Local, an aesthetic: the deglobalisation of fun

Global entertainment markets are experiencing a significant shift as local content increasingly displaces American dominance across music, television, and gaming. Streaming platforms have lowered barriers to entry, allowing regional creators to capture audiences with authentic, hyper-local productions. Meanwhile, the historical trajectory of the United States since the 1980s reflects a period of profound transformation, characterized by Reagan-era economic restructuring, the emergence of the AIDS crisis, the rise of the internet economy, and the geopolitical shifts following the 9/11 attacks. Beyond cultural and political trends, scientific research reveals that mosquitoes can be conditioned to associate the scent of DEET with blood meals, particularly when repellent application is inconsistent or diluted by sweat. While DEET remains the most effective defense, these findings highlight the potential for insects to adapt their behavior to human countermeasures in the wild.