#X platform privacy concerns

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

It Looks Like Elon Musk Finally Made Up His Mind About the Block Button

This seems like his next step toward a ‘freer’ X — but it might just invite more weirdos along for the ride. Apparently, this is his next bold step toward a freer X — freedom for everyone, including the people you wanted to block. Elon Musk’s platform X (you might remember it as Twitter, back when things made sense) has gone and reworked the blocking feature.  Now, when you block someone, they…

[probablyasocialecologist]

The rise of the MAGA right in the United States has sparked some startling changes in attitudes towards press freedom and freedom of expression. Although many on the right, including Musk, have styled themselves as valiant defenders of free speech, their actions expose them as opposite: only willing to defend speech they find agreeable, while hostile towards and desperate to clamp down on criticism or opposing views. Musk, for example, has directed that “cisgender” be blocklisted on Twitter as a “slur”, and posts by most accounts that contain the word are automatically hidden from view (unlike posts containing the long list of slurs he has apparently deemed acceptable). He has brought SLAPP lawsuits against critics, including one dismissed by a federal judge as clearly intended to “punish [the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate] for CCDH publications that criticized X Corp. [Twitter] — and perhaps in order to dissuade others who might wish to engage in such criticism.” He spent $44 billion to acquire Twitter, ostensibly over concerns that conservative voices were being unfairly silenced, but really so that he could be the one to dictate which speech was and was not allowed on the platform. Similar attacks on speech are becoming only more common throughout the American right, with president-elect Trump’s longstanding hostility to the media escalating at a rapid clip. In recent months, Trump has suggested he wouldn’t mind if reporters were shot, threatened to jail journalists, editors, and publishers who refuse to reveal confidential sources, threatened to investigate or pull broadcasting licenses for news organizations that reported on him unflatteringly, and filed SLAPP suits of his own against news publications and pollsters. This hostility to information sources outside their control extends far beyond the media. Right-wing groups have launched coordinated campaigns to ban books from schools and libraries, particularly those discussing race, gender, or LGBT topics. They’ve pushed legislation like the “Kids Online Safety Act” that, while framed as protecting children, would require platforms to restrict access to information deemed “harmful” or “inappropriate for minors”, which is likely to include resources for LGBT youth and information about reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare, sexual education, or mental health. And they’ve supported state-level laws requiring internet platforms to implement age restrictions that threaten privacy and are vulnerable to weaponization against content deemed “obscene”. The common thread connecting these efforts is not protecting children or promoting “family values,” but controlling what information people can access.

2 January 2025

[formulakracing]

public display of affection - s.p.

pairing: fem!reader x sergio pérez

word count: 764

warnings: slight angst, cursing, pda (obv), nothing else really! just some sweet n tender shit

a/n: this was a request from an anon! (i believe)this fic is set during the 2023 azerbaijan grand prix, btw! i hope y'all enjoy some fluffy checo content <3

"private, not secret."

that was your mantra.

well, more like his mantra.

you could give two shits if the world knew about your romantic relationship with the esteemed formula one driver.

he was the one who was more concerned about it, always ensuring that your identity was concealed from the world. he avoided pressing questions in interviews or debriefs, stating that he simply did not want to respond out of respect for his privacy. he never posted you on his socials, and if he did, it was merely crumbs.

your fingers wrapped around his bicep. the shadow of your stature. your neatly manicured nails resting on his thigh.

of course, you were content with the fact that he at least posted about you. people knew you existed, just not exactly who you were.

although you were okay with it, you were beginning to grow restless. after all, it had been almost two years now, and he would barely even interact with you during race weekends in order to dodge the media or his fellow drivers.

you were well aware that he was not doing this out of secrecy, like he was intentionally trying to hide you from the world or well, someone else. you had those doubts at first, but he swiftly squashed them.

to put it simply, sergio pérez did not want everyone and anyone in his business.

especially in the world of formula one where a single rumor could accumulate into numerous headlines across various social media platforms. where one piece of gossip could buzz around the paddocks for months.

as frustrating as it was, you could only respect his wishes. after all, your relationship had been nothing but peaceful. if he felt that sharing with the world who you were would disturb that peace, then you couldn't blame him.

even if it was a little annoying. even if it did break your heart just a tiny bit that he refused to post one singular picture of you. to just give you a kiss in public. or hold your hand, even.

yet, here you were, pacing in the garage as he soars on the circuit, his car gliding along the track. there were only two laps left in the fifty-one lap spectacle, sergio maintaining his lead.

if he was able to pull this one off, he would be the only driver in history to become a repeat winner of the azerbaijan grand prix, as he won once before in 2021.

even though he was the one behind the wheel, your heart thumps, teeth gnawing at your lower lip, blocky headphones resting on your ears.

the checkered flag waves, your eyes widening, lips parting.

he did it.

he won.

"come on!" hugh shouts, waving fervently, "let's go meet your man!"

you follow the team as they pour of the garage, making their way to that designated sign. that number one. as sergio gets out of the car, he stands on it momentarily, pumping his fists in the air as the team jeers, praising the driver for a phenomenal performance.

as his head swivels, surveying the crowd, you can sense his entire body freeze the moment his eyes lock with yours.

hopping down from the car, he pushes his way through the red bull crew. ripping his helmet off, he tears off the balaclava, nearly panting as he wraps you up in a tight embrace.

hands cup the base of your neck, bringing you in, "come here. i can't fucking do this anymore."

lips crash into yours, the entire world falling away as your lashes flutter, mouth parting so he can have further access. his fingers squeeze, tightening as you loop an arm around his neck.

pulling away, he catches his breath, "i don't give a fuck anymore. okay? i need the world to know who you are. i need them to know that you're mine. i need everyone to know how much i fucking love you."

a giggle bubbles up in your throat as you brush away a few sweaty strands of hair, "was someone thinking about me?"

he nods, adoration glinting in his gaze, "i couldn't stop thinking about you, actually. you were on my mind the entire race."

"but baby," you counter, "you won! you won another grand prix!"

"no win compares to the prize by my side," sergio's head brushes against yours.

"you're my biggest win in life. and by god, i am going to show you off. i'm done hiding you. the world is going to know who my beautiful, amazing, wonderful, funny, girlfriend is. i promise you that."

[disneyprincemuke]

midnights, 7 * mv1

the news is out: three time world champion, max verstappen, and his girlfriend of 6 years have been broken up since the singapore weekend.

pairings: max verstappen x fem!reader

warnings: -

notes: wow i took thE longest break from this

(series masterlist)

(prev) // (next)

max isn’t typically the type to let panic settle in. at least, that’s what he likes to think. he likes to tell people he’s not bothered but outsiders are always quick to catch up with his suppressed emotions. 

alas, his worst fears have come true. news has broken that you’ve been broken up for almost 2 months. 

he has not been able to talk about it with daniel, so he can only imagine how things will break down in austin. 

he hopes that it’s not actually that big of a deal. plenty of other drivers have gotten themselves in messier breakups — the post doesn’t seem to touch on any speculations about how yours had come about. he can only bank on the hope that journalists are empathetic enough not to bring you up. 

but you’ve been very involved in his career and the cameras on the paddocks. they never missed the chance to have you speak into a mic or have a private conversation with you. 

pictures snapped of you together are never posted, but would be directly sent to either of you to truly encompass the privacy of your relationship. the respect shared between you and everyone on the paddocks was treasured, which is probably why your presence had been notable after you abruptly disappeared. 

he sinks into his couch, phone in hand as he stares at the pictures that sparked up speculations. it’s a low-quality picture of you leaving the red bull home, head down as your hair shied you away from the camera. the second picture is of him coming out of the building, hair dishevelled as he stood with his arms folded over his chest.

“what do i do?” max mumbles, his finger swiping over the screen again and again, staring at the two pictures. as if it would change the course of things if he did it enough. “do i talk to her?”

“i don’t know, man,” daniel sighs, his face in the far corner of max’s screen. “i mean, the best you can do is to wait it out, right?”

“rumours could spread,” charles mutters, looking away briefly with his eyes widened. “if i were you, i’d want to do some damage control. but that’s probably just me.”

max sits back, staring at the empty half of his hotel bed. your absence is always noted when he’s all alone and he's too awake for his own good, once having the luxury of your company and bright smile making him feel giddy.

the difference between this breakup and all of charles' is that there is no controversy in this one. as far as he's concerned, this is all speculation from photos that are now circulating the internet and your obvious absence on race weekends.

nobody can even really confirm if it's true unless you or max say something. for now, they're just rumours. right?

unless you've started speaking to people, and gossip platforms. but you wouldn't do any of that, or at least that's what he's telling himself. but from what he can dig out of the grave in his brain, there was nothing that happened between you that can be twisted.

but what does he know?

he can only keep praying to the fact that you'll keep it as private as you usually do.

his phone is buzzing endlessly, his other friends sending him texts as the news shocks them as much as the world. lando is asking him if he's holding up fine, martin is expressing how he feels for max, and his own mother asking him why he hadn't told her earlier.

only victoria's message will be getting an answer. after all, she's the first person that found out.

"should i talk to her?" max thinks out loud, maximising the facetime call to get a good look at his friends' reactions. "she never does well with things like this, what if people are bothering her?"

charles' picture is overtaken by alexandra's face, eyes wide and cheeks flushed. "you wanna talk to her?"

max shrugs. "i don't know. maybe?"

"would that be the best choice though?" daniel tilts his head. behind him, heidi is approaching cautiously with a small smile. "babe, what do you think?"

heidi shrugs as daniel's camera slowly turns to her. "my opinion is probably not - it's been two months. and judging by the comments that i read, i don't think there's much disrespect that has to be told off publicly."

alexandra nods as charles slowly comes back into the frame next to her. "it's up to you, max. as of right now, it doesn't seem that serious."

max sighs again, this time louder as he feels everything coming down on him. he drops his head back and stares at the ceiling. "i don't know, you guys," he sighs again loudly. "i just want to know if she's alright."

"maybe not now, mate," charles answers sympathetically, frowning at him through the camera.

"just wait it out. it could die down quicker than you think," daniel says hopefully.

max nods, now suddenly feeling disinterest in their conversation. he only craves to be by himself now. "alright, i'll catch you guys in a bit," his eyes turn to the cats sleeping peacefully on the cat tree, "i've got to feed the cats."

taglist: @merchelsea @leclercdream @labelledejourr @laneyspaulding19 @lpab @graciewrote @hollie911 @thatsojasminesworld @mycenterfold @princessria127 @ironmaiden1313 @dl-yum @crlsummer @brekkers-whore @minkyungseokie @honethatty12 @barelytolerabled @vellicora @lokigoeschoki @avg-golden-retriever

[winchesterwild78]

Second Take pt 3

Master List

Characters: Jensen x Reader, Karl Urban, Eric Kripke, other characters from the set of The Boys

Warnings: Angst, mention of divorce, soft smut (nothing too graphic…yet 😉)

A/N: Jensen and Reader are together and share a vulnerable moment. They decide to keep their relationship a secret for now. Before filming starts, the reader gets ready to fly back to Texas with Jensen. Jensen and Danneel decide to tell the kids. 

This is a work of fiction and does not depict real life. 

Reblogs, comments and likes are appreciated. 

Please don’t take my work and use it as your own or on any other platform. 

Minors DNI 18+

The next few days Jensen and I worked on mending our relationship. We made the decision to keep our relationship private for now. We didn’t want any problems for Danneel, Jensen or the kids, especially the kids. 

Since we hadn’t started filming yet, Jensen was flying back to Texas so he and Danneel could tell the kids about the divorce. I could tell he was nervous. 

I pulled him close to me and wrapped my arms around his waist, “Babe, it’s going to be okay. I’m sure there will be tears and lots of questions, but with you and D as a united front on this, they will be okay. 

I looked up at him and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Come home with me.” I looked up at him with shock in my eyes, “What?” “Come home with me, back to Texas. I’m staying in a hotel and you and I can spend time together. It would mean so much to me to have you there. I’ll get you your own room so it doesn’t raise suspicion. You can visit Moose too. I know he and Gen would love to see you.”

“Can I think about it? I really don’t want to cause problems or make D uncomfortable.” He smirked. “What’s so funny, Ackles?” His lips ghosted mine, “You are. You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. You being concerned about D proves my point.” He placed a soft kiss on my lips but pulled away before it got too heavy. 

We decided to wait to have sex. We didn’t put a time frame on it, but we knew we didn’t want to rush it. It was damn near impossible to resist him and he knew it. 

The night before he was leaving Jensen and I were spending a quiet evening at my place. We ordered some food and we were going to hang out and watch a movie. At least that was the plan. 

We ordered the food and were getting comfortable on the couch. When Jensen’s phone rang. It was a FaceTime call from Danneel. 

“Sorry babe, I need to take this.” I nodded and stood up to give him some privacy. 

I walked in the kitchen as he answered, it was JJ. 

“Hey JJ. How are you, baby?” She sniffled, “Daddy are you coming home?” 

“Yes baby, why? I’ll be home tomorrow.” She looked at Jensen and got quiet. “Baby, it’s okay. What happened?” “Uncle Gino came over cause mommy was crying and I heard them talking about you and mommy told Uncle Gino you had a girlfriend and you weren’t coming home.” 

Jensen’s jaw clenched and he ran his fingers through his hair. I stood leaning against the counter in shock. I couldn’t believe she’d do that. 

“Baby I promise I’ll be home tomorrow. We have some things to talk about, but I promise I will be there. Where’s your mama?”

JJ sighed and smiled a little bit at him. “She’s downstairs with Uncle Gino. I took her phone to call you.” “It’s okay baby girl. Can you take the phone to mommy? I want to talk to her.” “Okay, Daddy. I love you.” “I love you too, baby.” 

My heart clenched in my chest. Being with Jensen is so easy and it’s sometimes easy to forget he has children and a life outside our little bubble. 

“Hey Jensen.” I could hear her. “Danneel, I thought we agreed to tell the kids together and before we told anyone else?” 

“We did. I haven’t told the kids anything.” “No, but you told Gino and JJ heard you. You told him I had a girlfriend?! What the hell D?!” 

I couldn’t see them, but I knew Jensen was mad. “Well it’s the truth. You do have a girlfriend.” “D don’t do that. Don’t act like you don’t have a boyfriend yourself. Yeah, I know all about him and how he’s been coming over for a few months after I leave and the kids go to sleep or school.” 

“How did you know?!” “Cameras, D.” 

She gasped, “Jens, I can explain.” 

The doorbell rang and I walked to open the door. As I walked past I saw Jensen hold his hand up, “Stop Danneel. I don’t care about your boyfriend, but you’re not going to turn yourself into the victim here. We are moving forward with the divorce, we are telling our children together and we will coexist peacefully regardless of who we have in our lives. Our children deserve that.”

“I’ll talk to JJ and try to explain what I can. When are you getting in tomorrow?” 

Jensen let out a sigh, “My plane lands about 9 in the morning. I’ll go check into the hotel and head to the house.” 

“Jens, why are you staying in a hotel?” “D I think it would be best if I didn’t stay at the house.” 

“Jensen, don’t be like that. I think you should stay here for the sake of the kids. We’re about to tell them their parents are splitting up. You don’t think that’s going to be hard on them?”

Jensen ran his hand down his face and sighed, “I know it’s going to be hard on them, hell it’s hard on me, I just don’t want them to be confused if I’m still staying at the house.” 

“Jens, stay in the guestroom. They are going to need both of us.” “Fine, I’ll stay at home.”

I gasped softly in the kitchen when I heard him. I was planning on going with him, but now was it worth me going if he was staying with her? 

My heart clenched in my chest and the familiar feeling of jealousy started to creep in my mind. He loves me. He wants to be with me. They are done, but they have a history together. She’s the mother of his children. She’s beautiful.

Tears pricked my eyes. I was worried and didn’t know how to tell him. 

I heard him groan as he stood and I heard his heavy steps coming towards the kitchen. 

I quickly wiped my eyes, fighting the tears that threatened to fall. My back to the door as Jensen came into the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me flush to his chest.

Jensen moved my hair away from my neck and placed a soft kiss to my pulse point. “Hey, sorry about that.” “It’s fine. Is JJ okay?” “Yeah, she heard D telling Gino about the divorce.”

I nodded, “I’m glad she’s okay.” My voice came out smaller than I wanted it to. Jensen picked up on it and turned me to face him. I lowered my head, a lump formed in my throat.

He tilted my chin up, “Hey, talk to me. What’s wrong baby?” I took in a shaky breath and let it out. “I don’t think I’m going to go with you. I’d just be in the way.” 

Jensen’s brows furrowed, “What? No, you wouldn’t be. D and I will tell the kids and then we will figure out what to do from there.” “I heard you, Jensen. You’re staying at the house. If you’re with the kids I don’t want to take time away from them. I know I could go visit Jared and Gen, but I can’t stay there with them all day and all night. You need to focus on your children, not me. I love you Jensen, I can’t keep you from taking care of them. You go and I’ll stay here.” 

Jensen’s face fell. “I understand, but I really want you to be there. I know I’m staying at the house, but I would still come to the hotel and be with you.” I scoffed. The sad and angry feeling in my chest grew. 

Jensen looked at me, “What? Why did you scoff?” Jensen’s eyes searching mine for answers. 

“I don’t think this is a good idea. I feel like a dirty secret. I know we agreed to keep our relationship between us for now, but you were mine first. You should have married me, those children should be mine! Damnit Jensen, she’s taken everything from me and now I can’t even be with you. I have to stay in a hotel room and wait for you to return to me like I’m a cheap whore. I’m worth more than that. I DESERVE more than that. I would never do anything to hurt your children. They didn’t ask to be born and they deserve so much. I just want to feel like I’m worthy of your time and love too.”

The tears I had been holding started to fall heavy and fast. My chest heaving. The anger and hurt from the past 13 years finally boiling over. 

Jensen pulled me tight in his arms and held me. I sobbed into his chest. “Baby you’re not a dirty secret, and you’re right I should be married to you, but I’m not. I made a choice all those years ago, but baby I’m making one now and it’s you. It will always be you. You’re not a cheap whore, you’re the love of my life, my soulmate, my home. I never stopped loving you and I never will. If you don’t want to go home with me I understand. I want you to go, but it’s your choice.” 

He gently wiped the tears away and kissed my forehead. My breath hitched as I held him tighter. 

“Jensen, I think you should go. I need some space. Some time to think and I can’t do that with you here.” A lump formed in my throat and my heart broke. 

Jensen pulled back a little and looked in my eyes. His green eyes filled with hurt and sadness, “Y/N, please don’t push me away. We can figure this out, but only if we do it together.” 

I shook my head, “I know, but I need time Jensen.” He nodded, “I understand. I love you, Y/N. Call me when you’re ready to talk.” He placed a soft kiss on my lips, grabbed his stuff and left. 

I stood in the spot I was in frozen and couldn’t move. The familiar feeling of him leaving all those years again was filling my heart and soul. 

I pulled out my phone, ready to call anyone who would listen when I heard a knock on the door. 

I walked over, opened the door and gasped, “Jensen?!” He stepped in, dropped his bag and pulled me to him, crashing his lips on mine. 

When he pulled away he cupped my face, “I made the mistake of not fighting for you all those years ago and I’m not going to do it again. I love you and you’re in my life for the rest of it. I don’t care who sees us or what anyone has to say about it. I’m going to tell the kids tomorrow with Danneel about the divorce and then I’m coming back to the hotel to be with you. If the kids want to come they can, but I’m not letting you go again. I’m not letting us go again. I love you, Y/N Y/L/N. Now and forever.” 

I stood in stunned silence. The pain I was feeling started to heal a little. He was choosing me, choosing us and damn it felt good. I kissed him softly. “What about Danneel?” “I’ll tell her it’s not a good idea for me to stay there and offer to let the kids come to the hotel if they want to. I don’t want them to be confused about me staying there after we tell them we are splitting up. I’ll look for a place in Texas so the kids can have a place when I come home. Better yet, we should look for a place in Texas. A place for us and the kids. What do you say? Let’s find a place in Texas and move in together.” 

I looked stunned, “Jens, this is all happening so fast. Let’s slow down a bit. You find a place in Texas, and if and when I decide to move it with you I will just move into your place. I can help you find a place if you want.”

He nodded, “Okay, I understand. I just don’t want to waste any more time when it comes to our relationship.” I placed my hands on his chest, “We aren’t wasting time, we are learning how to be together again. As long as we’re together it doesn’t matter if we live under the same roof or not. I think we shouldn’t live together until your divorce is final.” 

Jensen agreed. “Will you at least still come to Texas with me tomorrow?” “Yes, Jensen. I’d love to.”

He smiled, pulled me close and kissed me. The kiss deepened quickly. Before either of us could process what was happening we were laying on the bed making out. 

My heart hammered in my chest, our eyes dark with lust. Jensen’s lips ghosted mine, “Do you want to stop?” I took a deep breath, “No. I’m ready, Jensen.”

Jensen’s hands slowly removed my clothes and then his. Goosebumps erupted on my skin due to the chilly air and the anticipation. 

His lips ghosting over my body and making my breath catch in my throat. “Do you want more, baby?” I moaned and nodded. “Use your words sweetheart.” “Yes, Jensen. Please make love to me. Take me now.” 

Jensen’s body hovered over mine as he finally took me. I grabbed the sheets and gasped as he filled and stretched me with every inch he had to offer. 

I had forgotten how amazing he felt. Our bodies moved in perfect sync and the sounds that filled my bedroom were like silent prayers to heaven. About an hour later Jensen was laying on his back and I was on his chest. His fingers drew delicate patterns on my skin. 

“That was incredible, Y/N. God I missed you.” “Yes it was, Jensen. I missed you too. I’m sorry about earlier. I guess I haven’t really dealt with the pain of the past.” 

“Shh, no, don’t apologize. You have every right to still be angry. I’m glad you were able to get some of that out. I’m sure you’re still holding on to some more. I just hope one day you will be able to get it out.” 

“Honestly the only thing I’m still holding on to is the loss of our baby. When you left I figured if I had our baby at least I’d still have a piece of you, of our love with me. Then I lost the baby and I just felt so alone. I lost the love of my life, and our baby and it hurt so much.” 

His thumb rubbed softly over my cheek, “I am still so sorry you went through that alone. If I knew I would have been by your side. Maybe eventually we could try again. Have a baby of our own, if it’s something you’d want.”

“You’d want another child? You have three already.” “I do, and they are amazing, but I don’t have any with you and I’d love to have at least one with you.” 

I smiled softly, “We can talk about it. Just not right now. We need to sleep. We have an early flight. I love you, Jensen. Good night.” 

“I love you too, Y/N. Good night.” 

He kissed my lips and the two of us relaxed against each other and drifted off to sleep. 

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[darkskinwomen]

With Gabrielle Union, The Guardian, and others leaving X In the wake of these exits, more users are engaging in debates about the role of AI in society, politics, and the future of online platforms. Are you still using X (formally known as Twitter)?

In a significant shift for the social media landscape, actress Gabrielle Union, the renowned British newspaper The Guardian and others have announced their departure from X (formerly Twitter), citing ethical and creative concerns with the platform’s recent changes. This move has sparked intense discussion about the direction X is heading and the implications for its users.

Gabrielle Union’s Exit

Union declared the “end of an era” in a heartfelt message, sharing her decision to leave the platform due to its new terms of service and a perceived loss of integrity in its environment. She emphasized her commitment to spaces that value inclusivity and authenticity, directing her followers to connect with her on other platforms like Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. Her announcement resonated deeply with many of her fans, raising questions about X’s ability to retain users who prioritize ethical engagement.

The Guardian’s Stand

The Guardian also left X, criticizing the platform’s declining standards in content moderation and user safety. The newspaper stated that it no longer finds X to be a safe and trustworthy place for meaningful journalism and audience interaction. This decision aligns with concerns about the platform’s new terms, which give X permission to use user-generated content for AI training, potentially infringing on creative and personal rights.

Concerns About AI and Content Ownership

X’s new terms of service, which took effect on November 15, allow the company to use user data—including photos and creative content—for training AI models. This change has sparked backlash among artists, creators, and privacy advocates. Many users worry that their work and personal information might be exploited, with little recourse given X’s legal stipulations favoring Texas courts. These policies have fueled broader debates about the ethics of AI and the rights of users in digital spaces.

[arminsumi]

ㅤ★ 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬

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𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭

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𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

[lady-of-tearshed]

A melody through hell

Ruhn Danaan x OC!Lyrie

Ruhn Danaan week 2024

@cadiawrites @ruhnweek

Day four: Inspired by

Summary: This fic takes place in Ruhn's early life, when his father first starts to torture him. Ruhn troubled soul encounters a sweet and bubbly creature, who happens to know just how to ease his pain.

Inspired by: Seven, by Taylor Swift

Warnings: Mention of parental abuse, mention of scars, mention of burnt skin, mental distress

Ruhn ran, and ran. Tears streamed down his cheeks as his bare feet hit the streets of Lunathion. He had crossed the river gate already, his heart thumping so hard in his chest that it numbed his troubled mind. He halted at the edge of Istros river, kneeling at the edge of the canal, the shadow of the bridge above it giving him some sort of privacy. Not that this part of the city was very crowded, especially not at this time of the night. His shadows wrapped around his scorched arms, as if trying to comfort him. His Fae healing was struggling to restore his burnt skin. It would’ve been healed by now, if he had made the drop. But he hadn’t, yet. Maybe his father would stop torturing him once he’ll make the drop. Maybe… Maybe he would be proud of him once he’ll make the drop.

His tears caused his reflection to ripple, distorting his face like a mirror of how troubled and distressed his soul looked like from within. His shoulder quivered as he sobbed and hiccuped. He hated himself for crumbling down the way he did. He was weak. So very weak. The words his father used to describe him as he bruised the skin of his arms echoed through the crowned prince. He wasn’t worthy of this title. He would never be. “You should sink them in the water.” A breezy voice reached his pointy ears, almost falling face first into the river, but long fingers quickly pushed his shoulder back, making him fall back on his butt. He stared, wide-eyed, at the red-haired head peeking from the water.

She chuckled, placing a hand on her chest as she did so. She took a deep breath, then moved closer to the edge of the canal. She placed her hands on the platform Ruhn was standing on, her big blue eyes sinking into his. “You should sink them in the water,” She repeated, “Your arms, I mean.”. Ruhn breath hitched as she carefully took his hands in hers, her eyes scanning him for any sign of rejection. He didn't. He nodded slowly, letting the Mer sink his arms in the canal, his chest leaned just above the surface.

He hissed at the feeling of the cold water on his arms, but he forced himself to keep them there. The Mer was lovingly caressing his hands under the water, her lips in a tight line with compassion. “I'm Lyrie.” Her voice was light, soft, comforting… Lyrie… The name fitted her well, her voice sounded like a melody to his ear, just like a soft lullaby played by a lyre. “Ruhn.” He sniffled, the tears on his cheeks had now dried. The female had seemed to heal his aching heart already, only by her kindness and tender eyes.

○•○•○•○•○

Their friendship bloomed with the passing time, it grew stronger with each visit of the Crown Prince of the Valbaran Fae. Lyrie had been an anchor for Ruhn whenever his father tortured him. The thought of her sweet presence whenever he needed it made it easier for him to endure it all. Now, he has a friend. A friend… The thought of it made his heart flutter. “Ruhn? Is something wrong?” Ruhn hadn’t realized his hands had stopped braiding the Mer ginger hair, his thought had consumed him once more. He smiled softly at his friend, her head had peaked over her shoulder slightly, her eyes staring at him in concern. He chuckled, pushing her chin back to straighten her head. “No. Everything is right whenever I’m with you.”

Ruhn could’ve sworn he noticed the Mer ears turn pink, his were too, probably. He kept his fingers moving through her hair, carefully braiding her long hair. He was himself surprised by his sudden confession, but everything he said was true. Every moment passed with Lyrie felt… right. He felt like he belonged here, like they belonged together. She was the solace in the mess of his life. “You know,” She whispered, “I think your house is haunted. Maybe that’s why your dad is always mad… Maybe he’s possessed or something.” Ruhn couldn’t help the snort that came from him. She spun around, waves splashing all around her. Ruhn tried to keep hold of the strand of hair he was braiding, but it fell into the river. He tsked his tongue, but the female kept talking. “You know, I think you should come live with me,” Her hands gesture beneath the water, sending droplets with each movement, ”I’m sure there’s enough space for the both of us in my cave.”.

Ruhn sighed, raising the edge of his pants to dip his feet in the water. His eyes were shining with adoration for Lyrie, he grinned, keeping silent as she kept going excitedly. “And we could be pirates! Well, you could be, and I’d protect your boat- our boat from the undersea creatures!” He swishes his feet in the water, before nodding slowly. “Yeah. Maybe.” She smiled, swimming closer to the edge of the canal, resting her wet chin on Ruhn’s knee, her braid half done floating on the water surface. She took his hand in hers, placing a cold shell in his palm. “Here. This gives me strength. It’s yours now.” Ruhn’s eyes filled with water as he nodded, smiling. His throat was too tight to thank her, but she understood his silence more than anyone could. He clung the shiny shell in the palm of his hand, he wouldn’t be sad anymore, he wouldn’t be scared. Because whatever he would have to face, Lyrie would always be waiting for him in the Istros river, and she would make everything okay.

Taglist: @mybestfriendmademe

[linnitheo]

Against All Odds (Part 2)

Lewis Hamilton x Y/N

Y/N’s POV

You couldn’t believe what you were reading. Lewis Hamilton had just asked if you wanted to meet up before he left for his next race. You stared at your phone, rereading the message multiple times to make sure you hadn’t imagined it. This was beyond surreal.

After a moment of internal panic and excitement, you typed back a quick response: “I’d love to! Let me know when and where.”

Your hands trembled as you hit send. What would you even talk about? How were you going to handle this without completely embarrassing yourself? Despite the anxiety bubbling inside, there was also a part of you that felt… calm. Lewis didn’t seem like someone who would judge you, and after the kindness he’d shown in his previous message, you had no doubt that this wasn’t just a pity invite. He genuinely seemed interested in getting to know you.

A few minutes later, your phone buzzed again. “How about tonight? There’s a little place by the Thames that’s quiet. I could use the escape.”

You agreed, heart pounding in your chest. Tonight. You were going to meet Lewis Hamilton in person, one-on-one. The thought made you dizzy, but you quickly pulled yourself together. You had a few hours to get ready, and you were determined to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

Lewis’ POV

Lewis sat back on the couch, glancing at his phone after sending the message. He wasn’t sure why he had reached out again. Maybe it was the way you had looked at him—like you saw the man behind the racing suit, behind the fame. There was something refreshing about that. Something he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

As he stared out of the window of his London hotel room, the city’s skyline illuminated in the distance, he felt a strange sense of anticipation. This wasn’t like meeting fans at events or signing autographs. It was something more personal. He wondered what you would be like in a quieter setting, away from the noise of the crowd and the cameras.

Part of him felt guilty for dragging you into his world. He had seen the backlash you were getting online. People assumed things about you, about your motives. He hated that side of fame—the assumptions, the cruelty, the lack of privacy. He didn’t want you to get hurt just because you’d had a chance encounter with him.

But something told him this was worth pursuing, even if it was just for one night of normalcy.

Y/N’s POV

Later that evening, you arrived at the spot Lewis had mentioned—a quaint little café near the river. The warm lights from inside cast a soft glow across the cobblestone street, and you could hear the faint sounds of jazz music playing in the background. You spotted Lewis at a corner table by the window, dressed casually in a black hoodie and a cap pulled low over his face. He looked completely different from the man on the racetrack, but there was no mistaking him.

As you approached, he looked up and smiled, standing to greet you. “Hey, you made it,” he said warmly, pulling out a chair for you.

“I almost didn’t believe it was real,” you admitted with a laugh, sitting down. “I feel like I’m in a dream.”

He chuckled. “It’s real, I promise. How have you been holding up? I saw some of the stuff online. I hope it hasn’t been too much.”

You appreciated the concern in his voice. “It’s… been a lot. But I’m okay. I didn’t expect any of this to happen.”

Lewis leaned back in his chair, looking out at the river. “I get it. I’m sorry you got pulled into it. People can be harsh when they don’t know the full story.”

There was a moment of silence as the two of you took in the peaceful surroundings. It felt strange, being here with him like this, but at the same time, it felt right. The conversation flowed easily, moving from the chaos of race weekends to more personal topics. You talked about your life, your job, your love for racing, and how you had admired Lewis for years—not just for his skills on the track, but for the way he used his platform to speak out on important issues.

Lewis listened intently, nodding along as you spoke. When it was his turn, he shared stories from his early career, about the pressure he had faced as the first Black driver in F1, about the sacrifices he had made along the way. He opened up in a way you hadn’t expected, and it made you realize that beneath the fame and success, he was just a person trying to navigate life like everyone else.

As the night went on, you both seemed to forget about the world outside. The hours slipped by unnoticed until the café was nearly empty, the soft hum of the city outside the only reminder that time was passing.

But just as you were about to suggest leaving, Lewis’ phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening slightly.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice taking on a serious tone. “Something’s come up.”

You watched as he quickly typed out a response, his face a mask of concentration. You couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. You had been having such a great time, and now reality was crashing back in.

“It’s okay,” you said, trying to hide your disappointment. “I understand.”

But Lewis shook his head. “It’s not what you think. There’s some drama back at the team—something about the media running with a story about us.” He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I thought we’d get away from all of that tonight.”

Your heart sank. “What kind of story?”

“Apparently, someone caught wind of us meeting up tonight. They’re spinning it into something more than it is. They’re saying you’re just using me for attention.” His voice was tight with frustration.

Your chest tightened. Of course, the media would twist things. You had prepared yourself for that, but hearing it from Lewis made it feel more real, more damaging.

“I didn’t mean to cause any trouble,” you said quietly, feeling a weight settle over you. “Maybe it’s better if we don’t—”

“No.” Lewis cut you off, his eyes locking with yours. “This isn’t your fault, and I don’t care what they say. I wanted to meet you, and I’m glad I did. I’m just… tired of all of this. The scrutiny. The constant judgment.”

You were about to respond when the door of the café suddenly swung open, and a man with a camera stepped inside. His eyes locked onto you and Lewis, and before you could react, the flash went off.

Lewis was on his feet in an instant, his hand gripping your arm protectively. “We need to go. Now.”

You barely had time to process what was happening before he was leading you out the back door, into the cool night air. Your heart raced as you followed him down a narrow alley, the sound of footsteps behind you growing fainter as you turned the corner.

When you finally stopped, Lewis turned to face you, his expression a mixture of frustration and apology. “I’m so sorry about this. I didn’t think anyone would find us here.”

“It’s not your fault,” you said, your voice steady despite the adrenaline still pumping through you. “I knew this could happen.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just didn’t want to drag you into this mess.”

You smiled softly, taking a step closer to him. “I’m not scared, Lewis. I’m here because I want to be.”

For a moment, he just looked at you, his eyes searching yours as if trying to find something he hadn’t realized he was missing. Then, before you could react, he closed the distance between you, his lips brushing against yours in a soft, hesitant kiss.

When he pulled back, his eyes were filled with uncertainty, as if he wasn’t sure what to expect. But you smiled, your heart pounding in your chest for an entirely different reason now.

“I’m glad I met you too,” you whispered.

And for the first time that night, the chaos of the world around you seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you, standing together against all odds.

To be continued…

[tzifron]

A new Federal Trade Commission staff report that examines the data collection and use practices of major social media and video streaming services shows they engaged in vast surveillance of consumers in order to monetize their personal information while failing to adequately protect users online, especially children and teens.

The staff reportis based on responses to 6(b) orders issued in December 2020 to nine companies including some of the largest social media and video streaming services: Amazon.com, Inc., which owns the gaming platform Twitch; Facebook, Inc. (now Meta Platforms, Inc.); YouTube LLC; Twitter, Inc. (now X Corp.); Snap Inc.; ByteDance Ltd., which owns the video-sharing platform TikTok; Discord Inc.; Reddit, Inc.; and WhatsApp Inc.

[...]

“The report lays out how social media and video streaming companies harvest an enormous amount of Americans’ personal data and monetize it to the tune of billions of dollars a year,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger people’s privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identity theft to stalking. Several firms’ failure to adequately protect kids and teens online is especially troubling. The Report’s findings are timely, particularly as state and federal policymakers consider legislation to protect people from abusive data practices.”

The report found that the companies collected and could indefinitely retain troves of data, including information from data brokers, and about both users and non-users of their platforms. The staff report further highlights that many companies engaged in broad data sharing that raises serious concerns regarding the adequacy of the companies’ data handling controls and oversight. In particular, the staff report noted that the companies’ data collection, minimization and retention practices were “woefully inadequate.” In addition, the staff report found that some companies did not delete all user data in response to user deletion requests.

The staff report also found that the business models of many of the companies incentivized mass collection of user data to monetize, especially through targeted advertising, which accounts for most of their revenue. It further noted that those incentives were in tension with user privacy, and therefore posed risks to users’ privacy. Notably, the report found that some companies deployed privacy-invasive tracking technologies, such as pixels, to facilitate advertising to users based on preferences and interests.

[angeloftheodd]

Be careful if you’re on Twitter / X: Soon, unless your profile is completely locked or private, your tweets will remain viewable to the users on your block list. Blocked accounts can’t engage with your content, but they *can* still see it. This is concerning if you’re a user who gets a lot of threats or harassment, as it removes a boundary that adds a level of protection for one’s privacy.

Elon Musk is a hypercapitalist who claims to be an anarchist. When people talk about bootlicking, he is the corporate boot that gets licked the most. OF COURSE his fascist-appropriated version of “anarchy” totally excludes crucial concepts like consent and freedom of association.

Removing the block option from a platform is a violation of both consent AND freedom of association. Elon is ignoring users’ consent by forcing us to forfeit our privacy and grant online access to people we don’t want in our lives. It’s peak capitalist/misogynist entitlement.

Elon removing the block option on a platform full of Red Pill rhetoric and far-right users in general is VERY intentional and VERY dangerous. I’m pretty sure he wants “certain people” (including me) to feel so unsafe there, it makes us leave/self-select out of there.

Elon is determined to destroy Twitter, or at least the X-marked shell that’s left of it. That, or he wants to create an audience that’s way more aligned with his interests. Meanwhile, it was the diversity of voices and discussions that made the platform successful in the first place. Old Twitter literally had something or someone for pretty much everyone. Now, people who genuinely believe that women shouldn’t vote are all over my timeline, all while the actual content I consume is diametrically opposed to that. Go figure.

No matter how much worse he makes the platform, his apologist fan boys double down harder and try to claim he’s making the site better. I have stopped blocking the many, many bots that now plague my follower count. I guess that was a smart/energy-saving move, because Elon changing/removing the block option altogether makes that a far more fruitless endeavor than it ever has been. There will be more bots than human users there at this rate, if that isn’t the case already.

[mariacallous]

The social media company X is closing its San Francisco office “over the next few weeks,” according to an internal email sent out by CEO Linda Yaccarino earlier today. “This is an important decision that impacts many of you, but it is the right one for our company in the long term,” Yaccarino wrote in the email, first reported by The New York Times.

Employees in San Francisco reportedly will be moved to new locations in the Bay Area, “including the existing office in San Jose and a new engineering focused shared space with [xAI, Musk’s AI startup] in Palo Alto,” the note said. The company’s executive team is said to be working on “transportation options” for staff. X did not respond to WIRED's request for comment.

The official announcement comes a few weeks after Musk said in a post on X that he planned to move X and SpaceX headquarters to Texas. X would move to Austin, specifically, Musk said at the time. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that X had already been staffing up a trust and safety team for X based in Austin.

While the state of Texas is known to be more business-friendly than California—it has one of the lowest tax burdens in the US—Musk’s publicly stated reasoning for the move to Texas was more ideological than financial. He said at the time that the “final straw” was a new California law that aims to protect the privacy of transgender children, which he perceived to be “attacking both families and companies.” He also said that he’s “had enough of dodging gangs of violent drug addicts just to get in and out of the building.”

The latest update from Yaccarino suggests it’s the San Francisco office, specifically, that is the thorn in X’s side. And it’s an about-face for Musk, who tweeted a year ago that, despite incentives to move out of San Francisco, X would not move its HQ out of the city. “You only know who your real friends are when the chips are down,” he waxed poetically on X. “San Francisco, beautiful San Francisco, though others forsake you, we will always be your friend.”

The shuttering of the X office marks the end of an era for the company formerly known as Twitter, and for the historic Mid-Market neighborhood that in the 2010s managed to lure in burgeoning tech companies like Twitter, Uber, Spotify, and Square.

Twitter’s earliest offices were in SoMa, or the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco, until 2011, when then mayor Ed Lee instituted a controversial tax break for tech companies. The ruling erased the 1.5 percent payroll tax for companies that moved into certain Mid-Market buildings. Twitter jumped at the opportunity.

The company was considered an anchor tenant in a densely populated neighborhood marked by homelessness and open drug use. Suddenly an airy, high-end food market, a Blue Bottle Coffee shop, and tech workers with MacBooks and overpriced sneakers dotted Market Street, alongside people in various states of distress camped out in front of still-vacant storefronts.

The end results of Lee’s tax breaks and revitalization plans for the neighborhood are a topic of debate, and the pandemic has been a hugely complicating factor, with reports suggesting that San Francisco’s office spaces are more than a third vacant on average.

Musk, now famously, carried a sink into the Twitter offices just after he closed the deal to buy the platform in October 2022, tweeting, “Let that sink in!” After changing the company name to X in summer 2023, Musk erected a giant, blinking X atop the offices, only to be compelled to take it down days later when the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection received dozens of complaints about the flashing lights and concerns about the sign’s structural safety.

X also was allegedly a poor tenant in the Musk era: Its landlord, SRI Nine Market Square, in early 2023 filed a suit against X for more than $3 million in unpaid rent. SRI Nine Market sought to extend Twitter’s line of credit to $10 million as an assurance that future rent would be paid. Other vendors also have sued X for failing to pay its bills.

But in January of this year, SRI Nine Market dropped the case, Reuters reported. It’s unclear why. SRI Nine Market did not respond to an inquiry on the current state of X’s lease and whether the company would be breaking said lease by vacating its office space in the coming weeks.

[xoxovalerie-c]

Blog Post Week 7: Due 10/10

How does the use of humor in marketing minimize real social issues?

The use of humor in marketing can often downplay real social issues by masking them as harmless or playful. For instance, in Race After Technology, Ruha Benjamin discusses the BIC pen company's release of a "BIC for Her" pen line, which was marketed specifically for made for women. Pens not only pink, small, and bejeweled, but priced higher than the non-gendered ones (Benjamin, 2020 ). This marketing choice, seemingly lighthearted, sparked a backlash from the public. Another news source responded by saying, “Finally there’s a lady pen that makes it possible for gentler sex to write on pink, scented paper: Bic for Her. Remember to dot your i’s with hearts or smiley faces, girls!” The absurdity of a gender-specific pen highlighted how companies often lean into outdated, sexist stereotypes. Rather than addressing the real issue of gender inequality in the workplace or in society, BIC chose to reinforce the notion that even everyday items, like pens, need to be differentiated based on gender. BIC also chose to just change their product rather than to do something about it. This kind of marketing tactic shows that corporations may not take serious steps to challenge or reduce harmful stereotypes. Instead, they sometimes hide behind humor to avoid accountability. In doing so, they not only minimize social issues like sexism but also risk normalizing and perpetuating these biases, making them appear acceptable in the public eye.

How are women portrayed and targeted on social media platforms across different countries?

We had the privilege of hearing from guest speaker Dr. Miriam Hernández, who educated us on how social media can contribute to the fight against violence toward women, particularly in Mexico. This discussion reaffirmed for me that issues like gender-based violence are not only present in my world but are also a reality in countries like Mexico. Globally, 16-58% of women have experienced online harassment (UN Women, 2022). While platforms like Instagram and TikTok are commonly used in the U.S. to stay informed, in Mexico, Facebook and X are more widely relied upon. Women continue to be targeted and exploited, facing everything from sexual abuse to other forms of violence online. One thing that stood out to me is how Mexico’s reliance on these platforms shows a balance between using global tools and maintaining its regional identity. However, the algorithms and policies governing these platforms are often shaped by global priorities rather than local concerns. This can lead to the misrepresentation or under-representation of local voices, raising concerns about data privacy and external influence on public opinion in Mexico.

In what ways have marginalized groups used their voices through their user accounts?

Dr. Hernández spoke about how women’s communities in Mexico have harnessed social media to speak out against violence. She specifically discussed the case of Ingrid Escamilla, a woman whose tragic murder caused widespread outrage. After the media published graphic images of her body, users on social platforms created images of her through paintings as a way to honor her memory and protest the violation committed by both her abuser and the news outlets. These online tributes were part of a broader movement, where women not only protested in the streets but also used social media to raise awareness and form groups, ensuring their voices remain strong in the fight against violence. This highlights how digital platforms are becoming an essential space for activism, complementing traditional forms of protest.

What is a step in an effort to create meaningful change in social issues?

Addressing the issue and ensuring accountability is crucial. It's long overdue for white individuals to reflect on the question: "How does it feel to be a problem?" and consider, "What actions will we take to address it?" (Caliendo & McIlwain, 2011, p. 28). Instead of responding to hate by simply adding more fuel to the fire, we must focus on extinguishing it. Rather than reposting a racist video with comments like, "It's always these kinds of people," we need to pause and think about how we can genuinely contribute to change. Joining organizations with shared goals is a meaningful way to take action.

Hernández, Dr. Miriam. Digital Defenders: Using Social Media to Challenge Violence Against Women. 9 October. 2024. Presentation

Benjamin, R. (2020). Race after technology abolitionist tools for the new Jim code. Polity.

Hunsinger, J., & Senft, T. M. (2015). The Social Media Handbook. Routledge.

[somber-sapphic]

Sickly Sparring

〖500 Follower Prompt: I love you, but you look like a corpse” + “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” + 💼 + ☀️〗

〖Summary: Sometimes it takes a little pushing to get Alex to take care of herself.〗

〖Word Count: 950〗

〖Pairing: Sick Alex x R〗

〖A/N: Hello! I'm officially back, please enjoy the first of 11 fics in my follower celebration thingy :)〗

☾Masterlists☽

“Alex, you need to stop. I love you, but you look like a corpse.” You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose as you watched your idiot girlfriend square up against her sister. What had started as a friendly sparring match to hone Kara’s skills had turned incredibly competitive as Alex lost time after time to a far less experienced opponent. She was beyond frustrated and nothing you said had helped. 

Kara, who up until a few rounds ago hadn’t completely understood what was going on, finally realized why her sister was performing so poorly. She had been triumphant in the beginning, pleased that she’d been progressing so far in her training, but that reality had come crashing down when she noticed the symptoms. Being someone who so rarely got sick she hadn't known to look for illness and when Alex said that everything was fine, she didn’t really have any reason not to believe her. 

“I think Y/n’s right, why don't we take a break? I for sure could use some lunch and these kryptonite lights are making my muscles hurt.” The blonde complained, playing up imaginary pain for Alex’s benefit. She rolled her shoulders back and forced her lips into a frown, scrunching up her nose as she stretched. 

Alex scoffed at the idea and rolled her eyes, doing a poor job of disguising the wince that the simple action caused. She swiped a hand under her runny nose and settled back into a defensive stance, gesturing to Kara to do the same. The alien glanced back at you, a concerned expression on her face. You were sure that yours was a mixture of worry and annoyance. 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, neither of you do. Come on Kara, two more rounds then we can take a break,” she ordered, stumbling to the side as she tried to walk closer to her sister. You lurched forward and raised your arms, prepared to catch her if she fell. 

“No, you’re done. Kar, can you give us a minute?” you asked, clambering awkwardly up onto the platform. Kara glanced quickly between the two of you and nodded, scampering to the door. She trusted you to take care of the ailing DEO agent. The second she was gone you wrapped your arms around her waist and eased her onto the ground, nearly dropping her as her legs gave out. She sneezed suddenly and instinctively curled into your side as you sat her down on the edge of the platform. 

She opened her mouth to speak, but you got there first. 

“Yeah yeah, I know. You’re a big strong agent who never gets sick because someone with your line of work can't afford to get sick, when you get sick people get hurt.” You teased, rattling off Alex’s usual spiel before she got the chance. She groaned and dropped her head onto your shoulder, showing a level of vulnerability that she would usually save for the privacy of your home.

“Who the hell gets sick in August?” She whispered; her words muddled with congestion. A small smile graced your lips, you were happy that she was feeling okay enough to joke about it. You wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hugging her close. At this proximity, you could feel a slight fever on her sweaty skin, not helped by the summer heat. 

“Only you, my dear. So, am I taking you home or what?” Alex coughed roughly into a slightly raised hand, not trying to cover very well. You didn’t mind, the two of you shared a bed so the likelihood that you would walk away from this scot-free was already low. 

You smoothed a few pieces of hair out of her eyes with two fingers, resting them on her temple for a moment to judge her temperature. The brunette hummed at the soft touch and let her eyes slip closed. She was tired and seemed willing to give in to your offer. 

“We walked here.” She mumbled, lifting her head to meet your eyes. It was true, the two of you lived close enough that you generally walked to the DEO together rather than pay someone to drive you the few blocks from your apartment. 

“I’m sure Kara or J’onn will be more than willing to fly us. Come on love, let someone take care of you for once.” You kissed her hairline, still a bit apprehensive though it seemed like she may be giving in. There was always a chance with Alex that she would change her mind at the last minute and decide to do something stupid like go into the field without backup or act like she was fine while actively bleeding out. 

“If we go home…will you make that soup that I like?” 

“Of course, I will. I’ll make as much soup as your heart desires. Can we go now? You’re falling asleep on me.” She nodded and aimed a sloppy kiss against your collarbone. All she really managed was to mush her face further against your chest, but that seemed to work for her because she didn't move. 

“You can come back in Kara.” She burst into the room the second you finished your sentence, a caring smile on her face. The blonde superhero must have been lurking outside the door, listening to your conversation. 

“Ready love?” you asked, hoisting Alex up into your arms. She wrapped her arms around your neck and nodded, muffling a cough against your skin. Every time she got sick, she’d do this, she’d cling to the last bit of health that she had for as long as she could then crash hard. You were thankful that she was trusting you to take care of her when she couldn’t take care of herself. 

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[fiveeven]

The biggest arguments for banning TikTok revolve around data privacy concerns and fears of communist propaganda or misinformation spreading. Look, am I addicted to TikTok? Yeah. But I was also once addicted to Facebook and Instagram. Hell, I even went through a phase where I was "addicted" to YouTube content (though some might argue I was just a fan enjoying specific channels and creators). Media platforms come and go—they always do.

If TikTok gets banned, a lot of people will lose income. Many more will simply go through some withdrawal, but let’s be real, there’s always Reels, right? Exactly what Zuckerberg wants. Other platforms will rise, sell, fail, or maybe gain traction. That’s just the nature of the game. Things change—it’s what they do.

During the Supreme Court hearings on January 10, 2025, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the Biden administration, expressed concerns that TikTok's control by the Chinese government could be used for covert influence operations, potentially sowing discord and disinformation among the American public (AP News, SCOTUSblog). Here’s the thing: I already didn’t have faith in the government, long before TikTok ever landed on my phone. People who’ve been through trauma often develop strong pattern recognition skills. They’re good at spotting the illogical and hypocritical behaviors of others. Now, that’s not a perfect system—some trauma survivors become part of the very system they once distrusted or self-medicate and disassociate. I’ve been there, too.

When I started paying closer attention to politics, my faith in "government by the people, for the people" eroded even further. And guess what? TikTok didn’t show me that—the government did. TikTok may make it easier to stumble upon conspiracy theories and propaganda, sure. And not everyone has the time or energy to fact-check when something feels off. But let’s be crystal clear: all social media platforms are prone to this, including X and Facebook. Facebook even announced they’re getting rid of fact-checkers.

Hell, most mainstream news media outlets are owned by corporations spewing biased propaganda and outright misinformation. Fox was even sued for spreading misinformation during the 2020 election by Dominion Voting Systems, settling for $787.5 million in April 2023 (BBC). They are now facing another defamation lawsuit from Smartmatic, seeking $2.7 billion (Reuters). And guess what—they're still doing business in America. (and guess what—they're still doing business in America). That’s nothing new.

Until we’re governed by real people—for the people—and dismantle the gerontocracy and oligarchy we’re stuck with, billionaire monopolies will continue shaping the narrative. They’ll buy out or ban competition to rake in short-term, skyrocketing profits, leaving the rest of us scrambling for scraps or worse. That’s the reality.

So yeah, TikTok might be the latest scapegoat, but the deeper problem runs through every corner of the system. Also, welcome to my Tumblr.