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Hello fellow web crawlers! Andrew here. Welcome to today’s edition of web_crawlr.
Our top stories today are about: How the internet reacted to a girlfriend using AI during fights with her boyfriend, why people online think Trump’s recent McDonald’s appearance was “staged with fake customers,” an expert sharing how to tell if you are applying for a “ghost job,” and why recent decisions by X have people flocking to other social media alternatives.
After that, our Senior Reporter Tricia has a bittersweet “Digital Democracy” column for you.
See you tomorrow!
— A.W.
⚡ Today in Internet Culture
😡 INTERNET ERA DATING
Girlfriend uses ChatGPT to form ‘well-constructed’ arguments during couple’s fights—is she wrong?
“My girlfriend uses Chat GPT every time we have a disagreement. AITAH for saying she needs to stop?”
🍟 VIRAL POLITICS
‘Staged with fake customers’: Trump critics call ‘McBS’ on his McDonald’s drive-thru appearance
A flyer circulating online prompted critics to dismiss Trump’s move as a staged stunt.
👻 LABOR
Expert shares how to tell if you’re actually applying for a ‘ghost’ job
How can you tell if you’re applying for a ‘ghost’ job?
🖥️ TECH
X’s new AI user data policy, block function change send Bluesky signups skyrocketing
New policies, alongside other recent tweaks by CEO Elon Musk, is driving a surge in new sign-ups for X alternatives.
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By Tricia Crimmins
Senior Reporter
A farewell to ‘Digital Democracy’
In each edition of web_crawlr we have exclusive original content every day. On Tuesdays our Senior Reporter Tricia Crimmins explains the legislation that is captivating the internet in her “Digital Democracy” column. If you want to read columns like this before everyone else, subscribe to web_crawlr to get your daily scoop of internet culture delivered straight to your inbox.
🕸️ Crawling the Web
Here is what else is happening across the ‘net.
💵 It’s happened to everyone—you’re presented with an iPad to pay for your purchase and then you’re immediately prompted to tip. Now, one woman is going viral after revealing who ultimately gets the tips that customers leave behind.
📱 A Walmart employee took to the internet to share a frustrating experience he recently had with a customer who refused to listen to his expertise about a phone charger.
🛒 This TikToker pointed out flaws in Target’s new carts that make the standard child seat less toddler-friendly.
🚘 Less than a year after Tesla released its Cybertruck, concerns are mounting around the vehicle’s safety.
🥓 A scorned McDonald’s customer has gone viral after her bacon order left her unimpressed. “McDonald’s, I’m gonna need answers immediately,” she said.
✏️ From the Daily Dot archive: Here’s a look at the wild history of fanfic censorship.
📝 Question of the Day
Everyone’s got opinions, and we want to know yours. Just click a button below to answer the question, and tomorrow we will let you know how fellow web crawlers like you answered.
DO YOU HAVE AN X (FORMERLY TWITTER) ACCOUNT?
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🤳 Today’s Viral Video
The Daily Dot’s own, Anna María, interviews the coolest cosplayers at New York City’s Comic Con 2024.
🎶 Now Playing: “Fantasy” by JADE 🎶
