Greetings!
Here are the latest trending internet culture stories today:
An apparel designer breaks down the decline in quality of Taylor Swift’s merch offerings, an American tourist’s video about trying out robotic legs in China is making the rounds, and a husband’s “AITA” question about splitting the cost of his honeymoon with his wife has sparked much discussion on Reddit.
Til next time,
— W.J.
⚡️ Today in Internet Culture
As Swifties call out a decline in quality, an apparel designer explains why Taylor Swift’s merch has become so “underwhelming”
Fans are questioning the quality and design of Taylor Swift‘s merch, including the viral cardigans. An apparel designer breaks down why fans should think twice before purchasing one.
Since the release of the first Folklore cardigan, priced at $49, she notes that subsequent cardigans have increased in price but decreased in quality. The cardigans all feature different synthetic fiber blends and sizing, which may add to fans’ dissatisfaction.
“This is literally the future”: Tourist in China rents robotic legs for under $1,000—Americans joke it’d cost 10x more here
Christian Grossi told viewers that he and his friend were walking past a stand in Zhangjiajie National Park when they were offered the opportunity to try out “robotic legs” for free. It was a fascinating opportunity they couldn’t pass up, so naturally, they filmed the experience as well.
These particular products are sold in the park to aid hikers in the area, according to Grossi’s video. That’s also in line with previous news coverage of “robotic exoskeletons” used by tourists who want to climb the more than 7000 steps of Mount Tai but don’t quite have the fortitude.
“You have bigger problems”: Husband asks if he’s wrong for refusing to cover his wife’s half of honeymoon
A newlywed couple is already facing a threat to their marriage over the cost of the honeymoon, and Redditors don’t think they’ll last. In a recent AITA post, the husband asked who was in the wrong regarding an argument over trip payment.
These two probably have more to worry about than who’s in the wrong over this one argument…
🕸️ Crawling the Web
👀 A video showing a woman undergoing a cosmetic procedure to permanently change her brown eyes to green has gone viral and sparked major discourse.
🏨 Marriott Hotel’s Chairman of the Board, David Marriott, cleared up what he called one of the most common mistakes people make about his family’s name.
✉️ A job offer that was rescinded after three days has kicked off a wider generational debate about workplace expectations.
🥩 From the Daily Dot archive: Shopper adds “I did that!” sticker with Trump’s face to strip steak in Publix grocery store.
🐥 A creator recently asked what happened to the girls who once built their entire personality around Tweety Bird, and it’s a good question…
💸 If you’re willing to look and think outside the box a little, here are some ways to have fun for free.
🔥 Hot on the Dot
This was the most-read story on the Daily Dot yesterday: