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Pop Culture

Why is everyone talking about Threads? A quick look at the wholesome Twitter alternative

People have been searching for a more harmonious app, and right now, Threads is unraveling to be just that.

Threads; Meta; social media; Twitter; Instagram; new app

'Threads,' the new social media app everyone is talking about

If you're like me, you were probably a little lost when everyone started talking about thread overnight. Is there a sewing convention touring the United States? Are we learning a new survival skill for the end times? After some very quick, not-so-deep research in the halls of influencers' comment sections, I quickly learned people weren't talking about thread at all.

Threads. They were talking about Threads, a new social media app created by none other than Instagram, which is owned by Meta (or as we older folks call it, Facebook). Essentially, it's all owned by Mark Zuckerberg, and while some are side-eyeing what they say is a monopoly on social media platforms, others are excited about the current wholesomeness of it all.

Someone remarked that the app gave 2008 social media feels where everything was mostly kitten pictures and dying crops folks forgot to tend on Farmville.


People are hungry for a more unifying experience, basically, yearning for what social media was originally intended to be. And for the time being, Threads seems to be providing that space. It's also growing exponentially in the short time it's been in existence. Zuckerberg made a post on the app announcing that it had over 10 million subscribers in just seven hours. That seems like a record that surprisingly didn't crash any servers.

Threads screenshots on top of image of multicolored spools of thread

'Threads,' the new social media app everyone is talking about

Suzy Hazelwood|Canva, Mark Zuckerberg|Threads

The app is tied to your Instagram account, which makes it extremely easy to migrate to because you're not losing the folks you follow. They've figured out a way to essentially "port" your following to the new platform, which is amazing if you're an influencer or follow a lot of people. Now, it's still up to those people to follow you, but when you log on, everyone you were following is just magically there awaiting your finger to press "follow all."

As more people you follow on Instagram mosey on over to Threads, they just appear in your timeline because, surprise, you're already following them. Maybe this isn't as cool to other people, but for those that like things to transfer seamlessly, this is a game changer.

There has been a bit of hesitation from the over-35 crew. Learning a new app is intimidating and makes you want to give up no matter what the cool kids are doing. But that's also something that Threads seems to have kept in mind. Not only does it make it easy to curate your space with the people you've already connected with, but it also works in a strikingly similar way to Twitter. Except everyone seems to be on their best behavior and actively enjoying the new app smell.

Threads screenshot on top of hands with multicolored thread

'Threads,' the new social media app everyone is talking about

Jill Krause|Threads

It's the little things that make millennials happy and an intuitive app that ports over your best buds so you don't have to learn anything new is right at the top of the list. This is also a reason that so many people are die-hard iPhone fans. If you bought your first iPhone in 2013, the model you bought in 2023 still works exactly the same and you've likely never typed in an old contact once.

Being sort of the millennial that started it all, Zuckerberg knew in order to win over his cohort, he'd have to make it easy. Now if only Threads were available in a desktop version, even more folks would likely make the leap.

But for now, the mobile version is enticing plenty of people, even though some still have some big feelings over anything branded Meta. For those looking for nostalgic wholesomeness in content, Threads is currently the place to be.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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