How GenZ is using peer mentorship to help their own “digital wellness.” October 13th, 2023 was a day to celebrate progress for education. California had just passed Assembly Bill No. 873 which mandates “Media Literacy” into core curriculums throughout the state’s public K-12 schools. Eighteen other states were taking similar action. The momentum was … [Read more...] about Teens to Teachers: “We Got This.”
Social Media
Media Literacy Guide for Minorities
Media is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, so integrated that we cannot live without being affected by it. What we watch shapes our perception on topics, it changes our behaviors, and it has become a major part of our culture. Research from the National Center for Health Statistics from July 2021 – December 2023 revealed that teenagers from the ages of 12-17 spend four or … [Read more...] about Media Literacy Guide for Minorities
Unplugging the Myth: Why Smartphones Aren’t the Only Cause of Modern Anxiety
The Internet and news articles are full of advice on the need to cut screen-time and go fully off-line for the sake of well-being. The ideas went to schools and now we have international debates about banning phones in the classrooms. I myself was a big advocate for removing phones from everyday life, or, at least, having a 45 minutes limit for using social media. However, … [Read more...] about Unplugging the Myth: Why Smartphones Aren’t the Only Cause of Modern Anxiety
Social Media and Diasporic Digital Communion: The Ukrainian Experience
Abstract Today's digital diasporas, enabled by the tools of virtual communication, create a contemporary, global, open public space that enables the voices of a wide range of individuals who would otherwise be unable to express their perspectives within the diaspora. Some of those who participate in the digital diasporas might not otherwise be included in the diasporic … [Read more...] about Social Media and Diasporic Digital Communion: The Ukrainian Experience
Three Case Studies of Power in Pixels: The Female Protagonist in Viral Protest Photography
Abstract Using a social semiotic framework, this study analyzes three iconic protest images from different socio-cultural contexts to examine their visual rhetoric and impact. By comparing the visual elements, narratives, and affective power of these images, the article speaks to the role of digital visual culture in social justice movements. In doing so, the research … [Read more...] about Three Case Studies of Power in Pixels: The Female Protagonist in Viral Protest Photography
Voices from the Front Lines: First Responders’ Perspectives on the Role of Media Literacy in Emergency Management
Abstract This reflection explores the perspectives of first responders from various countries on the importance and relevance of media literacy skills in their profession. Through a series of in-depth interviews and dialogues with firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and paramedics from diverse cultural and operational backgrounds, I uncover the unique … [Read more...] about Voices from the Front Lines: First Responders’ Perspectives on the Role of Media Literacy in Emergency Management
A Generational Change in Information Consumption: Approaches for Teaching Information Literacy
Abstract 20th century generations grew up with a worldview predicated on epistemological methods that enabled the discernment of concrete realities. With the emergence of the internet in the early 2000s as the primary means of information consumption, the 21st century’s concrete realities became less structured and more opaque. Generation Z and Generation Alpha now face a rate … [Read more...] about A Generational Change in Information Consumption: Approaches for Teaching Information Literacy
You Won’t Believe the Media’s Biggest Issue
Congratulations! You’ve just been clickbaited! If you spend any time on the internet, whether it’s browsing Google, YouTube, or even social media platforms, you’ve 100% come across articles or posts with titles that would be considered ‘clickbait.’ Clickbait is a form of media propaganda which includes a title that is often misleading and far off from the … [Read more...] about You Won’t Believe the Media’s Biggest Issue
Snapchat’s “My AI”
In February of 2023, Snapchat released the new artificial intelligence powered chat box “My AI” to subscribers of Snapchat Plus. The feedback has been nothing but negative. The chat box, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT feature, functions to offer up appropriate answers to any question that a user asks. According to Snapchat’s CEO, Evan Spiegel, the chat box intends to … [Read more...] about Snapchat’s “My AI”
Body Image in the Age of Social Media
In today's day and age, we are all very aware of media concerns regarding all types of topics. The one that truly stands out to all ages is a person's body image on social media. Images of women are everywhere because of celebrities and influencers. Popular film and television actresses are becoming younger, taller and thinner. Women’s magazines are full of articles urging that … [Read more...] about Body Image in the Age of Social Media
Algorithms: Everyone’s an Influencer
With the growth of TikTok and other social media platforms, just about anyone can blow up on the internet. The rise to fame can happen instantaneously; we have seen this recently with influencers such as Charli D’Amelio and Alix Earle. These everyday people grew into internet superstars after their TikTok videos went viral. Playing the algorithm makes it so easy to rise to … [Read more...] about Algorithms: Everyone’s an Influencer
Youth and Anxiety: Captivated by Social Media
Society today revolves around social media. Whether it is to read the news, keep up with friends, or watch videos as a pastime, it is difficult to go a day without using social media. Social media can be very damaging to one's mental health and anxiety. While social media is a great asset, some people do not always use it in a positive way. No matter someone's age, they … [Read more...] about Youth and Anxiety: Captivated by Social Media
Media Literacy Education Refutes Stereotypes
Historically, the media has been guilty of perpetuating various stereotypes through the images in newspapers, television, and movies. Television in the late 20th century most commonly depicted Black individuals as athletes or, more destructively, criminals. During the same period, very few women were in roles reflecting them as individuals in power or heroic roles. … [Read more...] about Media Literacy Education Refutes Stereotypes
Growing Up with the Internet
The internet is one of the most powerful and influential forces today, affecting nearly every aspect of our lives. Almost everything, in some way or another, connects to the internet and the media, and because of this, many positives and negatives come out of them. One of these subjects is how the media and the internet generally affect kids and teenagers. In today's age, … [Read more...] about Growing Up with the Internet
Delete that App: TikTok and Mental Health
Have you ever been scrolling on TikTok and found yourself lost in your phone, not remembering how long you’ve spent sitting looking at your screen? If you have, you are certainly not alone. The newly cemented app, TikTok, is a streaming and video content app that has over 30 million active users. 60% of these users consist of Gen Z young adults. These young adults are … [Read more...] about Delete that App: TikTok and Mental Health
Toxicity in Sports Media
The world of sports media and journalism can be a wonderful and horrific place. It can be a beautiful place where fans of a team or of a sport can discuss and debate in what you hope to be a friendly manner. However, this world of social media mixed with the sports can be harsh for the athletes as it now truly pays to be toxic in sports. The Kevin Durant Injury In … [Read more...] about Toxicity in Sports Media
Are TikTok and YouTube affecting Broadcast?
TikTok and Youtube are slowly taking over the world generation by generation. When I say slowly, I mean just within the past four years– which is not slow at all. Media has been a big problem since the advent of these platforms. The term fake news spawns, and it can all start with a TikTok someone comes upon. There are very few rules and regulations you have to go through when … [Read more...] about Are TikTok and YouTube affecting Broadcast?
Prioritizing You: Understanding the Influence of Social Media
Let's be honest... If you're reading this right now and you have a social media account, you probably spend more than an hour a day scrolling. But do not worry, you're not alone. I do it too as do 80% of Americans, according to DataReportal. The average use of social media in America is 2.5 hours (Dixon). That being said, the real questions we should be asking ourselves are how … [Read more...] about Prioritizing You: Understanding the Influence of Social Media
Machine Learning, But Are Classes Learning?
An original version of this article was published in MxMIndia, a media news and opinion portal from Mumbai, India. My big takeaway from 2022 is that social media and pandemic have launched a joint and effective assault on classroom learning. When I look at some social media content from younger folks, I see so much creativity and social awareness, sensitivity and … [Read more...] about Machine Learning, But Are Classes Learning?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is a Fantasy Fiction novel by author V.E. Schwab published on October 6, 2020. The story follows a young girl by the name of Addie LaRue who lives in 1714 France, as she is about to be married off to a man she does not know. In a moment of utter desperation, she prays for more time. Unfortunately, the god she has prayed to answers her plea, … [Read more...] about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
