I am once again talking about the internet

As usual, I’m here with a recap of everything that was on my timeline.

Y'all were busy this week.

And by y'all, I mean all of us on Twitter.

There was a lot of news to scroll through this week, and there were some lighter moments too.

For platforms, we saw some new features and tools for creators — and more signs that social audio is the future.

Offline, I had an easier week than last. I appreciate everyone who messaged me about the last issue or shared it with their network.

I sometimes feel like I send this newsletter out into the ether, but every time I hear back from someone, it feels nice. Gratifying, even.

I say it all the time, but I appreciate you.

Anyway, let’s get to what you came for.

Britney Spears spoke at a court hearing where she petitioned against her conservatorship. This was the first time people heard Spears herself speak about the conservatorship at length. Her fans have been vocal about being against the arrangement, saying it violates Spears’ basic human rights.

Gianna Floyd, the daughter of George Floyd who was murdered by Minneapolis police last year, spoke at the sentencing of Derek Chauvin. A judge sentenced Chauvin to 22 ½ years in prison.

The judge read the sentence as “22.5 years” in court, and the term “22.5” quickly trended on Twitter. Reesha Howard, a leader in the Twitter Spaces community, created a Space to discuss the sentence with other users.

I see social audio becoming the new “man on the street.” It’s faster than tweets, Facebook posts and screen grabbed Instagrams. It’s a way to get people’s thoughts as they process them. Social audio just makes sense for news. I’ll be breaking that down in a members-only post soon.

In the creator space, we saw Black TikTokers taking a stand. TikTok thrives on dance trends, mainly created by Black users. But for the most part, they’ve refused to create a dance for “Thot Sh–” by Megan Thee Stallion.

Social media wouldn’t be what it is without Black creators, and TikTok isn’t an exception. And while many are calling this a “strike,” it’s more like Black creators know their power and we can’t be mad at that. It’s past time to start supporting them.

Now, on to what can be called a lesson on the social media space.

A St. Louis news anchor shared a photo on Twitter depicting a “normal teen’s bedroom” and it was ratioed. It just goes to show whatever promotional language or imagery you might be able to get away with on television isn’t always going to fly on Twitter — or social media for that matter.

On the other side of the world, the Philippines lost one of the last torch runners of a political legacy — Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Aquino is known as “PNoy,” which is a play on President Noynoy and the colloquial term for Filipino, Pinoy.

Lastly, look! A shiba inu jumping in snow.

🟣 Twitter started rolling out applications for Super Follows and Ticketed Spaces this week. Users can see a monetization option on the Twitter app’s menu on mobile. You’ll need to meet some requirements to apply for the beta.

📸 Instagram — finally — rolled out a web app so users can post on desktop. Like all new features, this one isn’t available to all users yet.

🔊 Facebook launched Live Audio, its Clubhouse competitor. It’s also tapping into expanding its offerings for podcast creators.

💬 Squad relaunched as an audio-based app for voice messaging.

🖤 Bella Poarch opened up about her traumatic childhood (CW: child abuse), showing not all social media stars get a head start.

A few weeks ago, I shared I’d be sending out members-only content and we’re getting close (I promise!).

I have a few issues in progress and in the queue including ones on:

I’ll have previews for everyone with a free subscription but if you want to dig deeper, you’ll need to become a member.

Thank you again for tapping in and reading this newsletter!

If you see something on the timeline that you think should be in this newsletter, feel free to send me a DM on Twitter.

Until next time,

Shayne