Vanity ‘Glow Up’ Passports Cause Vacation Delays for Travelers
What? In efforts to create better-looking passport photos, influencers across social media, especially Gen Z influencers, are “glowing up” (essentially just giving themselves a makeover) before renewing their passports.
So What? Unfortunately, some of these young travelers are getting held up at airports since their new, glamorous ID pictures with perfect hair and makeup look nothing like them when they travel sans makeup in comfy clothes.
Now What? Wanting a passport or driver’s license photo that doesn’t look like a mugshot is nothing new. (The Archie comic book series covered the topic in 1989’s Veronica #87.) But our IDs aren’t meant to make us look good. They’re meant to identify us quickly and accurately. If your teen wants to wear a little makeup to hide a blemish, that’s probably just fine. But if they’re going for a full-face feature-altering “glow up,” you may need to tap the brakes so your family won’t get held up at security (and potentially embarrass your teen).
Increase in Mountain Rescues Due to Social Media Hiking Trends
What? As the school year approaches, many Gen Zers are trying to squeeze out as much summer fun as they can. One popular trend taking over, thanks to social media, is hiking.
So What? Regrettably, many of these trend-followers are getting in a bit over their heads as the treks they select (popularized by influencers promising breathtaking views) become more treacherous. Several hiking groups had to be rescued after members of their crews were affected by panic attacks. Others have found themselves stranded after straying from the path. And a study by the University of California found a correlation between social media promoting hiking and search-and-rescue incidents.
Now What? Look, I love hiking. It’s one of my favorite outdoor activities. But I also recognize that I cannot scale a 14er (peaks above 14,000 feet of elevation, of which there are many in my home state) on a whim. So if your teen decides to jump on the hiking trend, here are a few tips to give them: Never hike alone. Be sure to bring plenty of water and electrolytes. Wear the proper shoes. Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Recognize your limits. And please, stick to the path.
New Vape/Phone Swype Goes Viral
What? Swype has released a new vape that doubles as a smartphone (by connecting to your actual phone via Bluetooth), offering a wide variety of flavors as it releases 50mg of nicotine per puff.
So What? Vaping and nicotine addiction continue to be problems among adolescents. And although the vape’s smartphone features have been described as “buggy” and “janky,” the device also only costs $20, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Now What? One writer thought she might curb her bad screentime habits by swapping them out for a vaping one. Why? Who knows? But it sets a bad precedent for families with highly impressionable teens. Screentime and nicotine addictions are serious matters. And giving anyone access to both through the same device can only spell trouble.
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