If you have disposable income, saving some of that money is always a good thing to do. Your personal savings can become a fallback for sudden emergency expenses. However, this abstract cost that might never come probably isn't enough to convince you to keep saving consistently. Instead of making the reason negative, turn it into a positive personal goal. This will keep you on top of regularly saving and looking forward to the day that you can spend that money.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become overwhelmingly popular in the past few years. The world has leaned full-force into technology and entrusted AI with, well, everything. You can see AI commercials, AI-powered statistics during sports games, and there was even a whole writer’s strike over the AI Invasion of storytelling and Hollywood.
As I’ve watched tens of thousands of layoffs happen across the country – thanks to Artificial Intelligence – I was admittedly hesitant to start using the software. Did I really want to stoop that low and succumb to the enemy? Sadly, yes.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I’ve seen people AI generate images of their future children, friends using AI to write 1000 word essays, and Temu’s AI Super Bowl ads…so I decided to use it for a week myself.
I may not be AI’s biggest fan, but I do think it can be a helpful tool when used correctly. It can shake up writer’s block, help build outlines, and restructure weak or wordy sentences.
Would I recommend using AI in place of writing your entire essay? No. But it can add some spice.
But with great power comes great responsibility. With AI, you can manipulate almost any voice or photo so it morphs into something else entirely. For a long time on TikTok, my FYP was flooded with AI-generated Frank Sinatra singing Billie Eilish songs.
And you may be thinking, what’s the harm in Ole Blue Eyes singing some Billie? Nothing, but imagine what will happen as we approach the 2024 Presidential Election.
@my.worldo Frank Sinatra (AI cover) - TV (Billie Eilish) | #goviral #billieeilish #franksinatra #tv #song #aicover #lyrics #lyricsvideo #music #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #explore ♬ original sound - 🎶 | 🎧
The usage of AI can convince anyone of anything. Right now, it’s very prevalent in the music industry. People have profited off deep-faked songs by posting them on TikTok and social media platforms…and the originating artists just had to sit there while the fakers pocketed the cash.
@gma Grammy-winning rapper Bad Bunny took to social media to express his frustration over a viral song that uses the technology to recreate his voice. #badbunny #reggaeton #music #latinmusic #ai #artificialintelligence ♬ original sound - Good Morning America
Artists and producers alike have major concerns about how AI might affect the music industry moving forward…despite being a potential money-maker for record labels, it could devalue the original work of human artists.
Deep-Faking Images and AI
When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce started publicly dating, memes would swirl about Swift’s attendance of Chiefs games. Many football fans were outraged about Swift being shown during coverage of the games…but it went too far when social media users posted deep-faked pornographic images of Swift at a Chiefs game.
Circulation on social media got so bad that X was forced to temporarily block users from searching Taylor Swift in an effort to remove the image from the platform. However, people quickly figured out that searching “Taylor Swift” with quotation marks still provided all posts mentioning her.
Thanks to an AI platform that generates a photo from any sentence you write, there were dozens of deep-faked images of Swift circulating. Whether they were sexually explicit, degrading, or violent, these nonconsensual photos posed a greater threat from AI than ever imagined.
The UK-based Internet Watch Foundation has warned government officials about the growing threat of deepfaked AI images. The technology makes it easy to create potentially harmful images that look very real. But that’s not the only AI issue musicians are facing.
Is This A Real Song…Or Is It AI?
@aiden_kenway How the VIRAL AI Drake Song “Heart On My Sleeve” was Made 🫨🚨 #AI #Drake ♬ original sound - aiden_kenway
Back in April of 2023, a fake collab by Drake and The Weeknd called “Heart On My Sleeve” went viral. The song was the soundtrack of hundreds of TikToks and Instagram Reels, just for people to realize it wasn’t real.
More recently, upon Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s split, another AI-generated TikTok song went viral. This time, with a pitchy Bad Bunny singing “I miss you” and lamenting the end of their relationship.
There are countless examples: Taylor Swift singing about football stars Travis Kelce and Brock Purdy with lyrics like “ So happy my Travvy made it to the big game.” Egregious, outlandish songs that garner a ton of engagement for random spam accounts.
@princesstaylor_1989 SO HAPPY THAT MY TRAVY MADE IT TO THE BIG GAME 🏈 // #taylorswift #taylor #swiftie #swifttok #fyp #foryoupage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ style - ella
It’s not merely stealing and exploiting an artist’s voice…but the fact that online users now have a tool that can totally rip off a song within seconds. What used to be a magnificent art form is now a dangerous mess.
Not only does it infringe on artist’s rights and copyright, but it means that anyone can “record” a song with Drake’s voice and make money off it. This shook the industry so badly that Universal Music Group’s stock fell close to 20% from February to May of 2023.
But what Lucian Grainge – chairman of UMG and father-in-law of It-Girl Sofia Richie – wants everyone to lean into AI. Don’t be afraid of the process, but be prepared for when it comes. He tells The New Yorker,
“The things that make me apprehensive are when people can’t see around the corners and the bends. Technology has served the industry very well. From sheet music to upright pianos to big bands and the huge CBS radio network in the U.S. that was going to destroy fledging shellac sales. In the eighties, Linn drum machines, 808s, the Fairlight synthesizer—we’ve always been served very well.”
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Look, I get it. We live in a social media-driven world, where millions of people log into their multiple accounts daily — even hourly! — to promote the illusion of their ideal life. They share snapshots of the highlights of their days: trips to the cafe, lush travels to islands, shopping trips at luxury fashion houses.
We follow celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber just so we can catch a glimpse of their lavish lifestyles…and if we’re really lucky, we’ll replicate their favorite smoothie recipe or buy the identical Amazon sweatshirt they’re wearing.
We all do it: you show your happiest moments, your biggest accomplishments, and never those low or embarrassing moments. In fact, sharing your lower moments can be viewed as weak, and your mental health and sanity can quickly fall into question.
And, of course, there’s the inherent urge to brag. You want people to know you’re having a blast. That you closed on a new apartment, or you moved cities completely. It’s your way of saying to the world: this is my life update, and I’m killing it.
Regardless of your salary and your bank account status, you still occasionally splurge on a designer purse or that Skims sweat set that’s trending. You live beyond your means because you seek to match up to the rest of the world.
If you’re a part of younger generations like Gen Z, you may be relating a little too much to what I’ve said so far. But the good news is…you’re not alone.
Why Are We Spending So Much When We’re Drowning In Debt?
Andre Taissin via Unsplash
There’s never been a more expensive time to be alive. Rent is astronomical, buying a car is impossible, and you can forget about your dreams of a white picket fence because you can’t even consider putting a down payment on a house.
With excruciating inflation, student loans and the overall cost-of-living soaring, it seems like we’ll never be financially secure as a generation. I recently saw a TikTok where an older woman claims she once bought a house for $1,200. That’s my share of rent on a three bedroom apartment that lacks a dishwasher or washer/dryer…
And while it would be the fiscally responsible thing to work towards paying off those student loans, or saving for said house, it still feels unattainable. Plus, it’s so hard to even think about chipping away at the debt when you get a dopamine hit of instant gratification from a nice new bag.
Much of it feels like a shift in our generation’s mindset: tomorrow isn’t promised, so buy the damn outfit. All the debt we’ve already accumulated at such a young age is crippling…so why not find some enjoyment in life.
It’s easy for older generations to advise us to “just save up” and “don’t spend frivolously” when they never grappled with inflation. But now, groceries are over $150 per trip alone. Everything in this life is expensive.
And with trends like Little Treats and Girl Math, spending got a lot less serious when you realize everyone else is doing it.
Everyone Feels The Need To Spend More
Erik Mclean via Unsplash
According to an article by Money Wise.
“A recent study from Wells Fargo reveals 59% of affluent millennials — with $250,000 to more than $1 million in investable assets — feel it’s important to appear more financially successful than others, compared to just 35% of Gen X and 14% of baby boomers,”
So yes, the younger people feel obligated to spend more. It’s baked into the generation to live the high life…even if we can’t afford it.
However, there’s still hope for the reckless spender in all of us.
Ways To Live The High Life Without All The Debt
Sasun Bughdaryan via Unsplash
Look, your debt it’s always going to be sitting there, guilting you and stressing you out. If you don’t deal with it now, you’ll have to later…and interest only makes it worse. So, the first tip is to settle your debt, or at the very least start to.
If you’re like most people and want to chip away at that debt yet still live a little, here are my tips:
Budget Wisely:
Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Allocate specific amounts for your various expenses, including entertainment, dining out, and leisure activities. This can help you manage your finances effectively and cut down on impulsive overspending.
Prioritize Experiences Over Things:
Instead of binging on material possessions that instantly depreciate in value, invest in experiences that leave lasting memories. Traveling, attending free outdoor concerts or visiting museums on pay-what-you-can days, or trying new activities can provide a sense of luxury without the hefty price tag.
Opt for Affordable Alternatives:
Look for more affordable alternatives to high-end products and services. For example, consider shopping at outlet stores, thrift shops, or online marketplaces for discounted designer clothing and accessories. (And check out our drugstore makeup recs here!)
Negotiate and Bargain:
Don't be afraid to ask for discounts or negotiate prices, especially when dealing with high-ticket items or services. Many vendors are willing to offer lower prices or additional perks to secure your business.
Stay Financially Disciplined:
Make a habit of regularly reviewing your finances, tracking expenses, and saving for future goals. I know — even glancing at your bank statements can be anxiety-inducing…But, by staying disciplined and mindful of your financial health, you can enjoy the high life without the burden of excessive debt
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Imagine this: you marry the man of your dreams. You have two beautiful children with another on the way. You spend your days cooking gorgeous, nutritious meals for your family.... from scratch. You get paid to share your daily life and meals with people around the world. But here’s the catch: half of those people hate you. They accuse you of being anti-feminist, regressive, and promoting a right-wing agenda… Are they right?
For Nara Aziza Smith, model turned stay-at-home mother and wife of Lucky Blue Smith, this is her reality. She and her husband appear to live an idyllic life…At least according to their social media presence. Nara documents the elaborate meals she cooks for her family — making everything from cereal to mozzarella from scratch.
But sharing something as simple as your meals can turn someone from a TikTok sensation into a villain in an instant in this fickle social media landscape. Just ask Emily Mariko and her $100 tote bags. The Nara Smith controversy has begun, and people are calling her a toxic TikTok tradwife.
Who Is Nara Smith?
Nara Smith@NaraAzizaSmith via TikTok
Nada Aziza Smith is a model turned lifestyle influencer known for her cooking videos and marriage to model and Tumblr-era heartthrob, Lucky Blue Smith. Together they have two children (a girl named Rumble Honey Smith and a boy called Slim Easy Smith … yes, really) and another on the way.
@naraazizasmith comment your favorite names! #babynames #babynameideas #babygirl #babyboy #pregnancy ♬ original sound - Nara Smith
Nara began documenting her life, which mostly amounts to cooking for her family it seems, on TikTok and has garnered an obsessed cult of followers. From the intricacies of her dishes to the elaborate outfits and glam she wears to cook them, her life seems both simple and unattainable.
Before she was Lucky Blue Smith’s wife, Nara Smith was a model. Then known as Nara Pellman, she was just cutting her teeth in the industry when she met and married her now-husband. Over the past year, her videos have given her millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok. But even if their story is a fairytale, Nara’s content has become the face of the tradwife trend.
She’s known for making food from scratch — as in, making her own mozzarella and milk — and doing so in a full face of makeup in a gorgeous home with a gorgeous husband. But there’s way more to their story than meets the eye.
Lucky Blue Smith and Nara Smith’s Relationship
@naraazizasmith It’s been a while!🫶🏽 #whatieatinaday #fulldayofeating #husband #coupletok #homecooking #fypシ ♬ original sound - Nara Smith
Fellow model Lucky Blue Smith can never catch a break — his relationships and family life are always making headlines.
Before Lucky Blue Smith and Nara were married, he had a child named Gravity Blue with another model and current girlfriend of Joe Jonas, Stormi Henley. The controversy: they started dating when she was 26 and he was 18. Yikes.
But after being essentially groomed, Lucky found love with Nara. Nara is 22 or 23 (the internet isn’t sure), and Lucky is 25 — which is a less toxic age gap but also kind of scary. Like, she got married at 19/20 and had her first child at 20? In the words of many TikTok users, she should be at the club.
However, some people find this aspirational. And here lies the core of some of the Nara Smith controversy: is there a wrong and right way for a woman to act? Or are there certain pitfalls of youth that TikTok users are begging their younger counterparts not to fall into?
Is Nara Smith Mormon?
@naraazizasmith hi to everyone that‘s new or has been here since the beginning🫶🏽 #grwm #makeup #fypシ #chattygrwm #gettoknowme ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design
Another interesting facet of their relationship: the Mormonism. Lucky Blue Smith was raised Mormon in Utah. Therefore, people are asking: Is Nara Smith Mormon, too? The answer: yes! She converted to Mormonism when the pair got married in February 2020.
This adds another layer to the Nara Smith controversy. Mormon mommy bloggers come under fire all the time for the values promoted in their content. Their communities have been called cultish, toxic, and regressive. No surprise that many #TradTok influencers are advocates for TradTok. Their Mormonism isn’t the problem itself … mostly. It’s the correlation between their religion and their prescriptive definitions of gender roles. Specifically, that women should be submissive, servile, and focused on having and rearing children. At least, this is the dominant viewpoint on TikTok.
Beyond their religion, the agency of conservative, regressive values and Mormonism should give viewers pause for concern. At the very least, it should be a reminder that what works best for her life and her belief system might not be aspirational for all of us.
The problem isn’t Nara Smith or any of these other TradTok creators — it’s the ecosystem of influencers who promote a glamorized version of a lifestyle that, in practice for most people, is not just unattainable — but potentially dangerous.
The Problem with this “How to Be a Trad Wife” Content
Some might say there’s no problem with the uptick in TradWife content — and perhaps that could be true in a vacuum. However, things are pretty dire right now. Roe v Wade was overturned, leading to a ripple effect of dangerous policies, ignorant legislation, and disappearing protections for women. Add that to the recession and the fact that it’s harder for female entrepreneurs to make a living, and you get a less glamorous picture of girlhood than Barbie or the TradTok girls have shown you.
In this regressive landscape, the return to traditional values and gender roles has echoes of Trumpism and other conservative ideologies. So it’s no surprise — really — that it’s getting increasingly popular now.
At the heart of the Tradwife trend is a desire most of us can resonate with — not having to worry. It’s also why the Cottagecore and Old Money trends took off the way they did. People want to escape their pedestrian woes and either disappear to some remote farmland somewhere or fly away on a private jet, Succession style — or both.
Instead of juggling tasks and responsibilities, the Tradwife isn’t worried about the bills or working a boring job like the rest of us. According to her, she’s got it all figured out. But by ceding responsibility to some guy, the tradwife also often gives up her agency. Here are just a few of the reasons why the #Tradwife trend is so problematic.
It assumes housework is not work.
When you watch Nara Smith make her decadent dishes from scratch, you see an abbreviated version. What passes in 30 seconds on TikTok is the culmination of hours of cooking that we don’t see. Not to mention the cleaning up, the childcare, the general house maintenance, and family management. These things aren’t the peaceful life free of responsibility that TradTok is showing you. It’s a job. And the people you see on TikTok likely have hired or family help to make it all happen, and keep the house clean.
The cost of living crisis means most couples can’t live on a single salary
If you want to sell your soul for a traditional life, you have to do so with someone who can afford to support you and themselves. And, like many creators, some kids, too. To be able to support a full family and the assistance mentioned above, you would need a partner who makes a lot of money — and those are few and far between. Even so-called stable and lucrative jobs like tech and finance have been vanishing by the minute.
Plus, statistically, people are most likely to marry someone in their social class. That means that the men who can afford to support these lifestyles will likely end up with women who have money themselves, too. And if these are many of the women on TradTok, then you shouldn’t compare your lives to theirs. You’ll find yourself very disappointed.
It often leaves women with no security or safety net
Whether women come into these relationships with or without money of their own, the most dangerous facet of the TradWife trend is how it advocates women to control their money. Which is to say, it encourages women to give up control of their money. However, this is catastrophic for women who entrust a partner who mismanages their money or divorces them and leaves them without any resources. However you decide to treat your finances in your relationship, one person should not have complete visibility over them. You should know what’s going on in your bank accounts, and have a safety net set aside if nothing else.
The Tradwife vs Feminist Discourse
Of course, whenever you raise these concerns on TradTok, the comments will crucify you for being a bad feminist or elitist. “Not everyone wants to be a girlboss,” they say. And for Generation Z, that’s certainly true. While Millenials were raised with inflated expectations of themselves and the world around them, Gen Z inherited a very bleak career landscape. While many Millenials came of age during the 2009 financial crisis, shattering their lofty dreams, Gen Z started entering the workforce during the pandemic.
Now, Gen Z is more likely to have a side hustle or freelance to earn additional income. Yet, most of them do not feel hopeful about their financial future. This is because they are not going above and beyond for the sake of girlbossing — not for the most part, anyway. But rather, it’s become so hard to just get by that Gen Z have to supplement their own income just to survive.
Burnt out in their early twenties, of course this is a generation that dreams of lounging around the house with no responsibility. Of course, we never want to look at a bill again. But the TradTok solution of signing your life away to a man helps no one — not even yourself in the long run.
TradTok advocates say that real feminism is about letting women have choices — and say that if they do choose, women can choose to be traditional. While this is true, the type of lifestyle they advocate for strips women of their agency, which is the real cornerstone of feminism.
If women want to stay at home, bake like Nara Smith, perform housework, and do other non-career-related paths, let them eat cake! However, they should only do so if they have the security to plan for their future and financial visibility.
So yes, I’ll keep watching Nara Smith’s TikToks. But I do so hoping she has her own bank account. And I don’t wish I was her — if anything, I wish I was those kids!
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