With the rise of Insta-artists and Insta-poets, we may be entering a new age of art and literature that places more value on one’s content capital than their cultural and social capital. Several poets today, like Rupi Kaur, are finding success, not because of their skill but because of their multitude of followers. Kaur’s easily accessible, relatably sad poetry garnered her a following of millions online; millions who bought her poetry books and made her a household name after her work was rejected by traditional literature gatekeepers. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
