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Natasha Marshall

Power through finals week with these must-listen podcasts

Finals season has finally fallen upon Rutgers, and every student knows what that means — long nights spent poring over books and online readings. But cramming in as much information as possible can quickly lead to further stress and burnout.Apr 28

New AI Instagram feature sets low bar for platform

If you used any of Meta's social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, you've probably noticed a new artificial intelligence feature pop up over the past few days. Meta AI has infiltrated its way into search bars, prompting users to ask any question they want the AI to respond to. This technology functions as a chatbot, allowing users to "converse" with it.Apr 25

Taylor Swift's lengthy 'THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT' is poetry in slow motion

The wait is over: Taylor Swift's 11th studio album, "THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," was finally released on Friday. If that wasn't enough, Swift also surprised fans with a double album release, dropping, "THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY" with 15 additional songs. The two massive records feature some good songs but, overall, they meld together to create a somewhat underwhelming collection.Apr 23

It's easy being green: Try these eco-friendly tips for Earth Day

With concerns over climate change and pollution continuing to skyrocket, there's no better time than now to start considering your impact on the environment. If you need any extra motivation to start reducing, reusing and recycling, there's no better time than Earth Day. Apr 21

Misery loves company: Why brands like Duolingo need advertising overhauls

Recently, Duolingo users have noticed a drastic change in their beloved app. Instead of the smiling green bird, known to continually pester users for missing daily lessons, they've been greeted with a weird, sad version of the owl.Apr 16

Quintessential Taylor Swift tracks to rediscover before 'The Tortured Poets Department'

It's been a long wait for the Swifties, but Taylor Swift's newest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," is finally here. Apr 15

Looking to grow your reading list? Spring into these books

Spring has sprung! Now that the weather is finally getting warmer and the days are getting sunnier, it's the perfect time to lie down on a patch of grass with a book in hand. This should be a stress-free time, but it can be quite difficult to navigate BookTok and Goodreads in pursuit of interesting titles.Apr 9

Stress less this April with these mental health tips

Let's face it — being a college student can be incredibly stressful. Balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, jobs and a social life is already hard enough, but this becomes even tougher with finals season arriving in just a few weeks. Apr 5

Scarlet insights: What your major reveals about you

There’s one question most college students dread more than any other — what’s your major? While it can be annoying to answer this same question hundreds of times, its answer truly reveals a ton about you. Apr 3

Internship 101: Advice for rising Rutgers professionals

Looking to get a summer job but don't know where to start? Worried that all the best summer internships might've been taken? Don't panic — it's never too late to find something! Here are some tips for a stress-free summer job hunt.Apr 2

Internet conspiracy theorists fail to show Kate Middleton grace

Up until a few days ago, everyone on the internet had the same question — where did Kate Middleton go? Mar 24

Time is ticking for TikTok: Try these other apps

If you’re a TikTok user, you’ve probably heard the bad news by now — The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill forcing TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or else it will be removed from American app stores. If this bill also passes in the Senate, it may mean the end of TikTok as we know it.Mar 22

Spring Break 2024: Safety tips for struggle-free spring break travel

Spring break is upon us, and everyone has their travel plans all mapped out. You may have packed your bags and booked your hotels, but, more than anything, it's important to stay safe. Mar 8

It's time for YouTube to pull plug on family vloggers

There are some universal experiences that every child cherishes: the first day of school, their first birthday party or a trip to Disney World. It's perfectly fine for families to record these moments for their collection of home videos or to post them on a private social media account for extended family members to see. But posting them on YouTube for the entire world crosses a boundary. Mar 4

Skeptical about astrology? Try asking someone their birth month

"What's your birth month?" For many people, this is a much less daunting question to answer than "What's your zodiac sign?" Not to mention, anyone can answer it, while some people know nothing about astrology. Mar 1

To Temu or not to Temu: Analyzing validity of viral app

Chances are, if you've scrolled on a social media app recently, you've seen people discussing Temu. The online retailer, which launched in the U.S. in 2022, has become increasingly popular — it even broadcasted an ad during the most recent Super Bowl. Feb 26

Looking for last minute classes? Study up on these 2nd-half minicourses

While the course add/drop period ended earlier in the semester, if you're still looking for a class to take or need to make up some credits, you're in luck. Rutgers offers a series of minicourses, half-semester classes that pick up mid-way through the spring and run for 7 weeks. Feb 23

Inside Beat's 2024 guide to conquering U. student housing system

While it feels like the spring semester has just kicked into gear, it’s already time to start thinking about housing for next year. Whether you’re planning to live on or off-campus, planning out housing can be a daunting task — but it doesn’t have to be.Feb 20

Super Bowl ad nauseam: Commercials lose viewer interest

Let's be honest: The Super Bowl is not just a football game — it's a major cultural event. The hype for the biggest Sunday in February is never just about the two teams playing. People anticipate the halftime performers and whip up snack recipes weeks in advance. Another aspect of the game that has become even more in-your-face in recent years has been the commercials.Feb 13

Pour decisions: Stanley Cups stir up lead concerns

Do you drink enough water in a day? If you’re anything like 47% of Americans, probably not. But have no fear, the solution is here: the Stanley Cup, a portable tumbler that comes in tons of sizes and colors and can help you meet your hydration goals every day.Feb 6

'Orange' you glad you didn't fall for these latest TikTok relationship trends?

Would your partner peel an orange for you? What if you pointed out a cool bird you saw at a coffee shop — would they engage in conversation with you about it? These are just some of the questions TikTok users are asking to test the strength of their romantic relationships. But is there any value in them?Feb 5

Embracing new chapters: How Wattpad helps writers find their stride in publishing industry

When you think of Wattpad, what comes to mind? Fanfiction from 2013 about being bought by One Direction? Original stories in a plethora of romance sub-genres? Neither of these answers aren't wrong — all these stories, and more, exist on the platform.Jan 30

Skin-deep dangers: Navigating TikTok's skin care community

Chances are that if you have any interest in beauty and makeup, you've noticed the increasing popularity of skin care products and routines online over the past few years. TikTok, in particular, has helped certain brands and products go viral, causing the hype around the skin care industry to grow even more and become a mainstream topic of discussion.Jan 25

Winter Break 2023: Avoid long lines, try online shopping on Etsy this holiday

Looking for unique holiday gifts for your loved ones this year? Now's the perfect time to support some small businesses.Dec 14

Missing class? Watch these interesting video essays over winter break

Now that winter break is approaching, students will finally get a break from lectures for a few weeks. It's time to sit back, relax and do absolutely nothing!Dec 12

Why do Black Friday deals start so soon nowadays? Inside Beat investigates

All hail 'The Hunger Games': New prequel film resurrects series hype

This Friday, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth, will be released in theaters. The newest installment of “The Hunger Games” is drumming up major hype, already receiving positive reviews ahead of its theatrical release.Nov 16 2023

Adventures in BookTok: TikTok community grapples with questions of cultural appropriation

One of BookTok’s (TikTok's reading community) more commonly discussed books as of late is "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, a new adult fantasy-romance about a cutthroat college for dragon riders.Nov 14 2023

TikTok Shop till you drop? Feature robs app of authenticity, exhausts users

Scrolling on your TikTok "For You Page," you may have noticed an increased number of TikTok videos promoting products linked to the creators' TikTok Shops.Nov 8 2023

Best campus spots to snap fall-themed photos at Rutgers

Now that it’s November, the leaves are really starting to change colors, making it the perfect time to have a fall photoshoot.Nov 7 2023

Happy Holloway-ween! Try these 6 Rutgers-inspired costume ideas

Happy Halloween! If you're a Rutgers student looking for a last-minute costume idea, you're in luck. Here are some Rutgers-inspired costumes to wear while attending Halloween parties, going bar-hopping or simply roaming around campus.Oct 31 2023

Don't sweat over being 'coquette' — aesthetic should be fun, not restrictive

If you've been on TikTok over the past few months, you've probably seen or heard of the "coquette" trend. This aesthetic trend is focused on frilly, girly fashion with lace and bows, as well as other cultural elements like music by Lana Del Rey.Oct 25 2023

New app Lapse manages to be fun if you can survive onboarding process

Have you been sent an invite to an app called Lapse? If so, you’re like the other 1.2 million people who recently downloaded this new app. The app seems to have popped up out of nowhere, rapidly spreading through text message invites over the past few weeks. But what exactly is Lapse, and is it worth a download?Oct 17 2023

Find your next adventure with these breathtaking New Jersey hiking trails

Now that it's officially fall and the weather is starting to get chillier, it's a great time to go hiking! If you're looking for a quick day hike or an outdoor weekend getaway, New Jersey actually has quite a few hiking spots to check out.Oct 6 2023

'Squid Game' left viewers with tons of questions — these season 2 predictions may answer some

Back in 2021, "Squid Game" became Netflix's most streamed show ever at the time of its release. Now, almost two years since the first season came out, a second season has been confirmed to be in the works and new cast members have been announced.Oct 4 2023

Before getting inked, use these tips for your tattoo research

Tattoos are more popular than ever — almost a third of U.S. adults have at least one tattoo. If you want to get inked but don't know where to start, look no further! Here are some tips to make getting your first tattoo as simple a process as possible.Oct 3 2023

If you lost Ticketmaster's 'Great War,' you can still attend 'Eras Tour' in theaters near you

As Swifties and non-Swifties alike know, competition for tickets to Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour was fierce. Whether you got a chance to go see the tour in person or not, if you’re missing the Eras Tour era, you're in luck.Sep 29 2023

Vegetarian at Rutgers? Here's how to hack on-campus dining

As a vegetarian, it can be easy to feel a bit lost in the dining halls. When the main dishes advertised are meat, I started out wondering if I would only be able to grab a plate of side veggies for every meal.Sep 21 2023

Which Rutgers bus route are you based on your zodiac sign?

The Rutgers bus system can take a while to get used to, whether you're a first-year student learning all the routes or an upperclassman who has a class on a campus you've never had to navigate. But just like each of us, the Rutgers bus routes have their own special quirks.Sep 14 2023

Low-maintenance plants to 'spruce' up your space

Looking to add a little life to your residence hall decor? Getting a houseplant or two can be a great way to make your space feel more homey and add a pop of color to your basic white and beige room.Sep 12 2023

Save your 'scents' with these incredible, affordable perfumes

I don't know about you, but over the past year, I've fallen deep into PerfumeTok — the side of TikTok that discusses all things fragrance, from unique, niche brands to accessible drugstore scents. This has sparked a deep interest in the perfume world for me, and I truly can't get enough. Sep 8 2023

RU Connection 2023: Your new campus caffeine craze may just come from this list

As August winds down, it's almost time for our return to Rutgers. Move-in days, welcome week and syllabus week await, and soon enough, we'll be back in the swing of things for a whole new school year.Sep 6 2023

What's in your water: WaterTok causes health-related controversy

Banana bread. Cotton candy. Birthday cake. If you had to take a guess, what do these things sound like? Ice cream flavors, dessert options, candle scents?Jul 10 2023

Cabaret Theatre's production of 'Into the Woods' was far from 'Agony'

From April 14 to 16, Rutgers' Cabaret Theatre put on its final mainstage musical of its season, "Into the Woods."May 2 2023

Avoid post spring break rut with these nuggets of wisdom

Spring break is simultaneously one of the most exciting and worrying times of the semester for college students. It’s exciting because it’s finally a time to relax and take a few days off from school. Mar 9 2023

Constellations plus coffee: Can your zodiac sign pick your new favorite Starbucks order?

As the new semester begins and our schedules start to get busy again, we’re all going to need our regular caffeine fix. If you’re looking to try something new this year, I've got you covered.Jan 25 2023

We've forgotten 'Avatar': What does this say about its sequel's success?

Even though it’s been 13 years since its release, James Cameron’s "Avatar" remains the highest-grossing film of all time. But in comparison to some other top-grossing films, including titles from the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, "Avatar" doesn’t seem to have had the kind of cultural impact that you would expect from a movie that performed so well at the box office.Dec 14 2022

Prepare for finals season at these underrated study spots

The smell of coffee is in the air, the days are getting shorter and students all across Rutgers are beginning to huddle over their books, studying for what's right around the corner. That’s right — finals season is approaching! No matter what your major is, pretty much every student on campus knows the struggle of spending long days and nights getting ready for exams, projects, presentations and more.Dec 1 2022

TikTok's music industry impact isn't music to everyone's ears

“Who else knew this song before it was trending on TikTok?” It’s a question you’ll find in the comments of pretty much every YouTube video featuring a “TikTok song” — that is, a song that’s become a viral TikTok audio.Sep 9 2022

'Stranger Things' season 4 hits series highs, even with some missteps

After a three-year-long wait, the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” returned this summer in two volumes, one released in late May and the other in early July. With a total of nine episodes (including a 2-and-a-half-hour-long finale), the fourth season certainly lived up to expectations. Warning: This review contains spoilers for the season!Jul 21 2022

Livingston v. Busch: Rutgers dining halls, ranked

One very important part of the college experience is eating at university dining halls. And here at Rutgers, we’re lucky enough to have four dining halls to choose from.Mar 8 2022

Rutgers buses, ranked: While REXL trumps LX, weekend buses flop

Rutgers buses — love them or hate them, we’ve all had our fair share of experiences with them. But when it comes down to it, one big question exists: Which Rutgers bus routes are the best?Feb 21 2022

@deuxmoi's gossip problem: Celebrities deserve privacy, dignity

Magazine headlines, TV specials and now social media posts: Celebrity gossip has been popular in many forms for decades. But the rise of Instagram accounts such as the infamous @deuxmoi, and the rapid spread of information that these accounts allow for has raised some serious questions about the morality of celebrity gossip.Feb 16 2022

Reflection: Uncertainty surrounding online classes has brought us together, helped us grow

My college experience has been somewhat of a roller coaster so far — I started my first year at Rutgers in 2020, right in the middle of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. With all of my classes being online and remote, I knew that I was bound to miss out on some of the college experiences I had looked forward to. Jan 24 2022

It's time to call out Instagram charity scams

It’s a scenario that’s becoming more and more familiar to Instagram users: You open the application and click on your friend’s story to see a post reading something like “Repost to plant a tree!” or “Share this to your story to donate!” Nov 24 2021

Fun Halloween-themed recipes to make for your friends

The weather is getting chilly, the sun is setting sooner –– fall is here, and Halloween is just around the corner. No Halloween party is complete without some fun treats to share with your friends, so here are some easy recipes to add some extra spirit to your Halloween events!Oct 30 2021

From rap icon to Rutgers: Here are some of Snoop Dogg's most iconic moments

Rutgers students: We're in luck. In case you missed it, Snoop Dogg will be performing at SHI Stadium on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. The rapper recently announced his latest project, "The Algorithm," and has a vast discography that's sure to please during this weekend's performance.Oct 22 2021