Blog March 22, 2024

Using Tech for Good: Positive ways students are navigating social media

The Social Institute

In light of recent lawsuits against major social media companies like Meta, citing claims that their platforms are addictive and harmful, many people are discussing the challenges that many social media platforms provide. However, students are flipping the script and proving that there are many positive ways to navigate social media and tech. In a recent survey published on March 11th, 2024, Pew Research Center found that 69% of teens say smartphones help them pursue their creative hobbies and interests. Read on to discover how educators can encourage students to use social media to fuel health, happiness, and success.

Blog March 22, 2024

What educators need to know about AI-Generated YouTube content that is targeting younger students

The Social Institute

80% of U.S. parents of children 11 years old and younger say their kids watch YouTube, so it’s likely that millions of younger students will see AI-generated videos on the platform. This has sparked concern from experts, educators, and caregivers alike for various reasons, such as potentially unsettling themes in unreviewed AI-generated content, such as videos with glitchy visuals and disturbing soundtracks.  Let’s dive into the importance of equipping even our younger students how to spot misinformation.

Blog March 22, 2024

Navigating and addressing the rise of Delta-8 use among students

The Social Institute

A recent study conducted by the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California is shedding light on a trend many educators may be seeing among their students: approximately 11% of high school seniors have experimented with delta-8 THC. Keep reading to explore some research on how Delta-8 impacts students’ brains, why students are drawn to it, and how educators can empower students to handle the pressure of Delta-8 and substances both in and out of the classroom. 

Blog March 15, 2024

How a college student is using social media to build connection and belonging on his campus

The Social Institute

Brett Schultz, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), is one student harnessing social media’s power to change his community. After recognizing that many UNH students felt lonely, homesick, or like it was difficult to make friendships — existing issues made worse by the pandemic — Schultz has designed a new social media and e-commerce platform called Connector. Connector’s vision is in the name: Schultz hopes the app will help students build relationships and communities at UNH.

Blog March 15, 2024

Responses to the Meta outage and new TikTok bill highlight the importance of empowering students to strike a balance

The Social Institute

Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, experienced an unexpected social media outage on March 5th that captivated global attention. Platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Messenger, stopped working for a little more than two hours, leaving users momentarily disconnected from their online communities. That same week, it was also announced that a bill that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban is gaining momentum in the United States. Students’ reactions to both of these events is a reminder that we need to empower them to strike a balance.