Food trends on TikTok and Instagram rely on visually appealing thumbnails to capture users’ attention, with close-up shots of creators eating and making eye contact being a major influence. This trend of intimacy while eating stems from the South Korean mukbang trend of the early 2010s, creating a sense of connection and authenticity with viewers. Viewers are drawn to these videos for the parasocial relationship they offer, allowing them to experience the sensory aspects of food vicariously and manage cravings, while also providing ASMR-like experiences with the sounds of chewing.
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My mother’s words as I fled my homeland ring in my ears
Fatemah, who lost her father to the Taliban at six, pursued education and worked with international organizations in Afghanistan. After the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, she and her husband Zakir applied for the UK’s Afghan Relocations scheme, leading to an emotional farewell to her family before relocating to the UK with their two sons. Need More Context? 🔎
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