I'm Fact Checking Because Zuck Won't.

And I promise H&M isn't paying me.

Last month, the worst boss I ever had decided to remove independent fact-checking on Meta and will instead rely on “community notes” whereby the accuracy of information is left to users. In our increasingly fascistic age of misinformation, conspiracy theories and broligarchies, I decided to onboard an external fact-checker* for my most recent Shein video. This is part of my Recipe For Disaster series where I cook-up corporations. Please feel free to share this one with Stormzy.

Much like the meteoric rise and subsequent crash of fashion brands, the cake collapsed.

The internet calls me many things. Noticed my wrinkles? Fine. Can’t stand my clothes? Cool. Say I’m spreading misinformation? You find me in a very deep, dark hole of panic and anxiety, unable to tear myself away from my black mirror as I try to conjure up the courage to call one of my most educated friends and ask for their reassurance.

I’m aware that it’s absolutely imperative that I don’t spread misinformation. I need to be able to confidently back myself in each of my videos, especially as I regularly experience online abuse and threats to my safety. I’ve also found that a “please refer to the sources listed in the caption ” is the most satisfying retort to any mansplanations I receive. Why is it always men? (rhetorical).

Despite what one TikToker suggested, H&M didn’t pay me to make this video about Shein (lol). Nobody did. Paying for the fact-checker actually left me out of pocket. But I’m all too aware that one creator hiring a fact-checker isn’t the solution. We need long term regulation that puts an end to online misinformation and abuse. This brings me to ask, gentle reader, if you know of any campaigns or organisations who are doing great work in this space. If so, please do share them in the comment section; I’d really love to learn about their work.

Last year, Instagram automatically opted us out of what they deem “political content”, which, by the way, includes content that mentions governments, elections and, deep breaths now, “social topics”. SOCIAL topics. On SOCIAL media. I strongly suggest opting yourself back into “political” content. Here’s how:

1. Tap in the top right of your profile page which will take you to settings
2. Scroll down and tap content preferences
3. Tap political content
4. Tap see more

A few folks have asked if I plan to leave Meta altogether. In short: not at the moment. It’s my biggest platform and an essential part of both my campaigning and income. But I am trying to be as intentional as I can be with the time I spend online. Here’s how:

1. My notifications on social media apps and email are turned off.

2. I don’t use social media on weekends, a practice I call #Offline48.

3. I am taking a minimum of four extended Offline 48 breaks this year, whereby my phone is completely switched off for at least four days.

4. When I see content I want to see more of (eg. Palestine, Congo, Sudan, climate justice), I tap on the three dots and tap “interested”.

5. I use the block button liberally and frequently.

6. I really, really try not to doomscroll. Emphasis on try. I’ve found Offline48 to be the best way to establish improved boundaries here.

7. I have a one-hour time limit set on the app (I find that this isn’t actually very effective at all, but felt compelled to include it anyway).

8. Last but by no means least: I’ve implemented a ‘no phones in the bedroom’ policy. This really helps reduce the temptation to scroll when I wake up and before I go to sleep. I’ve had one of these alarm clocks for 7 years and they are well worth the investment.

*NB: The fact checker used a methodology-seeking third party criticism from diverse sources, cross-checking at least three reputable sources for each claim, within the past four years for relevance, and was mindful of bias and conflict of interests, reviewing official company statements for omissions and contradictions. I should flag that Shein’s limited public disclosures and hidden corporate history presented significant barriers to transparency. I will always signpost details about fact-checking in the accompanying captions of my videos.

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It’s been an especially grey week which means I’ve been mostly trying to distract myself with reading, eating and telly. Here are my top recommendations…

Big Fashion
Genuinely meaningful and truly transformational change in fashion doesn’t come from impact reports, it comes from garment worker organising. Here’s what it’s really like to make our clothes. We are closer to these five women than the billionaires who profit from their labour.

Big Fashion’s greed and oversupply is the invisible thread that ties the tragic LA Wildfires to the catastrophic fire in Kantamanto. I am really pleased to have contributed to this article. Still crickets from Marks & Spencer.

TV
I have inhaled comedian Mo Amer’s back catalogue. If you haven’t watched his huge-hearted and poignant series Mo then I simply insist that you do so immediately. I’ve now read most of the interviews he’s ever done and think this one and this one are most worthy of your time. I am now (not so) patiently waiting for Mo to announce his UK stand-up dates. If you’re in North America, you’re in luck.

Black Mirror
A former Facebook employee on Meta, Zuckerberg and how it all went wrong: “The internet feels like a civil war…because it is one; Facebook toppled established systems of authority without creating any viable alternative to them, and in the absence of authority people began attacking and policing one another. It’s no surprise half the country craved an authoritarian leader, a tough daddy to tell us all what to do.”

You want to fight back? You can't even beat your algorithm explores how the aestheticization of everything is limiting our ability to organise.

A timely reminder to share less on the internet.

We all know someone who we find loveable in real life, but annoying on Instagram. No doubt I’m that gal for many! Here’s Dolly Alderton’s advice on the matter.

Book
With excellent commentary on race, class and gender, I’m A Fan follows an unnamed narrator, her affair with a toxic man and her obsession with a social media influencer. It’s not necessarily an enjoyable read, but one I haven’t been able to get out of my head. Bold and brave, I can’t wait to read what Sheena Patel writes next.

Shower
I’m really not sure I’ve ever smelt anything quite so delicious as Lush’s Sticky Dates line. I fear I may actually eat the shower gel. Shout out to my pals at Shado for the intoxicating intro. Divine!

Snack
To stop me eating soap, allow me to introduce my favourite snack: These crispy lentil cakes specifically are far superior to a standard rice or corn cake. A small but important upgrade. You will need two per snack. Generously spread one side of each cake with your favourite nut butter. Take a medjoul date (please check where it’s from before you buy) and evenly distribute it on one nut-buttered cake. Sprinkle a little cinnamon and flakey salt on top. Finally, sandwich lentil cakes together.

Via leonieflowerismyname

My screen-time is up by a whopping 174% this week, averaging at 5 hours 2 mins. Holy hell. The best motivation for my weekly 48 hours’ offline. Do join me if it appeals and is accessible to you.

Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate. Especially the Uber, Bolt & Addison Lee drivers who are striking today.

In love and rage,
Venetia