VINE: A GOODBYE, OR JUST A SEE YOU LATER? (( post six ))

With the wide array of social media outlets available, Vine was a category in its own. Similar to Instagram in its scrolling and viewing capability, this app allowed the user to post and view brief, 6-second videos ranging in entertainment value/genre. This app was not only responsible for videos going viral, but users as well. Many Vine account holders quickly became "vine-famous", racking up followers and launching into stardom. 

One example of how this mobile app skyrocketed a user to fame is the teenage Canadian singer, Shawn Mendes. Mendes started his career by posting videos of himself singing and hanging out with friends, first gaining popularity with lovestruck teen girls (he is just SO dreamy), then with the industry. Since his rise, Mendes has come out with multiple chart-topping hits, thus granting him credibility as an artist. 

Mendes is just one example of the many young Vine stars that gained popularity through this user-friendly app, so when it was announced that this app would be shut down, disappointment among users and celebrity-hopefuls was obvious. 

Following the announcement of the app shutdown, a statement was released giving users a glimpse of hope. Although the majority of the app's features will no longer be available, the app will carry in a new form. Re-branded as "Vine Camera", users will be able to either post the brief videos to Twitter or save them to their phone. 

Although the app will live on in some form or another, the long-term repercussions of this drastic PR misstep remain to be seen. Users continue to mourn what Vine used to be, causing people to wonder where this app will go next and what will remain of it.  

THE SECRET LIFE OF INSTAGRAM MODELS (( post five ))

It's no secret that the modeling industry is famed for being cut-throat, ruthless, and unapologetic, an industry that is next to impossible to actually make it to the big leagues. But if you look closely to recent industry trends, you'll notice one catalyst that has started launching girls as young as 15 into instant stardom, causing iconic designers, agencies, and brands to take a second look at the fresh faced girl on the photo in front of them. 

Instagram. 

This booming social media outlet has allowed young models to share glamorous and enviable photos of themselves lounging by a pool, out with friends, or simply a flawless selfie, resulting in an ever-increasing following. Becoming "insta-famous" has often resulted in big names in the industry to take notice when they otherwise wouldn't, illustrating how invaluable this social media site is to countless aspiring models. 

Being a famous Instagram model has molded into a career all in itself. These online celebrities earn quick cash by posting selfies and tagging a brand in their post, thus encouraging their countless followers to try out the latest fad or brand. To the rest of the world, this lifestyle can appear flawless. However a model known only on Instagram is ultimately hoping that an agency will stumble upon their account, take them under their wing, and offer a real career in modeling. 

Take model Alexis Ren, for example. This 19-year old was launched into Instagram infamy when the online world caught notice of her suntanned skin, easy going personality, and a waist so tiny it could only be explained as defying physics. Since finding fame at 15, Ren has accumulated nearly 7 million followers and a list of modeling clients including Calvin Klein, L'Oreal, and Express. 

Ren is just one example of a phenomenon swiftly working to define a generation, illustrating yet another expansion of the power of social media. 

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY: SUPER BOWL LI (( post four ))

Oh, Super Bowl 2017-- yes it was quite the devastating blow. As an Atlanta fan and native, I have truly never seen more grown men brought to tears. With that being said, let's get down to what's really important: the commercials. It was a mixed bag this year, with many crowd favorites showcasing an array of techniques and emotions. 


One favorite that hit the heartstrings was Audi's tearjerking ad. Images of a young boxcar-racing daughter paired with voiceover messages of gender equality definitely hit on an issue that is occupying many people's minds. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6u10YPk_34&feature=youtu.be

Not every company opted for the emotional route. This was evidenced in Buick's witty and humorous ad that also managed to sneak in big names in the business, including Cam Newton and supermodel Miranda Kerr. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx2PMnSzCB4&feature=youtu.be

Kerr explained her decision to sign on to the ad because she found the commercial "cute and fun". Although the ad doesn't give a punching message like that of Audi's, you can't argue against the ad being just that-- cute and fun. This ad has quickly become a favorite, showing that there is no limit to what route to take regarding the emotion and style of your ad, you can still reach your audience regardless.  

Although many of the ads struck a chord with the audience in a positive way, some companies completely missed the mark. One ad that's had people talking for how disturbing and just down right uncomfortable it is was the sexy Mr. Clean ad. The company opted for the humorous route, but just ended with a lack of understanding. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGNXMFoVA98

While Super Bowl LI will forever leave a bad taste in many fans' mouths, it was a night of witty, emotional, or weird entertainment for those that really just showed up for what happens between the downs.