local
‘Whataboutism’ makes the internet exhausting. Why people think this way
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 16, 2026
· 10 min read
By Kristen Rogers, CNN
(CNN) — Scrolling on TikTok during a break one day, I watched a content creator named Kara make a vegan bean soup recipe to boost her iron levels during her menstrual period.
“All my anemic girlies this one is for you,” the young woman from central Florida, who goes by ...
Key takeaway ” and “Can I substitute the beans with something else?
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where community and family ties are strong, the "bean soup theory" phenomenon raises interesting questions about how residents engage with online content. As locals scroll through social media, they may come across recipes, lifestyle tips, or morning routines that don't necessarily apply to their own lives. The experts' observations about egocentric processing and the limitations of critical thinking and empathy are particularly relevant in a city where people from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses interact. El Pasoans may find themselves wondering how this phenomenon plays out in their own online communities, such as local Facebook groups or Twitter forums, where discussions about everything from traffic to school events can quickly turn personal. By recognizing the "bean soup theory" in action, El Paso residents can take a step back and consider how their own online interactions might be influenced by this mindset.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Kristen Rogers, CNN
(CNN) — Scrolling on TikTok during a break one day, I watched a content creator named Kara make a vegan bean soup recipe to boost her iron levels during her menstrual period.
“All my anemic girlies this one is for you,” the young woman from central Florida, who goes by ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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