1. It’s unbelievably accessible.
As a generation, we are relentlessly reading and writing. We have constant access to the technology that keeps us connected– not only to our refined personal network, but to an infinite expanse of opinions and information.
Social media platforms can bring news straight to your feed, by simply following outlets, pages and accounts. By news, I do not mean the “Discover” page on Snapchat filled with stories about celebrity pregnancies and personality quizzes. I mean real news: newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events.
2. You vote. (And if you don’t, you should.)
We, as college students, are in critical formative years. We, too, have a strong voice and control in American politics. Our interests, values and beliefs are changing because we’re being exposed to education, teachers and peers that combined, build our identities.
Since you have the right to vote, it’s also critical that you become an informed voter. Know what you want, who you believe is going to best achieve that and include your voice in the country’s narrative.
3. You learn.
Reading anything is statistically proven to improve your communication abilities, including speaking, writing, vocabulary, etc. “Extensive reading was linked to superior performance on measures of general knowledge, vocabulary, spelling, verbal fluency and reading comprehension,” determined Cunningham and Stanovich in 1998.
4. We’re living in momentous times.
From presidential elections to local movements, legislation passed to culture created, history is unfolding before our eyes– and before our smartphones. Pay attention so that you can know about it, talk about it, and be a part of it. We are very fortunate to be exposed to so many different viewpoints and voices and that we can share in that dialogue with platforms we already use daily.