Facebook Is Making Some Awesome Changes to Their Emoji

Today is an emoji adoration overload, first with the announcement that a whopping 72 amazing new emoji are on the way, then with the release of new Kimoji. Now, news is buzzing that Facebook has made a major update to their own Messenger emoji that takes them WAY ahead of the pack when it comes to some much needed representation and diversity.

In a post released on Facebook, we’re asked to “Say Hello to the New Messenger Emojis — from skin tones that you can choose to lots of women in great roles, Messenger is beginning to make emojis more representative of the world we live in.”

The collection includes standardized emoji that will match your bestie’s phone (so there’s no misunderstanding when it comes to mixed messages), so that when you’re sending a smiley face, they’ll see the same face on the other end.

Also addressing the call for more lady-like pics (ya know, kick-butt and totally diverse ones), the new Messenger emoji include a female police officer, gal runner and pedestrian, as well as a woman surfer and swimmer. We’ve also been assured that these are just the first, and more female-fronting pics will continue to be added.

But that’s not where the diversity ends. If you’re cool with the bright yellow faces smiling back at you from Messenger, then you can go about your day with those sunny circles. If you’d rather change ‘em up to something that is a little closer to your own gorgeous self, then Messenger now offers a variety of skin tones that you can choose from.

Also offering an “emoji picker” to make sure you’re making the most of the teeny pics, this is definitely an update that you’ll want to check out ASAP, FB friends. The first batch of new releases comes out tomorrow.

What do you think about these FB Messenger changes? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(h/t E!, photos via Facebook Messenger)

The government of New Zealand, along with the country’s major broadband providers are working to silence the hate speech created by the Australian terrorist accused in Friday’s Christchurch mosque attacks. Videos of the attacks, along with a 74-page, anti-Muslim, white supremacist manifesto have been repeatedly published, and removed, from various online platforms. And, in her latest show of leadership, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has vowed to deny the shooter the notoriety he clearly wanted by refusing to mention his name.

“He is a terrorist. He is a criminal. He is an extremist,” Ardern said in an address to Parliament on Tuesday, March 19. “But he will, when I speak, be nameless.”

“And to others, I implore you,” she added, “speak the names of those who were lost, rather than the name of the man who took them. He may have sought notoriety, but we in New Zealand will give him nothing. Not even his name.”

New Zealand’s three largest internet providers, Vodaphone NZ, Spark, and 2degrees, voiced a similar perspective in an open letter to Jack Dorsey (Twitter), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), and Sundar Pichai (Google, which owns YouTube), dated March 19.

“You may be aware that on the afternoon of Friday 15 March, three of New Zealand’s largest broadband providers, Vodafone NZ, Spark and 2degrees, took the unprecedented step to jointly identify and suspend access to web sites that were hosting video footage taken by the gunman related to the horrific terrorism incident in Christchurch,” the letter reads.

The letter goes on to acknowledge how, in the global marketplace, this decisive effort at content restriction marks an “extraordinary step” in limiting access to harmful material. Yet, the leaders behind these three New Zealand broadband companies remain steadfast in the belief that taking this step was “the right thing to do.” Their letter implores the three powerful tech CEOs to consider doing the same on their respective social media platforms, as a general practice.

“Although we recognize the speed with which social network companies sought to remove Friday’s video once they were made aware of it, this was still a response to material that was rapidly spreading globally and should never have been made available online,” the letter continues. “We believe society has the right to expect companies such as yours to take more responsibility for the content on their platforms.”

The Association of New Zealand Advertisers agreed, releasing a statement explaining that local businesses would consider pulling their advertising dollars from Facebook if the company didn’t take immediate action to silence hate speech.

“The events in Christchurch raise the question — if the site owners can target consumers with advertising in microseconds, why can’t the same technology be applied to prevent this kind of content being streamed live?” the group said in a statement, according to The New York Times.

In response, Facebook VP and Deputy General Counsel, Chris Sonderby penned a blog post on the company’s site, explaining how Facebook is working to remove videos like the one the shooter uploaded while the Christchurch attack was happening.

“We removed the attacker’s video within minutes of their outreach to us, and in the aftermath, we have been providing an on-the-ground resource for law enforcement authorities,” the post says. “We will continue to support them in every way we can. In light of the active investigation, police have asked us not to share certain details.”

The Facebook blog post also outlined how Friday’s video became viral (and out of Facebook’s hands) so quickly: a user of the website 8chan posted a link to a copy of the video to a file sharing site before Facebook was even notified of the video’s existence. Sonderby also writes that the company helped other social networks identify the video to get it removed, and have been working in conjunction with the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) to be proactive about curbing terror and extremism online.

(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty)

An Aldi fan on Reddit recently compared the cost of their grocery list at Aldi to several major stores, and we’re absolutely floored by the results. One of our favorite places to go even ended up being 71% more expensive than Aldi – yikes!But in this economy, we can believe it.

Of course, if we're talking about grocery stores, we can’t forget to mention Trader Joe’s! Not only do we love TJ’s for their notoriously quirky vibe and fun new finds, we opt to shop there because it’s seemingly affordable (keyword here being seemingly).

We calculated the cost of a similar grocery list at Trader Joe’s to the Aldi’s one on Reddit, and the final tally was a bit… shocking.

Scroll on to see which retailer wins for affordability in the Trader Joe’s vs. Aldi debate!

Aldi

The original poster on Reddit, an Aldi fan for sure, totaled up a basic grocery list consisting of 22 items from Aldi and concluded: “All I can say is, wow. I know I’m preaching to the choir here but these savings are insane.”

Whole Foods

The Redditor also provided grocery list totals for several other popular grocery stores to compare the Aldi list to. They also made sure to note that they get their grocery shopping done in the Chicagoland area, so that could definitely explain why the numbers may be a little different where you live. Knowing that, here’s what they came up with:

  • Aldi: $60.40
  • Walmart: $74.80 (24% higher)
  • Jewel: $83.90 (39% higher)
  • Whole Foods: $103.51 (71% higher)

Reddit

We did the heavy lifting and concocted a similar grocery list for Trader Joe’s. For reference, see the Aldi bill above, and the TJ’s bill in the bullet points below:

The Trader Joe's List

  1. Tiny Fruity Cuties Cereal (like Fruit Loops) $3.99
  2. Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Crackers (This was the most similar TJ’s product to Aldi’s cheese crackers we could find, plus most of TJ’s crackers average around $2.99 anyways.) $2.99
  3. Saltines (TJ’s no longer sells their version of saltines, but according to one Redditor, they were $1.99.) $1.99
  4. Avocado oil$7.99 (Two more dollars than Aldi!)
  5. Organic black beans $1.19
  6. Unscented deodorant $4.99
  7. Brownie Truffle Baking Mix $3.97 (Two more dollars than Aldi!)
  8. Romaine hearts (We weren't able to find an organic option listed on TJ’s site.) $2.99
  9. Large eggs $4.99
  10. Multicolor peppers (Only organic is listed on TJ’s site.) $2.99
  11. Green peppers (Only red organic peppers are listed on TJ’s site.) $3.99
  12. Seedless cucumber (The only comparable option TJ’s has for the Aldi’s list above is the Persian cucumbers.) $2.49
  13. Mild cheddar cheese (The only comparable option TJ’s has for the Aldi list above is the Shredded Unexpected Cheddar Cheese.) $4.99
  14. Cilantro (This isn’t listed on TJ’s site, but they do sell it in-store. Various sources report different prices for cilantro. Abillion forums say it’s $1.29, but Taste of Home reports $1.99. We're averaging the two for a final item price.) $1.64
  15. Tuna pouch $1.79
  16. Hummus (Only organic is listed on TJ’s site.) $2.99
  17. Yellow onion (Assuming 1 since the quantity isn't clear in the Aldi list above.) $0.99
  18. Red onion (Assuming 1 since the quantity isn't clear in the Aldi list above. TJ’s doesn’t have red onion listed on their site, so we're also assuming it’s a similar price to their yellow onion.) $0.99
  19. Carrots (Assuming 1 since the quantity isn't clear in the Aldi list above. Only organic is listed on TJ’s site.) $2.49
  20. Avocados(Pack of 4, like Aldi.) $5.99
  21. Celery (TJ’s doesn't have celery listed on their site, but they do sell it in-store. For this comparison, we're assuming it’s the same price as Aldi’s celery.) $1.69
  22. Potato chips (TJ’s doesn't have baked chips like Aldi does, so we went with the most basic potato chip option to compare, the Ridge Cut Potato Chips with Sea Salt.) $3.99

Aldi vs. Trader Joe's: The Price Comparison

Trader Joe's

Aldi’s total came to $58.75 without tax, while the Trader Joe’s total ended up clocking in at $68.14 without tax for (mostly) similar items on the Aldi list. That means that TJ’s only came to cost $9.39 more than Aldi for a very comparable haul. 🤔

Aldi

So, who really wins the Aldi vs. Trader Joe’s debate? If you were to measure it solely by the numbers, it’d be Aldi – though the margins aren’t as big as they are at, say, Whole Foods (71% more, remember?!) or drastically big in general.

Aldi vs. Trader Joe's: Who's The Winner?

Trader Joe's

Both Aldi and Trader Joe's definitely have their respective charms. While Aldi boasts a fan-favorite ‘aisle of shame’ and a streamlined store design, Trader Joe’s never stops the flow of fun, new products that keep fans in a chokehold. If you’re set on choosing a clear winner, we say go with your heart – going off of this basic comparison, you’ll honestly end up spending a similar amount of money shopping at Aldi vs. Trader Joe’s.

Do you have a favorite grocery store? Let us know in the comments and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more news from your go-to grocery stores!

The Trump administration has been quietly working behind the scenes to create a proposal that would use social media to target people receiving federal disability payments,according to theNew York Times. Under the proposal, the federal government would use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to look out for posts that would call into question people’s ability to work.

“There is a little bitty chance that Social Security may be snooping on your Facebook or your Twitter account,” Robert A. Crowe, a lawyer from St. Louis who has worked with Social Security claimants, told the Times. “You don’t want anything on there that shows you out playing Frisbee.”

In a 2018 budget request, Social Security asked for additional funding to look into expanding its already-existing social media monitoring. Its goal is to find fraudsters among the nation’s more than 10 million benefits recipients, who could ostensibly be bilking the system of millions of dollars. Currently, Social Security only investigates social media in rare cases where a file has been flagged and they want to further investigate whether a claim is fraudulent.

Other government agencies have already endeavored to use social media to track non-residents, visitors, and immigrants. Back in 2017, the Department of Homeland Security announced its intent to use social media monitoring to screen immigration and visa applicants for content it may deem ineligible for US entry. And in 2018, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a Freedom Of Information request to find out how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the DHS were collecting, and interpreting, content from social media sites.

Although there have been verifiable instances of people utilizing Social Security benefits fraudulently (such as the 57-year-old Louisiana man who was recently ordered to pay back $134,000 in bilked benefits), fewer people altogether have been relying on SSDI in recent years. Applications for new users were down 29 percent last year, per the Times.

The Times also reports that, in November, Social Security requested a rule change that would deny benefit recipients charged with fraud a guaranteed in-person court case, and instead offer a video conference hearing in its place. Critics of this proposal worry that the change would be inefficient and undermine individuals’ right to due process.

Proposed changes are all the more puzzling given that the Social Security system is, in fact, one of the most efficiently-run government bodies working today. According toSlate, although in-power Republicans have been open about their desire to chip away at Social Security, the program’s administrative costs barely factor into the federal budget at all due to a huge funding surplus in the trillions of dollars.

Congress doesn’t even manage funds for the administration of the program. Instead, it limits how much of the surplus and dedicated revenue the Social Security Administration can use for running the program (hence the spending request on social media monitoring). But since Republicans began their eight-year control of the House in 2010, the party has incrementally restricted how much money the program is allowed to spend, while canceling or significantly decreasing programming allowances.

Whether or not SSDI claimants will be permanently placed under scrutiny remains to be seen. But if the administration deems this use of tracking a success, it could mean the beginning of social media monitoring for the rest of us, too. It could also pave the way for private companies to begin tracking staff in ways that could lead to greater power imbalances and diminished transparency in the workforce.

Then, of course, there’s the fact that social media doesn’t always give us a picture of reality that’s, well, real. “Social media sites are not exactly clear and reliable evidence,” Michael J. Astrue, the last Senate-confirmed Social Security commissioner, told a hearing in 2012. He stepped down in 2013.

Astrue argued for more (and better trained) fraud investigators instead, reminding the hearing how false news easily spreads online. He quipped: “Facebook puts up phony websites under my name all the time.”

(Photo by BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)

We knew when 1923 ended that Alex and Spencer would have to fight their way back to each other in season 2. After I interviewed Alex herself, actress Julia Schlaepfer, and learned that she "barely" spent timewith Brandon Sklenar on set, I realized they wouldn't share many scenes — but I didn't realize that apparently, their separation would last the entire season. It's pretty heartbreaking TBH! Plus, based on the very passionate comments Brit + Co's interview has gotten, no one else realized they'd be separated this long either.

Here's what 1923 fans are saying about Spencer and Alex in season 2 of the show, currently airing on Paramount+ every Sunday.

Do Spencer and Alex get back together in 1923 season 2?

Alex and Spencer are still apart as of season 2 episode 5, and Julia Schlaepfer told Brit + Co in her 1923 interview that her and Brandon Sklenar's filming schedules were "very separate."

"I mean, we block shot as well, so we were all kind of coming in at different times to film, but no, we did not [see each other a lot," she says. "Season one we spent all our time together, this season we barely spent any time together. It was very much like, suddenly we were ripped apart. But that's what the characters are going through."

And now that we're approaching episode 6 and they still aren't together, some passionate fans are starting to lose their cool. (Same, TBH).

"Them together was the only thing that made 1923 good," one user said in the comments of our TikTok video, while another adds, "Well this is not ok. I need major Spencer and Alex love story episodes."

"I'm broken," a third user adds. "If only we could have a Spencer and Alex spinoff show."

Although I agree with another user who theorizes that we'll see Spencer finally return home in the finale. "You just know all of season 2 will be him getting to Montana and showing up in the last episode," they say.

What happened to Spencer and Alex on 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

At the end of 1923 season 1, Alex and Spencer got separated on their ship to America; after a duel with Alex's ex-fiancé Arthur led to Arthur's death, Spencer got kicked off the boat and Alex got locked in her room. Now with no supplies and barely any money to their name, both Alex and Spencer are trying to get to Montana — and hoping they find the other one there.

Check out The Only Guide You Need To Watching 1923 Season 2 Before The Epic Finale so you don't miss a single moment — and you can see Alex and Spencer reunite (hopefully sooner rather than later)!

The Last of Us cast showed up and showed out at the season 2 premiere on March 24, 2025, and aside from being one of the hottest casts around, this batch is talented — and not just at surviving infected. Season 1 proved just how magnetic they are onscreen together and since our favorite stars are returning alongside some brand new additions, The Last of Us season 2 promises to be outright electric.

Meet The Last of Us season 2 cast, led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, before new episodes premiere on Max April 13, 2025.

1. Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Fantastic Four & Materialists star Pedro Pascal returns as Joel Miller, Ellie’s father figure who wants them to have a better life.

2. Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams

HBO

Bella Ramsey will star as Ellie Williams, a girl who’s immune to the infected who learns a huge secret Joel’s been keeping from her.

3. Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Gabriel Luna stars as Tommy Miller, Joel’s brother who’s started his own family in Jackson, Wyoming.

4. Isabela Merced as Dina

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Isabela Merced stars as Dina, a free spirited member of Jackson who begins a relationship with Ellie.

5. Young Mazino as Jesse

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Young Mazino plays Jesse, one of Ellie’s friends.

6. Rutina Wesley as Maria

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, co-leader in Jackson and Tommy’s wife.

7. Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Kaitlyn Dever joins The Last of Us season 2 cast as Abby, who’s out for revenge.

8. ​Danny Ramirez as Manny

Marvel Studios

MCU star Danny Ramirez stars as Manny, a member of Abby’s crew who tries to keep the group’s spirits up.

9. ​Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Netflix

Tati Gabrielle plays Nora, a medic traveling with Abby.

10. Ariela Barer as Mel

Greg Lewis/Hulu

Ariela Barer stars as Mel, a doctor and a member of Abby’s group.

11. ​Spencer Lord as Owen

The CW

Spencer Lord plays Owen, one of Abby’s group who struggles to maintain his gentleness.

12. Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Catherine O’Hara stars as Gail, Joel’s therapist.

13. ​Joel Pantoliano as Eugene

Lionsgate

We'll also see Joel Pantoliano in The Last of Us season 2 as Eugene, Gail’s husband.

14. Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon

Murray Close/Lionsgate

Jeffrey Wright stars as Isaac Dixon, the leader of the militia. Jeffrey played this role in the game!

Check out The Most-Anticipated TV Shows Coming In 2025 for more series you can't miss.