Why Gen Z is Moving Back to YouTube: My Take on the Long-Form Content Comeback.

Why Gen Z is Moving Back to YouTube: My Take on the Long-Form Content Comeback.

YouTube is making a comeback, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. I mean, as a Gen Z who’s been loyal to YouTube for years, it’s kind of funny to see everyone running back to the platform now. While everyone was busy trading YouTube for TikTok and Instagram, I was that person who was still clicking ‘Skip Ad’ and binge-watching vlogs and conspiracy theories. But now, suddenly, everyone’s back — and it’s like, ‘Oh, so NOW YouTube is cool again?’

Let’s be real. TikTok is like that flashy new kid in school who’s always doing the latest dance move and pulling pranks. Instagram? That’s the popular kid who looks perfect but never has much to say beyond ‘Look at me!’ But YouTube? YouTube is that friend who can chill with you for hours, get real deep, and still make you laugh until you cry.

And yeah, I know what some people might say: ‘You still use Facebook? Auntie vibes.’ Guilty as charged. But hear me out — Facebook and YouTube actually have a lot in common. Both are packed with longer videos, both let you go down rabbit holes of content, and both let you watch entire lives unfold over time. TikTok and Instagram? Nah. If you blink, you’ve missed the entire story.

Now, why is Gen Z moving back to YouTube? It’s simple — we’re tired of quick-scroll content. You can only watch so many 15-second dance challenges before your brain starts craving something more substantial. On YouTube, you can watch a 30-minute deep dive on why AI is going to take over the world, followed by a 45-minute vlog of someone’s emotional rollercoaster of a day. It’s like getting a full meal instead of a quick snack.

Plus, there’s the authenticity factor. On TikTok and Instagram, everything feels so curated and over-edited. But on YouTube, people take their time, open up, and let you see the real stuff — even the messy, unfiltered moments. You get to know them. You get to laugh with them. You get to feel like you’re hanging out with a friend, not just scrolling past a stranger.

And let’s not forget the learning aspect. As someone in their gap year, trying to figure out how to make money, learn new skills, and maybe even find a purpose, YouTube has been my go-to teacher. I’ve learned how to create content, start a blog, even the basics of budgeting — all for free. TikTok might show you how to make whipped coffee in 30 seconds, but YouTube? YouTube will show you how to build a whole coffee business if you’re willing to sit and learn.

So yeah, YouTube is back. But for some of us, it never left. And if you’re still calling me ‘Auntie’ for liking Facebook, then so be it. Just don’t be surprised when I say ‘I told you so’ about YouTube.

Oops, I'm Pregnant – But It's God's Plan, Right?

Oops, I'm Pregnant – But It's God's Plan, Right?

Let’s talk about it. No, really – let’s talk about it. I don’t know if it’s just me being nosy and scrolling through every comment section on Facebook or if y’all have also noticed this. For the past few days, a particular photo has been making the rounds. It’s been trending – and when I say trending, I mean everyone and their mother (literally) is talking about it. The photo shows a young girl, clearly still in high school or maybe just starting college, using her laptop, studying while holding a her baby, who is not even up to 24 hours years old.

Now, before anyone starts getting defensive, let me just say this: babies are blessings. But what happens when a baby shows up before the degree, the job, or even the stable boyfriend? What happens when a girl is walking around campus with a full belly and everyone’s whispering? Or when she’s taking her final exams with a baby literally kicking her insides?

Here’s the thing – I know a lot of girls who got pregnant in high school. Like, a LOT. And let me tell you, it was almost like a game of "Spot the Belly" during matric exams. You’d see a girl you’ve known since Grade 8, and suddenly she’s waddling to class, and you’re like, "Wait, when did that happen?"

And the way some people normalize it is wild. "Oh, it’s God’s plan," they say. "It was meant to happen." Sure, but did God also tell you to skip protection? Did God tell you to ignore every single life skill lesson they taught in Life Orientation? Did God hand you a baby along with the F in Business Studies? I don’t think so.

I remember one girl – let’s call her Sindi. Sindi was notorious for running her mouth, always in everyone’s business. Then, boom, one day she shows up with a belly, and suddenly the mouth running has to take a break because now she’s running home to take care of her baby. And let’s not even talk about her teachers. They were fed up. "Miss, I can’t hand in my assignment, my baby kept me up all night!" Well, Sindi, your teacher didn’t tell you to open your legs and skip protection. But somehow, the teacher is the bad guy for expecting you to do your work. Make it make sense.

And can we talk about how some parents handle this? Some are strict – like, Aftican strict. "You got pregnant? Pack your bags and go live with the baby daddy." Others are more chill – too chill, if you ask me. I know one girl whose mom was like, "It’s your life, sweetie. If you want another baby, that’s okay with me." What?! That’s how some girls end up with two or three kids by the time they finish matric. Then they leave the kids with grandma while they move to a new city, trying to start fresh like they weren’t the girl everyone gossiped about for nine months straight.

Now, let me be clear: I’m not saying girls who get pregnant are bad people. I’m saying actions have consequences. And if you knew the stove was hot, why did you touch it? "Oh, it was a mistake," they say. Girl, you did Business Studies with me. You know about full control, limited control, and no control. Let’s not play dumb.

So, what am I saying here? I’m saying that we, as young people, need to wise up. Protect yourself. Think ahead. Use protection. Or – crazy thought – just wait. And parents, let’s not normalize what isn’t normal. Call it what it is. Young people, let’s use the brain God gave us. You want to have a baby? Cool. But just know that baby is not going to change diapers itself. And grandma can only do so much.

So, next time you scroll through Facebook and see another girl trending for being pregnant in her school uniform, don’t just comment "Congrats." Think about what happens after the likes and the shares. And if you’re that girl – or the guy who got her pregnant – well, buckle up. The real work starts now.

The Cowards Behind the Masks: How Columbia University Protesters Disrupted Final Exams

The Cowards Behind the Masks: How Columbia University Protesters Disrupted Final Exams

On May 7th, 2025, Columbia University in New York City became the battleground for a shocking display of so-called activism. Over 100 pro-Palestine protesters, many masked and unidentifiable, stormed Butler Library during the university's final exam period, disrupting students who were quietly studying, trying to secure their future with good marks.

The protesters, led by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), chanted slogans, unfurled banners with slogans like 'Strike For Gaza' and 'Liberated Zone,' and declared the library a 'Basel Al-Araj Popular University' — a nod to a Palestinian activist killed in 2017. But let's be real. If these protesters were as brave as they claim to be, why hide behind masks? If they were so sure of their cause, why not show their faces? Why disrupt a library, a place of learning, instead of taking their grievances to where the conflict is — to Israel itself?

If Israel is the enemy, as they claim, why not take the protest there? Why not march in the streets of Tel Aviv or Gaza? Why hide behind bookshelves in a university library, disrupting innocent students who have nothing to do with the conflict? And let’s not forget, America is a country that champions free speech. There are countless ways to protest peacefully and effectively. Why not organize a peaceful demonstration, a rally, a sit-in — somewhere that doesn't impede students who are simply trying to pass their exams? This wasn’t a protest. This was a deliberate act of cowardice, plain and simple.

University officials rightly condemned the protest. Acting President Claire Shipman stated that the protest was not only a violation of university policies but also a direct threat to student safety. And she was right. During the chaotic occupation, two public safety officers were injured. The university called in the New York Police Department (NYPD), leading to the arrest of approximately 80 protesters. Some of them were international students, including Mahmoud Khalil, the alleged ringleader who now faces deportation after being arrested by Homeland Security last month.

But let's talk about the hypocrisy. Imagine if a group of Christians stormed a library in a majority Muslim country, disrupting students during a crucial exam period. It would have been a massacre. Blood would have been shed. And yet, these protesters — in the heart of America — felt they could do whatever they wanted, hiding behind the facade of activism, disturbing the peace, and causing chaos for innocent students trying to study.

And this isn’t just an isolated incident. Look around Europe. Look at how Muslim immigrants are flooding in, bringing their ideologies, refusing to integrate, demanding their way or no way at all. It’s not about religion. It’s a political game disguised as a religious struggle. People call it Jihad, but is it really about faith, or is it about power? Control? Dominance?

Now, people are going to call me Islamophobic for saying this. But let’s be clear. I’m not afraid of them. I don’t fear Islam. I fear the ignorance that people cloak as righteousness. I fear the hypocrisy that allows them to come into our countries, disrupt our institutions, disrespect our values, and then scream persecution when we stand up for ourselves. And why do they do it here, in the West, in countries that have opened their arms to them? Why don’t they protest in their own countries, in the heart of strict Muslim regimes? Because they know they’d be dealt with swiftly and brutally.

I’m glad Columbia University took action. This isn’t about stifling free speech. This is about maintaining order, protecting students, and ensuring that universities remain places of learning, not battlegrounds for masked cowards who refuse to face the consequences of their actions. If you really believe in your cause, stand up, show your face, and protest where it matters. Not in a library full of students preparing for their futures.

When Celebs Set the Standard: Is Marriage Still the Real Deal?

When Celebs Set the Standard: Is Marriage Still the Real Deal?

So, I was scrolling through social media, right? Minding my business, as one does, when I stumbled upon this tweet from some guy named Poppa. He said, 'Three babies and no ring. Rihanna just like y’all.' And listen, I chuckled. I really did. But then, being the nosy person I am, I slid right into the comments section, and oh my goodness – chaos.

First things first, let me just say this: Congratulations to Rihanna for having three kids with the same baby daddy. Yes, you heard me right. One man, three kids. Listen, in today’s world, that’s a whole achievement. Clap for her because it’s rare now to hear a woman with one baby daddy and multiple kids. It’s usually one kid here, two with another guy there, three more with someone else. And then the complaints start about how they’re not taking care of the kids. So yeah, Rihanna did that. I’ll give her that.

But then there was this one comment that said, 'Rihanna is simply protecting her assets. Nothing else. She wants those children.' I had to pause. Like, really? Is that where we are now? Protecting assets and popping out babies? Look, don’t hate me – it’s her life, she can do what she wants – but come on. Is this the standard now?

Then I came across another post by Yasmin Jameelah. She said, 'Let Rihanna serve as a reminder to the girls in your thirties that you have time. She pulled up to the Met Gala announcing her 3rd pregnancy at 37. While society might say women over 30 are on a timer – she is clearly moving on divine timing. And so can you. Chart your own path, build your life big and full, and remember that your journey is just that, yours.'

Okay, but here’s the thing – isn’t she kind of contradicting herself? If your journey is truly yours, then why are we comparing our lives to Rihanna’s? She’s got all the money in the world to take care of herself, access to the best doctors, trainers, chefs – the works. Meanwhile, a regular woman in her thirties might not have those same resources. Yes, some women in their thirties have perfectly healthy pregnancies, but let’s not forget, it’s not always a walk in the park. There are risks, complications, and stories of struggle.

And that’s why I get a little skeptical when people hold up celebs as the 'you can do it too' examples. Sure, you can – but are we living on the same playing field? Not really. So yeah, you can follow Rihanna’s path if you want, but when reality hits, don’t come back to social media looking for sympathy. Life is real, and it’s not all glitz and glam.

I get it. Celebrities are living their (best) lives, doing things on their own terms, and that’s cool. But what happens when young people start thinking that’s the way to go? Just cohabiting, co-parenting, and skipping the whole commitment part because hey, 'Rihanna did it.' Meanwhile, we’re all out here pretending like marriage is some kind of ancient relic and legacy-building is just for the movies.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying everyone has to get married, but can we at least talk about the impact? Like, do we realize how many people are going to start thinking, 'I don’t need to get married; I can just have all my kids with one person and keep it moving'?

And the one comment that really got me? 'Every time we ask for an album, she gives us pregnancy.' I can’t lie – that one was hilarious. But jokes aside, it’s kind of wild how much power these celebs have over us. They make it look glamorous, effortless, and trendy, but behind all that glitz and glamour is a whole lot of real-life consequences that most of us don’t see.

Look, I’m not here to preach. But when did we start acting like commitment, partnership, and legacy don’t matter anymore? Everything’s just about 'securing the bag' now. But hey, that’s just my opinion. What do you think? Is marriage just another outdated trend, or is it still the real deal?

LGBTQ: Is It a Trend or Something Deeper?

LGBTQ: Is It a Trend or Something Deeper?

Alright, let’s talk about something that’s controversial. Everywhere you turn, someone’s talking about gender identity. Celebrities are the ones leading the charge — not just with their fashion choices, but with how they’re shaping the whole conversation around gender. But here’s the thing: while everyone seems to think this is progress, I’m honestly starting to wonder if something’s not right here.

Let’s take a quick look at the Hollywood scene. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s daughter Zaya, Cher’s son Chaz Bono, and Jamie Lee Curtis’s daughter Ruby. Seems like almost every big-name celebrity has a kid who’s coming out as trans or non-binary. So, what’s going on? Is this really about self-expression and acceptance, or is there more to the story?

Now, I’ll be straight with you: I believe that LGBTQ identities are a form of mental disorder. Yes, you heard me right. I know it’s not the most popular opinion, and people might call me ignorant, closed-minded, or whatever else. But hear me out. It’s not that I’m saying these people don’t exist. They do. But I believe it’s more like a costume. You can wear it, you can dress up in it, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t change who you are.

You cannot be a man if you were born a woman, and you cannot be a woman if you were born a man. Sure, you can change your appearance, your name, maybe even your voice. But deep down, you’re still biologically what you were born as. And when the chips are down, DNA doesn’t lie.

Now, I’m not saying trans people don’t go through real struggles, but I do believe we need to ask some tough questions. Why are so many kids, especially celebrity kids, coming out as trans? Is it because they genuinely feel this way, or is there some other influence at play? In a world that thrives on controversy and shock value, are we encouraging kids to make life-altering decisions just for the sake of being edgy?

This whole thing feels off to me. It’s like we’re watching something that should be serious, something that can change someone’s life forever, turn into the next big trend. It’s almost like it’s being marketed, packaged, and sold. And I just can’t help but wonder: What’s really going on here?

I think it’s time we step back and ask: Are we really helping these kids? Are we empowering them, or are we pushing them down a path they might not be ready for, or even worse, one that’s not true to who they really are?

I don’t know about you, but I think we need to be more careful with what we’re promoting. This isn’t a TikTok challenge — it’s someone’s life. And in the end, we can only hope that the generations to come find clarity, truth, and less confusion from the people in charge.