Meta Problems
Time is TikTok’ing: If you’re on Instagram or Facebook, you may have noticed a few new features. Like a full-screen feed. And an overwhelming number of videos from influencers and random accounts you don't follow. Those are just a couple of the recent changes from parent company Meta which made users revolt.
The Story
Before you deactivate, there’s good news. Meta’s walking it and other changes back. Mark Zuckerberg’s company rolled them out to compete with TikTok’s aggressive growth. But after backlash from some of its most influential users (hi, Kim and Kylie), the staff says it’s taking “a big step back” to “regroup.”
Awkward.
Right? It comes amid a tough time for the company overall. Last month, Zuck told its 77,000 employees, ‘some of you should see yourselves out.’ Now, staff are reportedly bracing for an “intense period.” Meta reported its first ever quarterly revenue drop this week — and its stock fell by 5% the next day. There’ve been major blows to advertising profits thanks to competitors. Apple’s recent privacy upgrade might cost Meta $10 billion this year. And there’ve also been blows to Zuck’s dreams, as the FTC moved to stop him from holding a monopoly on virtual reality. AKA the metaverse. Which pretty much appears to be Zuck’s main focus these days, even though it lost the company $2.8 billion in Q2.
theSkimm
More than 3.6 billion people use Meta’s products. That's almost half of humanity — which is why Instagram and Facebook, the company’s signature social networks, have seemed invincible at times. Now, some are saying Meta can’t compete. TBD if the company can stay relevant, in this world or a virtual one.
Bookmark'd
Here's a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…
Someone Gave Our Daughter a White Doll…a father reflects on what toys might teach kids of color about beauty standards.
Why Must We Work So Hard Before Vacation?…spoiler, we shouldn’t.
How Much Would You Spend To Save Your Relationship?...on-call therapists, Enneagram personality tests, and all-inclusive menus — welcome to the world of upscale marriage retreats.
Downtime
Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend.
Feeling hot, hot, hot? Yeah, same. And unfortunately, for many in the US, that’s probably not going to change: Dangerous levels of heat will likely persist through the weekend and into next week in many parts of the country. But don’t sweat. Try these drinks to help beat the heat:
If you’re all about sugar, sugar, you can’t go wrong with a classic milkshake or a refreshing slushie. But here’s something even sweeter: creamy, dreamy frozen hot chocolate. It’s practically a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, and it only takes a few minutes to put together with a hardworking blender.
If you prefer something healthy, make a smoothie (think: coconut blueberry, mango peach, or honeydew cucumber) using whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand. And to make it trendy, mix in some sea moss gel, like in Hailey Bieber’s $17 Erewhon smoothie.
Last but not least, if you’re craving something blended and boozy, there are plenty of thirst-quenching options (think: raspberry-ginger margaritas, pineapple-mint daiquiris, amaretto sour slushies, and — of course — frosé.) We’ll raise a glass to all of that.
Eyes On: The 2022 Midterms
The midterm elections have a big impact on the policies that affect our day-to-day lives. So we’re here to help you Skimm Your Ballot. And Skimm what’s going on next week...
State(s) of Play: On Tuesday, August 2, there are primary elections in Arizona (Senate, House, Governor), Kansas (Senate, House, Governor), Michigan (House, Governor), Missouri (Senate, House), and Washington (Senate, House). And on Thursday, August 4, there are primary elections in Tennessee (House, Governor).
The Talkers:
In Kansas, voters will be the first in the nation to cast a ballot on an abortion measure post-Roe. If the “Yes” vote prevails, the amendment would revise the state’s constitution to declare there is no right to abortion, which would pave the way for the GOP-controlled legislature to ban abortion access. And would affect state residents as well as out-of-towners, who in recent weeks have surged from nearby states with tight restrictions.
In Missouri, Sen. Roy Blunt (R) is retiring — and both Republicans and Dems are eager to replace him. While Dems are choosing between a Marine vet and the Anheuser-Busch heiress, the field of GOP candidates is a bit more crowded.
In Arizona, the astronaut-turned-senator Mark Kelly is widely seen as one of the most vulnerable Dems. So all eyes will be on the tight GOP race to challenge him, which includes the state’s AG Mark Brnovich and venture capitalist Blake Masters, who’s endorsed by both his former boss Peter Thiel and former President Donald Trump.
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), is up for reelection. And a motley crew of Republican candidates are clamoring to challenge her. Meanwhile, in the House, Rep. Peter Meijer (R) is being primaried by his own party — after voting to impeach Trump.
PS: The results of these elections are up to the voters. Click here to learn more about how to make your vote count.
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