025. River trees. The quiet disappearance of Australia’s rainfall observation network. Visualizing how annoying traffic noise really is. How the giant D.C. arch would compare to others across the world ($). Women in their 20s may not be having babies, but by 45 most probably will ($). What happens when you take live train location data and convert it into instruments from a jazz band? Train jazz!