Newsletter: Completely swamping Trump’s ‘snitch email’

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Hello fellow web crawlers! Kira here. Welcome to today’s edition of web_crawlr. 

Today’s top stories are about: the not-so-secret plot to spam Trump’s new DEI hotline, a man who posted a video of his boomer dad thinking AI-generated content was real, one woman’s response after a man told her he loved her after the first date, and the celebrities criticizing Instagram for not letting them unfollow Trump and Vance. 

After that, Mikael has a “One Dumb Conspiracy” column for you. 

Until next time,

— K.D. 

Today in Internet Culture

POLITICAL TROLLING
‘It’d certainly be a shame’: Critics of Trump’s new DEI ‘snitch email’ definitely don’t want you to spam it

Federal workers are being asked to report any attempts to hide DEI-related initiatives, but critics have another plan. 

➤ READ MORE

AI STRIKES AGAIN
‘Boomers media literacy is deep fried’: Man shares worrying example of dad unable to tell video is obviously AI

“How did they go from ‘don’t believe everything you see online’ to believing literally EVERYTHING they see online?” one user commented. 

➤ READ MORE

DATING DISCOURSE
Woman ‘legit hung up mid convo and blocked’ first date after he immediately said he loves her, starts a debate about love bombing

How long is too long to wait before saying, “I love you”? For some folks, it seems the first date is long enough. 

➤ READ MORE

TECH OVERLORDS 
‘Shady business’: Demi Lovato and Gracie Abrams blast Meta for automatically refollowing Trump and Vance

Some Instagram users report that they are trapped in a vicious cycle wherein the app keeps forcing them to follow President Trump and Vice President Vance. 

➤ READ MORE

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By Mikael Thalen
Staff Reporter

An X post on John McAfee’s account revives conspiracies about him being alive

In each edition of web_crawlr we have exclusive original content every day. On Mondays our Tech Reporter Mikael Thalen debunks the most wild conspiracy theories swirling around the web in his “One Dumb Conspiracy” 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.

In recent years, many stores have taken dramatic steps to curb shoplifting. Despite the actual rates of shoplifting remaining consistent for some time, going to the store now means navigating a complex network of security hoops to actually receive your product.

This mom felt conflicted about whether to press charges against the Rainforest Cafe server who stole her credit card. Then she learned the truth.

Meet the $175K AI robot girlfriend everyone is making fun of.

A Blue Bell customer showed viewers her trick to preventing freezer burn on ice cream.

From the Daily Dot archive: Why some mommy vloggers are taking their kids out of the spotlight.

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. 

HAVE YOU EVER FALLEN FOR AN AI IMAGE OR VIDEO?

To answer questions like this in the future, sign up for web_crawlr here.

Today’s Viral Video

Here’s what Texans think of the serial killer that is rumored to stalk the streets of Austin.

Now Playing: “To Live Deliciously” by Cradle of Filth