Jessica Lucas

TikToker Eva Benefield in front of flowers

Her dad’s killing made headlines. Now she’s creating content about it.

On TikTok and a new podcast, 21-year-old clothing brand head Eva Benefield is charming true crime fans with her dark sense of humor.

Social media
DentureTok influencer Alyssa Segrist

The women of DentureTok are fighting stigma — and creepy fetishists

Young denture-wearing influencers share “the good, the bad, and the ugly” on TikTok.

Tooth social
TikTok schizophrenia influencer Michelle Hammer

Schizophrenic influencers feel abandoned by TikTok

Creators were upset by the platform’s near-ban of the #schizophrenia hashtag, which TikTok has reversed thanks to Input’s investigation.

Mental health
Erotic tickling scene

Tickle fetishists say their kink is no laughing matter

People into tickling are sick and tired of being either ignored or mocked by more “hardcore” BDSM practitioners on TikTok.

Sex
Facepalm - A statue with its head in its hand

‘I thought my life was over’: Male sextortion victims speak out

For many, the nightmare lasts for months — or even years.

Blackmail
Arcade vlogger Matt Magnone

YouTube coin-pusher videos are huge. But what’s real and what’s fake?

Honest creators are frustrated with scammers who solicit funds for their high-stakes “gambling.”

🤑🤑🤑
Illustration of a person permashifting

Permashifters want out of this reality for good

TikTok popularized the concept of “shifting” one’s consciousness. But some people want to take it a huge step further.

Escape
TikTok breakup influencer Kayla McCullough

Heartbroken? TikTok breakup influencers are here to help.

It’s a space full of tears, sad music, and “healing journeys.”

Relationships
Reddit logo artistic shot

Meet the volunteers fighting the most vile misogyny on Reddit

Members of r/BanFemaleHateSubs say the platform too often fails to do anything about vulgar and unlawful communities.

Guardians

How social media is misleading beginner strippers

Veteran dancers say TikTok and YouTube make stripping look like easy money, glossing over the very real dangers of the job.

Occupational hazards
INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Festival goers watch BLACKPINK perform during 2019 Coachella Valley Mu...

K-pop’s online community has a homophobia problem

LGBT fans say they’re subjected to bullying, slurs, and hypocritical attitudes.

Stan culture

Toxic TikTok wants you to be your worst self

More and more influencers are encouraging bad behavior. The tone is tongue-in-cheek, but some followers are heeding their advice.

Social media
BDSM TikToker Maxwell

TikTok’s dom ‘daddies’ are bringing BDSM to Gen X women

These kinky creators enthrall their submissive fans, but it’s not an easy way to make a living.

Power
Photo illustration of woman horrified by online porn discovery

Women are seeking out porn addicts on Reddit for relationship advice

They’re joining r/PornAddiction in a desperate bid to understand their own smut-obsessed sig others.

XXX
Medicinal herbs collection in color. Vector set of hand drawn  herbs, weeds and meadows. Vintage pla...

Dangerous herbal abortion misinformation is thriving on WitchTok

“It’s really insane how much these videos get normalized and popularized,” says one TikToker sounding the alarm.

Healthcare
 Mersey Rod Drainage crew in front of their van

The disgustingly appealing world of YouTube’s drain unblockers

Plumbers are making bank (and becoming sex symbols) showing off their skills online. But why do we like to watch?

Dirty job
Champion arm wrestler Devon Larratt

Devon Larratt and the dramatic rise of arm wrestling YouTube

On the eve of the biggest match of his life, the champ reflects on the video platform’s role in making him a star.

Over the top
Illustration of No White Saviors co-founders Kelsey Nielsen and Olivia Alaso

The spectacular implosion of Instagram’s No White Saviors

The group — known for canceling missionaries and aid workers for alleged misdeeds — is embroiled in some very ugly scandals of its own.

Conflict
CCTV footage of possible shoplifter.

Inside the subreddit dedicated to busting shoplifters

On r/LossPrevention, security pros swap tips of the trade and share “funny” apprehension videos. Not everyone is amused.

Crime
TikTok trans dad Danny Wakefield with their son, Wilder

TikTok’s trans and nonbinary dads are challenging gender norms

They’re out and proud on social media, transphobes be damned.

Father's Day