The ‘Stories’ features on Instagram and Snapchat have proven popular among users for their impermanence, authenticity, and behind-the-scenes nature. But how exactly are they being used by brands, celebrities and regular people? And how are these temporary digital tales evolving?

If you knew that this was the only chance you’d ever get to read this sentence, would you pay closer attention? Snapchat’s ephemeral messages are a more human way of relating digitally, but they offer more than just a carefree share. Their fleeting nature asks us to stop and pay attention.

German beauty vlogger Bianca Heinicke has been shamed for her attempt to break into music, with her video among the most ‘unliked’ on YouTube. As Gen Zers become impassioned about social and political issues, they’re getting vocal about their distaste for content that’s not up to scratch.

Facebook has copied Snapchat’s ‘streak’ function in a trial aimed at Gen Zers. Streaks reward users with special emojis for consecutively chatting to friends, encouragng them to keep using the app more. But the tactic has raised questions about the consequences of addictive social media use.