Coverage of Instagram in the Nexus archive.
- A struggling Brooklyn bakery was months from closing. Then a Meta engineer made it go viral.
Meta employee Shuayb Qureshi began posting videos on Instagram to reconnect socially, focusing his content on local restaurants in Brooklyn and Queens. One video featuring a struggling Polish bakery went viral, helping the store owner keep the business open. This experience highlighted broader issues among tech workers regarding burnout, identity tied to work at large companies like Meta, and fear of layoffs.
- New Zealand’s prime minister proposes banning children from using social media
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon proposed a law banning children younger than 16 from using social media platforms, citing harm done to young people. The proposal would require platforms like Instagram and TikTok to verify users are older than 16, potentially using facial age estimation or digital ID services. However, the bill faces political opposition, as two of the three parties in Luxon’s coalition government plan to vote against it.
- Gen Z is increasingly using social media for news. What does this say about the current news environment?
A Pew Research study found that about half of U.S. adults get news from social media at least sometimes, with those aged 18-29 being more regular consumers on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. While experts note that this process creates a democratized information system and easy access to perspectives, they also warn that the less controlled environment makes distinguishing truth from falsehood difficult.
- I'm 53, and my partner is 29. My recent health crisis brought our age gap to the forefront.
The author, 53, lives in Mexico City with his partner of 29, Uriel. After their stable life together, the author tripped and was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both knees. Following the injury, Uriel provided substantial care while the author recovered.
- Music teacher at nonprofit organization charged with raping student
A former music teacher at an Oregon nonprofit was arrested on charges of sexual abuse, rape, and kidnapping. Detectives began investigating 44-year-old Derek Douglas Reeder after learning about his alleged inappropriate relationship with a child in 2023. Reeder faced indictment by a Clackamas County grand jury on multiple counts of assault and sexual abuse.
- I got sent Instagram request codes and things got weirder
The user reported receiving multiple WhatsApp messages concerning their Instagram account before changing their password. Reviewing login logs revealed numerous suspicious entries from various locations, including distant cities and recent consecutive logins on an alt account. The user also found difficulty logging in using number confirmation, questioning why the method works for others but not for them.
- I got sent Instagram request codes
The user received suspicious WhatsApp messages related to Instagram codes, prompting them to change their password and check login logs. The log review revealed multiple unauthorized logins across varying time periods—including 4 days ago, last year, and yesterday—from unknown devices and distant locations.
- Gwyneth Paltrow is going full meme over that ‘private, off-the-record al-fresco dinner’
Following backlash over a reported dinner invitation for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Gwyneth Paltrow posted spoof invitations on Instagram featuring fictional characters like Shrek and Jessica Rabbit. The parody designs mimicked the appearance of the original event invite. Paltrow has also become involved in AI technology through investments such as Forethought AI and integrating AI tools into her Goop business.
- Longtime sports memorabilia shop closing in dying Peninsula mall
The Tanforan mall in San Bruno is struggling with diminishing tenants. Shirtique Pro Shop, a sports memorabilia store, announced that it is permanently closing at the end of September after being located there for decades.
- Robin Williams’ children revive late actor’s Instagram to combat AI abuse
Robin Williams' children revived his Instagram account to combat AI abuse. Zelda Williams stated in 2025 that she asks people to stop sending her AI videos of him.
- Attorney General Bonta excels at self-promotion but buries legal losses that cost California
Attorney General Rob Bonta is criticized for excessive self-promotion and media output despite his office occasionally announcing legal setbacks. The article details a current claims bill that would allocate $7.4 million to settle eight cases, including four lawsuits challenging gun control laws. Furthermore, the content covers an ongoing trial where allegations were made regarding Meta designing apps to hook young users by harvesting data.
- Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach on kids under 13
Arturo Béjar stated that Meta consistently prioritized profits over safety when designing its products, even if it negatively affected users' mental well-being. He specifically noted that Instagram took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach concerning kids under 13.
- Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach on kids under 13
Arturo Béjar testified that Meta consistently prioritized profits over safety when designing its products. He stated this focus was on monitoring how frequently and for how long people used the platforms, even if it negatively impacted their mental well-being. The testimony also touched upon Instagram's alleged 'don't ask, don't tell' approach regarding kids under 13.
- Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach on kids under 13
During testimony, Arturo Béjar stated that Meta consistently prioritized profits over safety when designing its products. He alleged that this approach focused on usage frequency and duration, even if it was detrimental to mental well-being. Furthermore, the article mentions that Instagram reportedly utilized a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach concerning children under 13.
- Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach on kids under 13
During testimony, Arturo Béjar stated that Meta prioritized profits over safety when designing its products. He detailed that this design focus involved monitoring how often and for how long people used the platforms, even if it was detrimental to mental well-being. The title also referenced Instagram reportedly taking a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach regarding kids under 13.
- 'No serious dispute' that Comey's seashell post could be read as a Trump threat, prosecutors say
The Justice Department stated there is no serious dispute that a social media post of seashells made by James Comey could be understood as a threat against President Donald Trump. Prosecutors questioned Comey's account regarding the shells and suggested his Instagram post was an effort to sell copies of a forthcoming novel. In response, Comey's lawyers contended that investigators had misled judges in their efforts to prove he intended a physical threat.
- 'No serious dispute' that Comey's seashell post could be read as a Trump threat, prosecutors say
The Justice Department is defending its prosecution of James Comey, asserting that his social media post featuring seashells could be interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump. Prosecutors also questioned Comey's explanation regarding the number arrangement and suggested his Instagram post was an attempt to sell copies of a forthcoming novel. Meanwhile, Comey’s lawyers contend that investigators misled judges and failed to prove he intended a physical threat.
- Targeted WhatsApp spam/extortion attempt & SMS OTP flooding – similar experiences?
A user reported receiving targeted spam on WhatsApp from international numbers, which included false accusations of insulting the Prophet Muhammad and promotional material. The poster also received automated SMS and email verification codes (OTPs) from platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, suggesting a bot-driven phishing campaign.
- Trial for 2023 lawsuit against social media giant Meta starts Tuesday
Colorado is joining dozens of states in a California lawsuit against Meta, claiming that its platforms are harming the mental health of young users. The 2023 suit alleges that Meta promotes addictive features and illegally collects personal data from kids under 13, violating COPPA. State officials state this action was taken because the company allegedly prioritized profits over the safety of minors.
- Opening arguments set to begin in Meta's federal trial over child safety
Opening arguments have begun in a federal trial involving Meta concerning child safety. Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are seeking significant financial damages and mandates for changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate.
- Opening arguments set to begin in Meta's federal trial over child safety
Opening arguments are scheduled to begin in Meta's federal trial concerning child safety. Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages and mandated operational changes for the company, which operates Facebook and Instagram.
- Opening arguments set to begin in Meta's federal trial over child safety
Opening arguments are set to begin for Meta's federal trial regarding child safety. Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are initiating action seeking extensive financial damages and mandatory changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
- Opening arguments set to begin in Meta's federal trial over child safety
Meta Platforms faces a federal trial in California where attorneys general from several states are seeking financial damages and operational changes for Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit accuses the company of knowingly designing addictive features that contribute to youth mental health issues and illegally collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will oversee the proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks.
- First Thing: Meta’s treatment of children on social media in spotlight as landmark trial set to begin
An unprecedented lawsuit has been filed by over half of US states against Meta, accusing the parent company of Instagram and Facebook of deliberately designing addictive products that cause harm. The legal proceedings allege Meta collects data on children under 13 without parental permission; Meta denies these allegations, calling the claims unsubstantiated.
- Opening arguments set to begin in Meta’s federal trial over child safety
Meta Platforms is facing a pivotal federal trial in Oakland over child safety and privacy concerns. Attorneys general from multiple states are seeking financial damages and mandated operational changes regarding its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit accuses the company of collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent and deliberately designing features that contribute to youth addiction.
- Virginia ranks among worst states for women’s equality and more headlines
Virginia was ranked among the worst states for women’s equality, according to WAVY. Other headlines reported that a childhood vaccines schedule remains unchanged after a new Trump EO, while lawmakers in Virginia addressed concerns regarding a shipbuilding plan affecting Hampton Roads. Additionally, court documents revealed Instagram messages from an alleged VSU shooter and confirmed that the 'Project Flash' data center proposal has fizzled out in Franklin County.
- Opening arguments set to begin in Meta's federal trial over child harms
Opening arguments are set to begin in a federal trial against Meta Platforms, representing 29 states seeking financial damages for child harms. Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey accuse the company of deliberately designing addictive features contributing to youth mental health crises and illegally collecting data on children under 13. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland will oversee proceedings where executives are expected to testify.
- A look at major lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies over harms to kids
Meta and its competitors, including TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, are facing multiple lawsuits alleging that their platforms negatively impacted children's mental health or otherwise harmed them. In California, a federal trial featuring four states (California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey) is set to begin regarding claims of design features contributing to addiction. Previously, the state of New Mexico successfully sued Meta, resulting in hefty fines and mandated safety measures such as time limits for users under 18.
- New Mexico’s attorney general pushes new social media safety laws after $900m court victory over Meta
New Mexico's attorney general, Raúl Torrez, is working with state lawmakers to draft two new bills aimed at bolstering consumer protections and child safety online. This effort builds on a landmark court case where a jury found Meta misled users about platform safety, leading to the company being fined nearly $1bn.
- Ocasio-Cortez gets personal as Democrats make case for relatability
After announcing that she was freezing her eggs on Instagram last weekend, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent the week chronicling the process. She shared detailed videos and answered questions while administering shots to her followers.
- States take Meta to trial in California in the biggest fight yet over social media harms to children
States have filed a major lawsuit against Meta in California, seeking damages potentially totaling $1.4 trillion and structural changes to the company's operations. The suit accuses Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing addictive features and violating federal law by collecting data on children under 13 without consent. Meta has disputed these allegations, while plaintiffs seek to set a definitive precedent in the case.
- States take Meta to trial in California in the biggest fight yet over social media harms to children
Multiple states filed a lawsuit against Meta in California, accusing the company of contributing to youth mental health crises by designing addictive features and collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent. The plaintiffs are seeking extensive financial damages potentially totaling $1.4 trillion, as well as structural changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate. Meta disputes the allegations while stating its evidence shows its commitment to supporting young people.
- States take Meta to trial in California in the biggest fight yet over social media harms to children
States are suing Meta in California, accusing the social media giant of knowingly designing features that contribute to youth addiction and violating federal law by collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent. The lawsuit seeks massive financial damages up to $1.4 trillion, along with structural changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate. Meta disputes these allegations, stating that it has addressed the issues after consulting with parents and experts.
- Instagram vowed to crack down on Meta glasses creeps. A month later, it was easy to find dozens of the videos still up.
Instagram vowed to crack down on harassing videos filmed with Meta glasses using existing Community Standards on bullying and harassment. Despite Meta stating that thousands of pieces of content were removed and search terms like "rizz" are blocked, the article found dozens of similar videos still remaining active a month later. The ongoing issues highlight uneven enforcement regarding pickup lines and pranks filmed in public.
- ‘Bold and ethical’: doctors on AOC’s egg-freezing journey - and Maga’s criticisms of it
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced that she is freezing her eggs and documented the process on Instagram. This action is characterized as defying pronatalist narratives about motherhood and women's careers, while the title notes commentary from doctors and criticisms from Maga.
- Westland man caught sharing explicit videos of children on Instagram, feds say
A man named Peter Caleb-Anthony Qaoud of Westland was investigated by the FBI after receiving an anonymous tip alleging he had been blackmailing people, including minors, on social media platforms. The federal investigation led to a cybertip found via NCMEC databases and provided evidence of explicit chats and videos involving a minor. Qaoud was arrested and indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
- TikTok is for the creator middle class, but top earners favor Instagram
A survey suggests that while TikTok remains important for early career growth, top earners and creators making over $250,000 find Instagram to be more lucrative and organized for brand deals. Although TikTok ranked first overall (52%) for posting branded content, high-earning creators showed a marked preference for Instagram (60%). Overall, respondents valued Instagram ahead of TikTok when considering long-term potential for building a business.
- Zuckerberg's AI-for-all pitch faces a big problem
Mark Zuckerberg presented an 'AI-for-all' vision in a long blog post, which coincided with Meta launching its open-weight model, Muse Glimmer. To support this push, Meta plans to create a $1 billion fund for communities hosting AI data centers. However, the article notes that Meta must overcome user reluctance regarding AI adoption while relying on its existing platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and accumulated data.
- Healthy, balanced and budget-friendly school lunches: A metro Detroit mom shares her tips
Influencer Zena Ibrahim shares a method for packing healthy, budget-friendly school lunches based on a five-item formula: protein, fruit, vegetable, whole grain, and snack. Registered dietician Lori VanderWeele advises parents to be mindful of foods like potato chips and sodas due to their impact on mental clarity. She also noted that school nutrition standards will require stricter guidelines for salt and sugar by July 1, 2027.
- [EU] Got sextorted, did not give in, but i'm afraid they will come back around
The author was recently targeted by sextortionists after recording himself naked with face, who utilized previously sent videos and accessed his Instagram profiles to demand money. Although the poster blocked the harassment attempts, he remains highly anxious about potential future contact or similar scams, such as receiving a scam call for bank information.