What we read this week: April 27
“Mark Zuckerberg Says Social Media Is Over” (The New Yorker)
Takeaways:
Zuckerberg admits that social media has evolved from its original purpose of connecting people into a space where the primary focus is on consuming content.
This shift in social media dynamics is influencing Meta's strategies and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the company's market dominance in antitrust investigations.
Zuckerberg suggests that the golden age of social media, as it was originally conceived, may be over.
“How I Quit Shopping” (The Cut)
Takeaways:
Author of No New Things Ashlee Piper shares her experience accumulating & eliminating over $20,000 in credit card debt through a consumer spending detox.
Much of Piper’s credit card debt was the result of emotional impulse spending, as she made purchases to cope with working an unfulfilling job in a city where she didn’t know anyone.
Piper’s month-long experiment (which grew into a two-year commitment) helped her develop a deeper understanding of the psychological drivers behind shopping.
“Does Luck Exist?” (New York Magazine)
Takeaways:
Consumers seek frameworks to explain unpredictability, blending rational thought with belief in luck or systemic forces.
Economic and systemic pressures heighten sensitivity to narratives of fairness and fate, making consumers more responsive to brands that acknowledge structural disadvantages.
Brands must shift toward storytelling that embraces complexity, offering products, services and messaging that speak to perseverance, inherited challenges, and empowerment in a world that feels increasingly out of individual control.
“Is It Actually Dangerous To Wear Leggings On A Flight?” (HuffPost)
Takeaways:
#CheClient Brazilian Lymph Spa was featured in a recent HuffPost piece about the risks of wearing leggings & other tight clothing on longer flights.
Our team initially pitched HuffPost Senior Lifestyle Reporter Carolina Bologna two months ago, sharing information about Brazilian Lymph Spa, Founder Val Oliveira & the health benefits of lymphatic drainage massage.
Media outreach is a long game, as some reporters may not be able to include you (or your client) in any immediate coverage, but if your pitch sticks out, they may save it & circle back when the time is right.
“Are We All Living Beyond Our Means Now?” (The Cut)
Takeaways:
Consumers are increasingly trapped in cycles of debt, not because of lavish overspending, but due to systemic pressures like high education, healthcare, and housing costs.
Purchases are often emotionally driven (“doomscroll-to-checkout”) as small comforts against a backdrop of financial stress.
Brands must acknowledge the tension between aspiration and affordability, emphasizing value, emotional resilience, and real-world relatability over unattainable luxury, as consumers seek brands that feel aligned with their financial realities.
“At this swanky L.A party, grab a martini, vibe to music and...play Rummikub?” (Los Angeles Times)
Takeaways:
Consumers are craving analog, communal experiences as an antidote to digital overload & alternative to nights out in bars & clubs.
Economic uncertainty is fueling a "small luxuries" mindset, where affordable indulgences — like a chic, stylish night of Rummikub — feel accessible and emotionally rewarding without major financial investment.
Brands that remix tradition with modern style (e.g., glamorizing a simple board game with craft cocktails and curated vibes) can tap into a growing trend where consumers seek comfort, community and a sense of play without sacrificing aesthetic sophistication.
“Is the Restaurant Good? Or Does It Just Look Good?” (The New York Times)
Takeaways:
Diners increasingly prioritize atmosphere, branding and “vibe” over purely food quality when selecting a dining out experience.
The atmosphere of a restaurant can impact reviews and popularity, as diners increasingly share their experiences on social media.
As dining out becomes more expensive, consumers expect a fully immersive, entertainment-like experience, causing restaurateurs to invest in sensory details, custom merchandise, bold interiors and personal storytelling when it comes to their brand.
“It's Time to Design Accessible Gardens” (Architectural Digest)
Takeaways:
Especially as the "silver tsunami" (aging population) approaches, there's growing demand for outdoor spaces designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.
Investing in accessible landscape design is increasingly seen as a future-proof strategy that adds long-term property value, reducing future renovation costs.
Design should be holistic, ensuring smooth transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces, anticipating a range of physical and sensory needs & aligning with broader trends toward wellness, inclusivity, and emotionally resonant environments.
“How 13 Brands Are Dealing With Tariffs (in Real Time)” (The Strategist)
Takeaways:
Many brands are reacting to new tariffs by raising prices, seeking alternative manufacturing countries or redesigning products to reduce costs.
Brands are increasingly transparent with customers about price hikes and sourcing challenges, recognizing that today's consumer values honesty and will often pay more if they feel informed and respected.
The ability to adapt quickly — whether through nimble production shifts, modular design changes, or flexible pricing — is becoming a critical brand advantage in a volatile economic and geopolitical landscape.
Becoming a consumer of media outlets you hope to see your name in will help you understand what the contacts on your media list are looking for. And the best part? This is something anyone can do without hiring professional support.
Check out our “6 ways to populate your media list without expensive PR tools” blog below for more on identifying relevant media contacts for your brand.
Looking for 1:1 support on brand strategy & media outreach? Book a complimentary consultation with me here - I’d love to meet you!
Xo,
Julia, Che Consulting Founder
