When Skid Row’s angel died this year, an entire city grieved. But Ms. Shirley’s legacy endures.
For nearly a decade, the Compton, California-born Raines dedicated her time and energy to serving LA's unhoused communities. After experiencing homelessness in her younger years, the mother of six was inspired to donate and distribute food and hygiene kits to Skid Row. Raines, along with volunteers, also applied makeup and styled the hair of people who hadn’t been to a salon in years.
Livestreaming her efforts on TikTok and Instagram, Raines amassed 7 million followers, many of whom were drawn not just to her philanthropy but also her beautiful smile and dynamic personality. Gregarious, quick to compliment, and as prone to break into dance as she was to hand out groceries or gift cards, Raines bewitched the screens and streets. The affection online was so deep that her followers helped fund her mission.
When Raines suddenly passed away in January, it felt like LA lost its matriarch, but the community she built is rallying to continue her work.
Head to the link to read more about Shirley Raines and her legacy.
https://t.co/nNxvUzlC5c
#Mash101
For years, the creator economy has been defined by scale: follower counts, virality, billion-dollar projections, and the constant churn of who might become the internet's next superstar.
But spending time online in 2026 can feel surprisingly personal. The creators people gravitate toward most aren't just entertaining massive audiences; they're building communities, documenting their lives with honesty, and making people feel like they’re part of the conversation instead of simply watching it.
This year's Mashable 101 in many ways reflects that shift. Some creators on our list command enormous audiences and shape culture at a global scale. Others have cultivated deeply loyal communities around hyper-specific passions, vulnerable storytelling, or the distinct ability to bring people joy online.
As our feeds increasingly become crowded with algorithmic noise, AI slop, and content engineered for attention, these are the creators who are making the internet feel human again.
Meet The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026.
Head to the link for the full list. ⬇️
https://t.co/6G477UTSiE
#Mash101
Far from a stern lecture about artificial intelligence, The AI Doc looks at both sides of the AI debate and gives you the knowledge to join the conversation.
Mashable and Focus Features are teaming up for two advanced screenings of ‘The AI Doc’ for fans in NYC and LA. To secure your seat — at no cost — all you have to do is fill out the linked entry form.
Hit the link to grab tickets. 🎟️ https://t.co/I1XgkjkZrx
Critics are roaring for Hamnet, calling it a front-runner of the Academy Award race for Best Picture. Luckily for fans of cinema and Shakespeare, you don’t have to wait for this raved-about drama to hit theaters.
Mashable and Focus Features are teaming up for a trio of advance screenings to bring Hamnet to keen viewers ahead of release.
Grab tickets here 🎟️: https://t.co/AYlo3bqQho
Critics are roaring for Hamnet, calling it a front-runner of the Academy Award race for Best Picture. Luckily for fans of cinema, Shakespeare, Paul Mescal, and Jessie Buckley, you don’t have to wait for this raved-about drama to hit theaters, we’re hosting advanced screenings!
Mashable and Focus Features are teaming up for a trio of advance screenings to bring Hamnet to keen viewers ahead of release.
Grab tickets here: https://t.co/AYlo3bqQho
Introducing ⚡️THE MASHABLE 101 ⚡️
Our first-ever list of the creators who entertained us, sparked conversations, inspired movements, & reminded us why the internet is worth scrolling.
GRWU as we meet the voices defining digital culture today #mashable101 🤝 https://t.co/KhZM65MJcU
The official ✨ Best of CES ✨ awards just dropped!
After hours of debate between Mashable, @PCMag, @Lifehacker, @CNET, and @ZDNET — here are the 12 best products from @CES!
@CTATech
https://t.co/83E9PgEEMB
I am very proud to announce my new biweekly column for @mashable.
Catch me talking all things Tech! My first piece explains how you can thrive in an AI-integrated workplace.
Also they made the dopest picture of me!!
https://t.co/TSTko7gACP
We’re on Good Morning America! GMA highlighted our programs with a feature. Our president, lead organizer, and 2 alumnae talked about the impact The Lighthouse has had on Black girls, women and folks from the Southeast. Check out their tribute to us here: https://t.co/8cME4fN4E2