Hello fellow citizens of the internet! Andrew here. Welcome to today’s edition of web_crawlr.
We crawled the web for you today and our top stories are about: Kanye West buying Parler, a viral video recounting a “nightmare” experience at Taco Bell, a recap of the finale of The Rings of Power, and PayPal being at the center of a right-wing social media storm.
After that, our IRL Reporter Tricia has her weekly “Problematic on TikTok” column, and if you scroll down below we’ve got a report on a Walgreens worker filming a racist customer.
P.S. — There’s still time to vote in the “Urban Legends” category of the Daily Dot Hall of Fame! We’re closing the round tomorrow, and the third round will start on Saturday!
See you around the internet!
— A.W.
⚡ Today’s top stories
💻 TECH
In wake of big tech suspension, Kanye to purchase Parler
In the wake of being temporarily suspended from Twitter and Instagram for antisemitic comments, Kanye West is purchasing one of the internet’s remaining havens for unfettered hate: Parler.
🌮 VIRAL
Taco Bell customer shares ‘nightmare’ experience after mobile ordering from restaurant
In a video with over 47,000 views, a TikToker recounts her experience, which includes long waits, rude staff, and in the end, no food and no refund.
🎬 CULTURE
‘The Rings of Power’ ends season 1 as it began: With wildly uneven pacing
The show manages to feel glacially slow, even while rushing through momentous events.
➡️ FAR-RIGHT
Why PayPal is at the center of a right-wing social media storm
PayPal has found itself caught up in a social media storm among free speech absolutists and right-wingers.
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😬 Problematic on TikTok
TikTokers call out a filter on the app for fat-shaming them
In each edition of web_crawlr we have exclusive original content every day. On Tuesdays our IRL Reporter Tricia Crimmins breaks down the trends on the popular app that will make you cringe in her “Problematic on TikTok” column. If you want to read columns like this before everyone else, subscribe to web_crawlr to get your daily scoop of internet culture delivered straight to you inbox.
🕸️ Crawling the web
Here is what else is happening across the ‘net.
📰 Sen. Ted Cruz fell for a fabricated news story and shared it on Twitter.
🍳 Want a $2 breakfast from McDonald’s? A TikToker’s video shows how users can save money with a “hack” on the chain’s app.
📦 A UPS driver has a message for those who get frustrated by delivery trucks blocking them for a short period of time.
🍴 Is there a “right” way to eat burrito bowls at Chipotle?
🍗 An apparent Wendy’s worker on TikTok showed how he allegedly responds to a customer’s request for “fresh” nuggets.
💼 A TikToker uploaded footage of themselves crying in their car moments after they were fired from their job without explanation.
🦈 Planning a trip to the beach? Think again. These shark movies may make you want to stay on dry land for just a bit longer.*
🎤 TikToker and Twitch streamer Jett Ashford says that popular TikTok creator TNA Kris set him up in an edited version of a street interview that made Ashford look stupid.
⚰️ Here are the real-life stakes of faking your death online.
*The Daily Dot may receive a commission in connection with purchases of products or services featured here.
👋 Before you go
A Walgreens worker filmed a customer berating her and allegedly calling her racial slurs in a viral TikTok.
In the video, the TikToker can be heard talking to a customer off-camera who repeatedly yells at them. The video of the incident received 2.4 million views and viewers were quick to sound off about the rude customer in the comments.
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