Join us as we chat about the tortured poet that’s breaking loads of records, what young people think their future will be like, how crafting is gaining popularity again and of course – our word (or abbreviation!) of the month!
POP CULTURE: The Record-Breaking Tortured Poet
One of the most anticipated albums of the year dropped on April 19th – Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’. It didn’t take long for this album to break some pretty big records either. In fact, within just 12 hours it became the most streamed title in a single day. Ever.
The thirty-one song album has already outsold the rest of the UK Top 40 combined, has dominated the Spotify Global top 10 and has already garnered reviews, memes and critique online.
In true Taylor style, it’s an album about relationships – but more specifically, a broken heart. Young people have taken to the internet in swarms with their reactions and response to her relatable lyrics and it’s clear this pop icon (and her huge cultural impact) are going nowhere. Even if young people don’t like Taylor Swift (and many don’t), they’ll know who she is and it’s hard to deny the influence she has on the pop music world, and the music young people listen to.
ISSUES: Young People Imagine Their Future
Published in March 2024, Barnardo’s ‘Changing childhoods, Changing lives’ research is a stark yet important look into the challenges facing children and young people today. The report spans various different topics, but as part of it they polled 1001 children aged 14-17 across Great Britain on what they imagined their future lives would be like aged 30.
55% of children responded saying they don’t think their generation will be as well off as their parents with nearly 1 in 5 (19%) saying they don’t think they’ll have enough money to live comfortably when they’re 30. One girl said “Everyone is struggling these days. Nobody has any money and bills are bad. My mum struggles to pay the bills and she’s a nurse with a master’s degree. I’m not that clever, so imagine my life will be harder than hers. We used to be able to go on holidays, but mum can’t afford it anymore.”
Whether this is the reality of their adult years, no one can know for certain. However, this gives insight into the future young people are imagining for themselves and, in a country where around 1 in 4 children are living in relative poverty, it’s not surprising why.
TRENDS: The Rise Of Crafting
Traditional crafts have been making a comeback and they don’t seem to be going anywhere – in fact, they seem to be gaining popularity. We’re talking about skills and hobbies like embroidery, sewing, clothes-making/customising, knitting, crochet and so on. Compared to teens of previous generations, this generation (in particular, teen girls) are taking up more crafting activities.
There are a few theories people have as to why this is the case. Some of them tie into the fact that this generation of young people spend more time at home than other generations did, equating to an increase of ‘at home’ hobbies whereas others say it could be a rejection of screen time and a way to combat anxiety.
Equally, the online world has fuelled the increase in crafting by making tutorials and inspiration easily accessible. From videos of cool custom clothing on TikTok to tutorials on YouTube, crocheted Christmas gifts on Reels or a suggestion to have a candle painting night with friends – young people are getting this content filtered through to them!
Word Of The Month: GRWM
GRWM = An abbreviation of ‘Get Ready With Me’
Most frequently used online in relation to videos where someone gets ready. This could be doing make-up before school or before a big event, for example. Often a story will be told alongside the GRWM.
“Get ready with me for prom”
“Get ready with me for a date with my girlfriend.”