Pop Culture

Level Up: New Roblox Update Changes the Game

By: Ari-Anna Green

On November 18th, 2025, the popular child-targeted game Roblox released an update that requires users, who previously were able to access the chat feature without restriction, to send pictures of themselves from various angles to verify their age. Without this age verification, players are unable to talk in the chat. This update would be beneficial in theory but this has been proven wrong. The very same update that was meant to protect children, puts others in uncomfortable situations.

This update restricts users to only be able to talk to others within their age group, which is identified through the age verification. There is one problem with this— not everyone looks their age. Imagine you’re a 10 year old and you get placed in the 18+ category, or you're 20 and are placed in the 13-15 category? You may think this is not a realistic encounter– but there is one reason that this is actually very common. The ages are verified by Artificial Intelligence. AI is not a trustworthy source and CAN make mistakes. Not only this, AI does not have the experiences to differentiate between different age groups.

In addition to this mistake caused by the use of AI, it is very easy to use a family member’s face or simply put a photo in front of the camera. By "separating" age groups with an easily bypassable system, you also remove the adult mediators that can and WILL protect children from predators.

Honestly, this update was just a rushed response to the backlash Roblox faced regarding Schlep, a well-known youtuber, getting banned for catching child predators. It really shows that the Roblox team doesn’t care about protecting children– they care about protecting their reputation.

Inside the Mind of the Wicked

By: Isabella Anglin-Taylor

Big hit “Wicked: Part 1” was released a year ago back in November 22, 2024, with a horde of public conferences and issues surrounding the film adaptation of the musical “Wicked;” and people’s excitement through the roof. However, fans went ecstatic when the sequel “Wicked: for Good” released in theaters directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

The movie earned a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes in November, but switched up fast in December with a percentage of 68% with some viewers stating it is better than the first film. Although, a lot disagree with that statement some critics finding it a darker, more focused, and satisfying conclusion, while others argue that it doesn't live up to the first part and has some new issues like dim lighting and a reliance on references. I personally think its better than the first one, but what does yellow team think?

Sixth graders, Kylie Bereau and Christopher Winsor, think, “‘Wicked: Part Two's’ music is better than part 1.” Another student, Mia Rodriguez disagrees saying, “The first part was better, but they are both so good.” Out of the yellow team, so far a total of three kids watched “Wicked: Part 2” and two kids think it's better than the first, but I personally think that “Wicked: For Good” is alot better emotionally.

There has been some trouble on the filming set with online rumors talking about the “Judy Garland effect” which refers to back luck for the people who play roles related to the “Wizard of Oz” franchise.

Some people wonder why a second version was made, but if they made it into one movie it would be 4 hours and 58 minutes. The producers thought that would be too long, so they split it into two movies.

Fan’s Top 5 rated Clips “Wicked For Good” (Part 2) are:

The emotional climax
The message of a long lasting friendship
The “defying gravity” reprise
Visual and atmospheres clip
Character resolutions.

Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande (the people who played Glinda and Elphaba) did some interesting things to grow into their roles. For example, Ervio changed her perfume every scene depending on what the emotion is represented. Grande and Ervio decided to get matching tattoos “wicked for good” to remember their time playing these big roles.

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