SkinnyTok, Dinosaur Time, and Meta Goes to Court

This week’s headlines dive into the latest online trends, from Meta facing court battles to the risks of being wrongly targeted in cancel culture. These stories offer valuable lessons on navigating the digital landscape with caution, awareness, and hope for a better future

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Scroll, Starve, Repeat: Inside SkinnyTok

SkinnyTok is a viral TikTok trend where content creators share “tough love” weight loss mantras, extreme calorie-cutting advice, and rigid “skinny girl rules.” 

Framed as motivational, these videos glamorize disordered eating. 

Experts warn the trend mimics pro-anorexia content, posing serious risks to mental and physical health — especially for impressionable, young viewers.

The SkinnyTok Social Media Trend Explained | Vice

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A Dino-Mite Parent Hack for Picky Eaters

Parents are turning mealtime into playtime with the viral TikTok trend “dinosaur time,” where kids pretend to be plant-eating dinosaurs while munching raw greens to the Jurassic Park theme. 

The playful trick has made salads fun, even for picky eaters, and dietitians say it’s a creative way to build healthy habits.

Parents use the ‘dinosaur time’ TikTok trend to get their kids to eat vegetables | Today

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Will Meta Have to Unfriend Instagram and WhatsApp?

In a high-stakes antitrust trial, Mark Zuckerberg defended Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, denying they were made to crush competition. 

FTC lawyers grilled him over old emails suggesting otherwise, highlighting a “buy or bury” strategy. 

If the court rules against Meta, it could force the company to break up.

Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta in court against monopoly claims | NPR

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Black Market for Rideshare Accounts Thrives on Facebook

Facebook groups are fueling a black market for renting or buying rideshare and delivery driver accounts, allowing users to bypass safety checks. 

Tech Transparency Project warns this creates safety risks, especially for platforms like Uber and DoorDash. 

Meta says it’s reviewing the issue and removing violating content.

‘Incredibly concerning’: Facebook black market groups offer rideshare and delivery driver accounts for sale | CNN

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The Risky Reality of Buying Direct from China

Amid the U.S.-China tariff wars, many are turning to TikTok videos suggesting direct purchases from Chinese factories via DHgate and Taobao to save money. 

However, experts caution that this approach still faces high tariffs, scams, and poor customer support, making it a risky move.

Viral TikToks say to buy direct from Chinese factories. Don’t do it. | The Washington Post

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Canceled by Mistake

Parker Green was mistakenly targeted by online vigilantes after a doxxing error linked her to a bullying case. 

After receiving violent threats and harassment, she feared for her safety. 

Her experience highlights the dangers of vigilante justice, the need for better media literacy, and the lasting harm of online cancel culture.

I was accidentally canceled on social media: here’s what it taught me | The Miami Student

Article summaries created with help from AI

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Other Headlines

• What Jonathan Haidt Thought When He Watched Adolescence | The Atlantic

• This former influencer gave up her smartphone. She says you should, too | NPR

• This Therapist Helped Clients Feel Better. It Was A.I. | The New York Times

• Stop doomscrolling and watch the ‘Great Moose Migration’ livestream | Tech Crunch

• Meet Neptune, a TikTok alternative where creators can hide likes and follower counts | Tech Crunch

• Study Looks at Public Opinion on the Use of AI Chatbots as Romantic Partners | Social Media Today

• Social media ‘significantly’ influences nutritional choices, emotional well-being, student’s study shows | The University of Rhode Island

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Did we miss anything?

Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.