What does identity mean to you?

Hybrid Zine tackles one of the biggest topics of our time in 28 articles. Covering AI and VR to tattoos and spoken-word poetry, read on for the highlights of our Spring edition

Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of Hybrid Zine!

Deconstructing the concept of identity, this edition celebrates Gen Z and everything that makes us who we are.

Identity defines us all, connects us to one another and helps us find our own unique communities. But with identity becoming more complex than ever in today’s society, how can we embrace our individuality?

Written by final year Magazine Journalism students at Oxford Brookes University, there is nothing carbon-copied about this eclectic edition, which takes us on a visual journey of the biggest topics of our time. In this edition, you’ll find pieces covering sex, sport, education, politics, gender, music and more! 

Highlighted below are eight must-read features from the publication, deconstructing identity in all its facets. Be sure to check out our print edition zine for more images showcasing the full complexities of each article, and take a look around the rest of our content on Hybridmag.co.uk.

Booktok’s role in creating publishers top female romantasy authors

Interested in how large publishing companies such as Pan Macmillan use TikTok as a marketing scheme for current hot topic genre - romantasy? Engaging with the sub-community of the society that use the popular social media app to decide on their next read.

Georgia Rice details how the viral app is used by pan macmillan to promote their successful female authors. Includes interview with marketing manager at Pan Macmillan, on what their marketing strategies in terms of TikTok are for the future.

Spoken-word poetry: Recover me NOW!

Are we missing out on an effective way to heal? Myra May shares how spoken-word poetry can alleviate symptoms and improve your mental health. Two spoken-word poets are interviewed and share their experiences on performative poetry and why it matters to facilitate deeper reflection. After all, if you won’t die, why not give it a go?

Virtual reality technology: Who are we?

Virtual reality has blurred the lines between our world and the ever expanding digital space. Niall Summers examines how the increasing popularity of Virtual Reality headsets and technology has caused the real world and the digital world to intertwine, from financial expenses to functional advantages, Virtual Reality is dissected in this article.

Harry Styles: Love on Tour fans express themselves with their outfits

From Adidas Gazelles to boas and sky-high confidence, all because of Harry Styles and his influence, says Ruby Waghorn.

Visual Weight weighing on our minds?

What effects do rigid, categorical beauty trends have on our self-image? With commentary from mental health therapists, Aishah Khan delves into one of many fleeting beauty trends on TikTok: Low vs High Visual weight. The viral sensation has changed the way people are decorating their faces from cream blush to foxy liner, putting into question: is this empowering or constraining people’s view of themselves?  

Is parliament falling out of favour with the electorate?

Looking into the difficulties of voter identity, Elizabeth Scott examines how hard it is to pick a party, and who to vote for when you want to vote for no one.

Sustainable exploration in the UK, for the climate conscious traveller

If you dream of exploring the four corners of the world. But with global warming an ever-growing issue how can we travel while leaving greener footprints. Come with Zachary Morris and see how exploring the UK might be the answer.