Trend Taster: cortisol face edition
In this week’s edition of the Trend Taster, we round up the snackable trends, stats and insights from around the world, including:
Luxury Takeaway Tastings
Etsy AI Art
Overconsumption devices
What is "cortisol face"?
'Natural Cooling' shelters
Luxury Takeaway Tastings
Luxury fine dining can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your home with gourmet, multi-course “takeaway tasting” menus and a curated selection of signature dishes from high-end restaurants. Affluent consumers are looking for unique dining experiences without dress codes, leading restaurants to collaborate with delivery platforms to cater to this growing demand for premium takeout option.
Etsy AI Art
More than 100 million Etsy items will need to be classified based on "human involvement," as the platform is addressing the influx of AI-generated products by revising its "Creativity Standards" seller policy. New labels now indicate whether a seller made, designed, sourced, or handpicked an item, marking the first direct response to AI in their policy, after backlash from traditional artists.
Overconsumption devices
Developing countries bear the brunt of digitalization's environmental impact while reaping fewer benefits. They produce less e-waste but often become dumping grounds for developed nations' digital refuse, lacking proper recycling infrastructure. This trend perpetuates a cycle where developing countries remain trapped in low-value waste processing, while also suffering environmental degradation from mineral extraction for digital technologies. This growing digital ecological inequality exacerbates existing global disparities, hindering sustainable development and equitable participation in the digital economy.
What is "cortisol face"?
TikTok is currently trending with the concept of "cortisol face," amassing over 133 million views. The term highlights the impact of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, on facial puffiness. Cortisol, released during the body's fight-or-flight response, also regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and controls the sleep-wake cycle. However, focusing on perceived imperfections due to social media trends can be misleading and harmful. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice is recommended over self-diagnosis and treatment based on these trends.
'Natural Cooling' shelters
Madrid is piloting new bus shelters designed to help residents cope with rising temperatures by naturally lowering the ambient air temperature by up to 9°C (16°F). These 'Natural Cooling' shelters use evaporative cooling instead of energy-intensive air conditioning, powered by solar energy and rainwater. The shelters activate only when temperatures exceed 25°C (77°F) and someone presses a button. The cooling effect offers immediate relief from the current impacts of climate change and enhances the comfort of public transport, potentially encouraging more people to switch from climate-controlled cars to buses or trains, thereby helping to reduce global warming over time.
