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Scrolling to Spend - How Social Media Shapes your Shopping

 

By : Danica Lopez

Thur Dec. 19, 2024

 

Morrow, GA - Social media is always changing, and with that, people change as well. We tend to follow the trends and hop on the bandwagon of anything new. To not be left out and indulge on what’s current, we follow the crowds with our wallets open.

 

pTop social media platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and others are used daily. It is said that platforms are browsed and used for over 2 hours on average. This is how people find entertainment and what’s popular at the moment.

 

Being exposed to what is trending pulls in the viewer to be intrigued and be apart of latest. For example, the Stanley cup gained popularity on Tik Tok as it was constantly on displayed on people’s algorithm. Now everywhere you go, it seems that the Stanley cup follows. Every room has at least one Stanley cup now in days.

 

The psychology behind how social media influences one’s spending is fueled by emotion and rationality. With positive reviews of a product and it’s popularity on social media, it is inevitable to be to be purchased by viewers. The attachment of both admiration and reason drives our money to go flying for the product.

 

“90% trust peers on social media (even strangers); only 15-18% trust brands.” - Danny Brown, Award winning Marketer and Author.

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When Tradition Stifles Growth: The emotional Toll of Stubborn Educators on Today’s Students

 

by: Takhia Cobb 

 

Every Student from elementary to college has had a teacher that teaching style was simply too outdated. Either refusing to use online methods to not allowing digital communication with students with IEPs. 

But why is this harmful? 

 

Research shows that teachers significantly influence students' social and emotional well being. Having a teacher who only has an outdated, rigid method can lead students to having a lowered self esteem and reduce their motivation.

Yet in contrast, classrooms with modern teaching methods that foster emotional intelligence and social engagement have the opposite effect.

 

And while experience can contribute to effective teaching , studies suggest that newly trained teachers trained with fresh knowledge and a more student centered approach may be more effective than a veteran teacher.

 

Teachers have always been a part of academic anxiety, but in what way?

 

Studies show that teachers are strongly coordinated with students' anxiety, stubborn teachers who don’t adapt their methods often create a rigid environment which results in students feeling isolated, stressed, etc.

Opinion Section

 

What Can Affect a Student’s Mental Health?

by Karmyn R. 

 

A student’s mental health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including academic workload, friendships, and social media. Each of these elements can have both positive and negative effects on a student’s emotional well-being, making it important to find a balance in daily life.

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The Impact of Classwork and Homework

Homework and classwork are essential components of a student’s education, but they can also affect mental health in significant ways. On the positive side, academic activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and help students achieve their goals. However, when homework piles up and class schedules become overwhelming, they can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The pressure to perform well can interfere with sleep, social activities, and personal time, potentially leading to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

It’s crucial for educators and parents to find a balance, ensuring that academic demands are manageable and supportive of a student’s overall well-being.

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The Role of Friendships and Relationships

Friendships and social relationships at school are key to a student’s mental health. Positive friendships can provide emotional support, boost self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. On the other hand, toxic or negative relationships can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-worth, and increase mental health struggles. The social dynamics within a school environment play a significant role in a student’s emotional health, highlighting the importance of nurturing healthy, supportive relationships.

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The Effects of Social Media

Social media plays a major role in the lives of many students, but its impact on mental health can be complex. While it offers platforms for connection and self-expression, excessive use can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy due to comparison and cyberbullying.

Balancing online interactions with real-life experiences is essential for maintaining a healthy mental state. Taking breaks from social media and focusing on face-to-face interactions can help reduce the negative effects that come from online pressure.

 

In Conclusion

Homework and classwork can contribute to stress and burnout if not managed effectively. Meanwhile, positive, non-toxic friendships can enhance emotional well-being and help mitigate stress. Social media offers connectivity but can also contribute to anxiety and depression when overused. Striking a balance between academics, social relationships, and online interactions is key to maintaining a student’s mental health.

 

 

 

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Project 2025: The Real Threats to Education, Health, and Social Justice 

 

 by Takhia Cobb

 

Proposed Elimination of Federal Oversight in Education 

 

Project 2025 is a 900-page policy proposal from the Heritage Foundation that has seen somewhat intense debate regarding what would happen because of its implementation. Among those that have raised several eyebrows is the suggestion for limiting and eventually eliminating the federal Department of Education, as outlined on page 351: "Federal education policy should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated." While supporters say it would empower states by decentralizing educational oversight, critics recognize this as actually effecting a rollback in the gains made toward equal access by all students. Federal policies have been historically the crucial linchpin to ensuring that students of different races, backgrounds, and needs could learn together under the same roof, in the same classrooms, tearing down the barriers that states once maintained. Without the federal oversight, inequities in quality and access to education could take hold-most especially affecting communities that are already marginalized. 

 

Impact on Transgender Youth and Inclusion 

 

Policies Project 2025 goes on to advocate for policy that would force students to use facilities and take part in sports consistent with their biological sex. It cited concerns for safety and fairness. Yet, critics say the policies do just the opposite: They further stigmatize and marginalize. Assertions that one's transgender peers are a risk for others are not evidence-based at a wide scale but misconceptions to feed fear. The Human Rights Campaign reports, "29% of transgender youth have been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property, as compared to 7% of cisgender youth," and "43% of transgender youth have been bullied on school property, compared to 18% of cisgender youth." In cases where policies have gone into place, the potential dangers of these policies come to light in cases such as the tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student who was attacked for using the bathroom aligned with their gender identity.

 

Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Provisions

 

 The stance of Project 2025 on reproductive rights is that from conception, life is unquestionably present, and therefore "From the moment of conception, every human being possesses inherent dignity and worth." This would perhaps lead to an unwavering stance with respect to anti-abortion laws, thereby making the procedure criminal in nature and placing intense legal penalties on both patients and practitioners alike. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there have been reports that doctors are now holding back from treating complications of pregnancy for fear of possible legal consequences-a complication to treatment for miscarriages and other emergencies.

 

Reflections on Trump's Remarks and Larger Ramifications 

 

 Also resurfacing are remarks from Donald Trump, made in the past, which have figured into media reports covering the topics of leadership and respect toward women. One 2005 Access Hollywood recording was released in 2016, in which Trump was quoted to say: "I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab 'em by the p***.* Critics say this casual admission of behavior that fits the definition of sexual assault reflects disturbingly on attitudes toward consent and power dynamics. Trump's comments about his daughter Ivanka have also taken their fair share of criticism due to their apparent suggestiveness. In a 2006 appearance on The View, Trump said, "If Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her," while in a 2003 conversation with Howard Stern, he agreed when Ivanka was called "a piece of ass." Such comments have led to criticism about how Trump refers to women, even those within his family. The revised version focuses more on what probably would be the effects and criticisms of Project 2025, which will help readers understand the implications without losing neutrality in any respect.

Top 5 Study Tips to Jumpstart Spring Semester

by: Chloe' Wright 

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As the spring semester begins, it’s the perfect time to set new goals and become better.  Whether you’re aiming for better grades, improved time management, or a healthier balance between school and life, these top five study tips can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

 

1. Set Clear Goals

Start the semester by identifying what you want to achieve academically and personally. Clear, realistic goals will give you direction and motivation.

Use the SMART criteria for goal-setting: ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, aim to improve your GPA by dedicating two extra study hours per week for each class.

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2. Create a Study Schedule

Time management is crucial to academic success. Plan your study sessions in advance by creating a weekly schedule that includes:

  • Class times

  • Study blocks for each subject

  • Breaks and downtime

  • Extracurricular activities or part-time work

Stick to your schedule to build consistency. Use tools like Google Calendar or apps like Todoist to stay organized and receive reminders.

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3. Get a Study Nook 

Find a cool and relaxing place with minimal distractions. Keep essential materials like textbooks, notebooks, and stationery within reach. If background noise is an issue, consider using noise-canceling headphones or listening to instrumental music. A well-lit and tidy workspace can also boost your focus and productivity.

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4. Find Study Techniques

Find a technique that works for you. You might need repetition, or an organized notetaking system. 

  • Summarizing key concepts in your own words and put it in your own system. 

  • Creating flashcards for quick review

  • Review your Cornell Notes and quiz yourself! 

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5. Take Care of Your Well-Being

Your physical and mental health directly impact your ability to study effectively. Prioritize self-care by:

  • Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night

  • Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated

  • Exercising regularly to reduce stress

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Bonus Tip: Seek Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling. Good Luck and have an amazing semester! 

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