Adolescence, F1 influencers, and a 19 dollar strawberry
What do they have in common? Err… Nothing really – except they all feature in this week’s edition of Clocked!
In the news
Adolescence and alienated young men
- Seen on The Guardian
Netflix’s Adolescence has sparked a pivotal moment, pushing the crisis of alienated young men beyond politically charged, myopic rhetoric. As social media platforms struggle to curb radicalisation without alienating users, TV – our equalising empathy box – offers a space to explore this topic in an open and enquiring way. By speaking to a broad audience of adults who can truly make a difference in their communities, Adolescence is a stellar reminder that great storytelling has the power to transcend the screen with real-world consequences.
Brand land
Attack ads in the social age
- Seen on WSJ
Certain brands (we’re looking at you, Vrbo) have once again adopted a pointed marketing approach – sassy, chaotic, and always ready to have it out in the comments. What once felt fresh now seems like a rinse-and-repeat community management model, mimicking the worst kind of online behaviour: trolling. While a well-timed clapback can spark momentary engagement, original creative that stands on its own two feet will always earn brands greater respect in the long run.
Mind the (generation) gap
Gen Z is reviving the power of print
- Seen on The Guardian
i-D magazine’s evolution reflects an interesting Gen Z paradox: a generation raised online is now driving a resurgence in print. While digital culture fuels fast fashion and fleeting trends, print offers permanence – a counterbalance to the algorithm’s churn. Yet, the challenge remains: how to stay culturally relevant while resisting commodification. Partnerships with major brands keep magazines afloat but risk diluting their independent edge. Gen Z seems to want both curation and credibility, nostalgia and newness – can i-D thread the needle between creative integrity and commercial survival?
What’s in store
Ere–what is going on?
- Seen on Vogue
Erewhon isn’t just a grocery store – it’s a status symbol, a $19 strawberry wrapped in wellness mythology. Its success hinges on exclusivity – LA’s unique mix of wealth, health obsession, and influencer culture makes it the perfect breeding ground. But could it thrive elsewhere? Erewhon sells aspiration as much as organic produce – but outside LA, is a grocery store still a lifestyle people want to buy into?
A last word
The (F1) future is female
- Seen on FT
Motorsport has evolved from a niche obsession for gearheads to a cultural status symbol, thanks to Netflix, celebrity endorsements, and strategic sponsorships. The sport’s rising female fanbase is no accident – Charlotte Tilbury’s F1 Academy partnership shows the power of tapping into a market long overlooked. Through their multi-million-view videos and podcasts, female influencers have expanded the world of motorsport beyond traditional media. They’ve become role models for women trying to access the sport – and increasingly important to F1 teams and brands wanting to boost their online presence.
Before we go
As the U.S. government once again deliberates over a potential TikTok ban, there's an undeniable sense of déjà vu. This recurring scenario underscores the stagnation in resolving the app's national security concerns, highlighting how political debates over digital platforms have become a persistent fixture in our news cycle. Once again, finding definitive information online feels difficult – but we’ll be buckled in, keeping a close eye on developments as we ride the wave with you over the next few weeks.