Blog

Did you know that students’ social media activity might be under scrutiny when it comes to college admissions? According to a recent survey conducted by Kaplan, 28% of college admissions officers actively look at applicants’ social media profiles. Even more striking is the fact that 67% of these officers believe it’s fair game to consider social media when making admissions decisions. Because students’ lives are increasingly intertwined with social media platforms, it’s no surprise that colleges are taking a peek behind the curtain to learn more. It’s a new frontier in the college application process, and understanding its implications is crucial for aspiring students.

Read more

K-12 schools everywhere are faced with digital distractions, A.I. deepfakes, cyberbullying, and much more impacting their students. Without an innovative and proactive approach to social media, A.I., and tech education, these challenges can affect students’ health, happiness, and ability to learn. Laura Tierney, Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, is no stranger to these challenges. Seeing the need for tech education, Laura created #WinAtSocial, a comprehensive program with turnkey lessons on navigating A.I., social media, and devices to equip students with the life skills for the modern day. We sat down with Laura to learn more about how #WinAtSocial is supporting school communities and empowering students to use apps and devices in high-character ways. 

Read more

From viral sleep hacks to groundbreaking A.I. innovations, today’s students are constantly navigating a fast-moving digital landscape. Trends like “sleepmaxxing” promise better rest but often mix science with questionable advice, making it crucial for students to think critically before adopting new self-care routines. At the same time, students are developing groundbreaking tech, like an A.I. app that translates American Sign Language in real-time, improving accessibility for the deaf community. With social media fueling both innovation and overwhelming trend cycles, students need support in balancing the pressure to keep up with making informed choices.

Read more

From Google releasing A.I. that can have a positive impact on student learning to social media confession accounts and TikTok rumors, digital trends are constantly shifting. That’s where we come in—we keep you informed on the latest student trends and equip you with the tools to help students think critically, make healthy decisions, and use technology responsibly. Together, we can empower students to surround themselves with positive role models, harness tech for good, and cyberback one another when challenges arise.

Read more

Students are always looking for ways to stay connected with their friends, no matter how busy life gets. With nearly 100% of Gen Z engaged in active group chats, these online spaces remain one of the top ways to keep in touch with friends and family, whether they’re managing school, extracurriculars, or time away from campus. However, quick communication among large groups can sometimes lead to challenges, such as misinterpreting a message or a joke that goes too far. As educators, how can we empower students to navigate — or even avoid — group chat drama? Let’s explore some strategies.

Read more