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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Alex Sujong Laughlin

Various trinkets with a chain and padlock superimposed over them

Under The Influence

Trinket Box Purveyors Are Melting Down

Close-up face shot of smooth trunkfish. Lactophrys triqueter.

They Don’t Have Lip Filler, They Just Have Lip Filler Accent

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg leaves the Los Angeles Superior Court after testifying on February 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Meta’s Defense In Social Media Addiction Trial Is Basically A Shrug

Portrait of a beautiful young woman smiling and touching a lantern that illuminates her face.

White People Online Are Really Excited About Lunar New Year

painting of a girl reading a book on a sofa

Learning Is More Than Just Collecting Facts

A busy screenshot of text, with pink text superimposed over all, reading: "Pilates at 7:00, went home, changed, quick breakfast, and then I walked into work"

Taking The Life Out Of “Day In The Life”

Doechii performs onstage at the Grammy Awards

Doechii’s Old Vlogs Document Her Self-Invention

TikTok Users Learn The Internet Isn’t Forever

Fashionable women's bags hang along the sidewalk storefronts on Canal Street in New York City.

What’s In A Knockoff?

Emma Chamberlain stands in her closet, which has recently been emptied of most of its items.

A Capsule Wardrobe Won’t Save You

Supporters hold "Women for Trump" signs as they watch Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speak at a campaign rally at the Santander Arena on November 04, 2024 in Reading, Pennsylvania

It’s Safe For Lifestyle Influencers To Be MAGA Now

Screenprinted black and white image of a woman looking at an older version of herself in fear.

My Favorite Influencer Is In Her 60s

Students observe a classroom demonstration in an old black-and-white photograph from the 1930s.

I Took A TikTok Class. What Happened Next Blew My Mind

Is It Possible To Create Anticapitalist Work On Social Media? 

A Pop Star Academy contestant looks at her phone, in a screenshot of the show.

Talent Has Never Been Enough

An old black and white photo of women looking around suspiciously

In Snark Forums, Fans Are Haters And Haters Are Friends

A woman sticks her thumb down next to a skincare product and records the scene with an iPhone (posed scene). Product tips on Instagram or Tiktok are often paid advertising. "Deinfluencers" actively advise against buying if they are not convinced of the quality.

Local Girlbosses Lose Pyramid-Shaped Business Model

A trio of TikTok screenshots: "5 ways your FACE indicates Cortisol is High"; "4 SSIGNS YOUR BELLY FAT IS CAUSED BY A HORMONE IMBALANCE From a hormone nutritionist"; 6 SIGNS you may have HORMONAL IMBALANCE"