Welcome to another edition of The Crunch! This week, we explore charts on children's television programmes, the impact of the US oil embargo on Cuba, perceptions of modern dating, shifts in Australia's fuel sources, and a unique jazz-inspired interpretation of the New York subway. But first, a critical investigation into children's skincare content on TikTok.
TikTok's Child Skincare Influencers Under Scrutiny
A Guardian investigation into skincare content on TikTok has uncovered hundreds of videos featuring children. Analysing a sample of 7,605 videos, researchers found at least 400 clips presented by children believed to be under the age of 13. Dermatologists warn that children do not require multi-step skincare routines, and the trend is exacerbating appearance-related anxiety at younger ages. One dermatologist noted she is increasingly "reassuring children that what parents see as blemishes are simply normal skin." Read the full investigation on the Guardian.
Elsewhere, the Guardian published a visual guide to US bases in the UK, while Greg Jericho produced housing charts suggesting no significant change in construction since the capital gains discount was introduced.
Five Charts from the Fortnight
1. Cuba's Oil Crisis Deepens
Reuters presents a compelling analysis of how the US blockade is affecting oil shipments to Cuba. The country has long relied on imports from Venezuela and Mexico for electricity generation. However, following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, shipments from Venezuela have ceased. The feature cleverly transitions to explain the blockade's consequences, complemented by an excellent streamgraph chart. The New York Times also visualised the impact on energy usage through changes in night-time light intensity in a March piece.
2. Australia's Fuel Supply Shift
ABC News explains how the US and Israel conflict with Iran has altered Australia's fuel supply. Australia has diversified its sources of refined oil products—petrol, diesel, and jet fuel—securing supply from Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia as other countries restrict exports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has personally visited regional nations to discuss the crisis and secure trading agreements.
3. The Science Behind Kids' TV Shows
The Straits Times analysed 200 children's shows on YouTube to understand how pacing and colour are used to appeal to young viewers. While no definitive evidence links specific shows to negative effects, the analysis highlights how different programmes can be educational. The feature includes a fascinating section on the educational value of various shows.
4. Poker Machines: A Faustian Pact
Social scientist Lauren Leek compares the regulation of poker machines (also known as pokies, slot machines, or fruit machines) in Australia and the UK. Her blog post examines how differing regulations affect gambling losses and their distribution. The piece features insightful charts and a map combining poker machine losses with Leek's vulnerability index.
5. Modern Dating in Singapore
Another feature from the Straits Times examines dating in the modern age, based on a survey of 1,000 people. Approximately half of respondents described Singapore's dating scene as "bleak." The data is presented with humanising illustrations using the visual metaphor of windows in a high-rise apartment block.
Bookmarks
- Clean energy generation exceeded the rise in global electricity demand in 2025.
- The quiet disappearance of Australia's rainfall observation network.
- Visualising how annoying traffic noise really is.
- How the giant D.C. arch compares to others worldwide.
- Women in their 20s may not be having babies, but by 45 most probably will.
Off the Charts: Train Jazz
Developer Joshua Wolk has created a visualisation and sonification of New York subway data, converting live train location data into instruments from a jazz band. The movement of trains is assigned to different instruments—double bass, trumpet, guitar, and others—producing a meandering, free-form jazz song. Experience this unique blend of data and music.
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