10 Hot Takes

Featuring old people, marathon runners, Benson Boone, and Instagram

1. TikTok is worse than Instagram.

I redownloaded TikTok after 3 or 4 years off of it. In my TikTok hiatus, I became accustomed to Reels. I spent months honing my (admittedly finicky) algorithm to feature food, dogs, pop culture, and fashion. Once I got back on TikTok, the algorithm was too easy. There are even trends where you look up something like “Disney prince” and the prince that looks like your “future husband” comes up. Creepy. Maybe I should rephrase my initial point: TikTok is way better than Instagram at knowing what you want to see, and therefore is too good at sucking you into its dopamine-saturated world.

I spend a lot more time curating my Instagram posts, which has its pros and cons but is largely more fun for me. Also, the people I send videos aren’t on TikTok consistently; they’re on Reels. Namely, my parents, Boyfriend, college roommates, etc.

2. We don’t talk to older people enough

It’s a privilege to be able to be with grandparents or other elderly people. They’ve lived a lot longer and have the advice and stories to show it! I also just think about the day that I will no longer be able to walk wherever I want, hang out with anyone, etc. Being with people of a different generation a gift for both parties – we gain so much from each other.

(From left) My cousin,Adrienne, my grandma, my cousin Maddie, and me.

3. Doing something small is always better than nothing

This applies to so many things. There are lots of little things we can do to make other people’s days better – reaching out to a friend, donating to a cause you’re passionate about, complimenting someone. There are many things we can do to help the environment – taking shorter showers, not buying the random item you don’t need from TikTok. And there are lots of things we can do for ourselves – taking a walk, breathing, etc.

Institutional change is always necessary and the main shift that needs to occur, but I am not a fan of narratives that either entirely blame or entirely extricate individuals from issues. We can create a difference even in the little things.

4. Some people on Substack are just mean

I don’t think that commenting on someone’s intelligence or style or way they live their life in general (barring harming other people, duh) is valid critique. I see lots of inflammatory, clickbait-adjacent headlines rather than pieces that push the cultural conversation forward with genuine critique. Trying to make other people feel dumb by using grandiose language is the opposite of intellectualism, in my opinion – Substack should be about fostering learning and growth and conversation, not division.

5. I do want to know about your marathon, Ironman, etc.

A lot of people get annoyed when people flex their races on Instagram or put their Ironman stickers on their cars. I think they’re such impressive feats that they deserve to be celebrated. I am also just inclined towards hearing about athletic endeavors. Keep it up!

6. Coldplay is great, underrated even

Enough of the Coldplay slander! You’re telling me you don’t like Paradise?? Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall? PRINCESS OF CHINA?? Yellow? Sparks??? Fix You, Clocks, Something Just Like This, I could go on. I don’t care that they’re a little corny. I would pay good money to go to one of their concerts.

7. There needs to be female and BIPOC late night talk show hosts

Not that hot of a take. I’m a big fan of Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert (fellow NU alum!), and most of the other nighttime show hosts. But the nighttime television scene could definitely use a bit more of the diversity that the podcast environment currently sees. We would get different guests, new jokes, new takes, etc., with the greater reach and funding that network shows often come with.

8. These songs are all time

9. There’s no good alternative for driving and singing in the car

Someone lmk if there is!!

10. … Benson Boone is good

He just needs to reroute his brand! His covers are so good!! He knows this. Perhaps the moonbeam ice cream of it all is a marketing tactic. It definitely got people talking.