Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

At this point in the technological timeline, the effects of phone addictions, excessive social media use and reduced attention spans are well documented. What was once new and exciting is now being turned against.

Nearly 50% of social media users are expected to abandon or significantly reduce their usage this year, as a result of the decreasing quality on platforms. Deleting harmful accounts and reducing screen time is not bad, but the replacements are lackluster.

Substack, Pinterest and other “peaceful” apps are being pointed at as better alternatives to Instagram and Tiktok. There are no fifteen second videos or mindless debates, instead timelines are curated with aesthetically pleasing images, quotes from respected creatives and pieces written from those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The content is meant to be enjoyed slowly, as opposed to the frantic consumption of Instagram reels. However, they are just as repetitive as any other app. 

People are pursuing intellectualism in a cookie cutter way that makes them boring. Where there was once a new influencer, there is now an up and coming author. A trending audio is replaced by a jazz record. 

People are unable to be unique not because of what they consume but because they are not living or thinking for themselves. Social media sabbaticals and niche interests are authentic when they are discovered, not sold.

In a time where uninformed individuals are causing irreversible harm, there is a pressure to appear intelligent to be set apart. Knowledge equates to empathy, and thus appearing well informed defends one’s character. Consistent defense, however, is a performance.

The cycle nearly half of internet users are trying to escape from is being rebranded. People are rejecting Instagram, Tiktok and X because they perceive creators and their posts to be lackluster.

Further, they believe the consumption is interfering with their critical thinking. Unfortunately, they are not analyzing or deeply reflecting on the articles they read, either. 

Users would find the most success by changing their audience behavior, not necessarily their content consumption. Without doing so, apps will continue to face the shunning their predecessors have.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“The pursuit of intellectualism is diminishing individuality” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Following one of President Trump’s early executive orders, Target, Amazon, Google and other corporations quickly dropped diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives. As other companies rejected proposals and defended their DEI pledges, consumers took note of those who laid down without a fight and canceled programs as quickly as possible.

Economic blackouts and boycotts have garnered attention as a potential solution. Ranging from a single day to forty, consumers are looking to reclaim their purchasing power. Though efforts are noble, they are short-lived; to successfully hold companies accountable, consumers must re-evaluate their consumption and spending habits.

The boycotts intersect with increased anti-consumption sentiments. From “underconsumption core” to “no spend January,” people are looking to own and spend less. Both efforts, however, struggle to translate offline.

In late February, numerous social media posts calling for an economic blackout day, reaching millions of viewers. The results, however, did not mirror the substantial digital turnout. Target, which has received the most backlash, only saw 11% fewer in-store customers. While lower than the average number of visits, it is nowhere near enough to meaningfully impact the powerhouse chain.

Boycotts are not equipped to shut down Fortune 500 companies. The damage they bring to revenue is minimal and rarely lasts beyond a few weeks.

Short lived boycotts, such as upcoming and past ones, are harmful. It is not enough to reject Target on Friday and purchase household items from them on Tuesday. Doing so prepares companies to wait out until consumers eventually give in and allows participants to remain half in and half out.

Just as companies are criticized for performative support, the same must be done for boycotts. Few are calling to permanently reject companies who have rolled back their DEI.

The root of performative boycotting and long-term change can be found in re-evaluating consumption patterns. Spending has steadily increased with each passing decade as it has never been easier to shop since the popularization of online buying.

Shoppers also use purchases and their accompanying experiences for emotional and spiritual fulfillment. The dopamine from a clothing purchase is seen as a supplement for therapy, and a quick trip inside a retail store is the highlight of someone’s day. These emotional attachments make boycotting much harder.

If people want to reclaim the power of their dollar, they must learn to question the necessity of their purchases. Boycotting is easy when one realizes they can live without another t-shirt or gadget that will be forgotten about months from now. 

Long-term boycotting also requires a rejection of convenience. Finding second-hand items or paying a hefty price for ethically made goods is not a common practice. It is often rejected, despite being a favorable alternative to pouring into disappointing corporations. However, it must be understood that disruption cannot exist alongside comfortability.

Boycotts will not dismantle our economy, but that does not render them entirely ineffective. They put pressure on companies, but that pressure must be sustained.

To those looking to align their purchases with their morals, challenging personal spending behaviors is necessary. From there, one should find alternatives to loved and convenient companies.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Why short-lived boycotts fail to make a dent in corporate giants” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Every culture has a unique variation of traditions that represent the pride of its people. Family members and community members may pass down instructions for these, but that is not always the case. Languages, recipes, dances and more are often expected to be intuitively known.

Those who do not grasp key cultural elements are often looked down upon, facing judgment and alienation. They, then, have to learn their culture for themselves. While this may feel counterintuitive and even embarrassing, it is a fulfilling journey that should be encouraged.

School systems and other educational outlets are notoriously inadequate at teaching non-white history. These inadequacies have only grown worse as attacks on diversity continue. The consequences are more than a lackluster reading list; these regulations prevent students from knowing the triumphs and lives of their ancestors.

It is not safe to assume all cultural practices are being taught in the home. For many black and brown individuals, records from their bloodlines have been destroyed or lost.

Assimilation also largely influences what information and customs are passed down. To survive, many families were forced to give up the ways of their people and must continue to today.

A lack of cultural knowledge can lead to a rocky sense of identity. A feeling akin to imposter syndrome, some feel their inability to speak their native language or understand references takes away from who they are.

If one does not learn history and traditions from home or school, independent studying is the next option. But, as if finding an avenue to do this is not hard enough, the learner must confront complex feelings that arise in their journey.

Culture is not just the act of doing or knowing something, it is how people connect. For someone learning their native language, they may feel ashamed that they cannot speak with family members due to the language barrier. The lack of a richer connection and strong personal stake add to typical frustrations.

Fear also comes from practicing. Stumbling over words or incorrectly performing a ritual activity invites comparisons to the correct way. The learner may be judged by onlookers or be hard on themselves for not knowing better.

Though the process may be difficult, enculturation is extremely important. Now more than ever, with digital access to information and others who openly share the same journey, people have the opportunity to close the knowledge gap. 

No matter how much or little is passed down, there is always more to know. It is impossible for a single family to relay the entire history of their people. There is always more history, events and people to know.

Learning one’s culture can lead to a stronger sense of identity. Rather than feeling like an outsider looking in, one’s new expertise will encourage them to proudly claim who they are and display those characteristics. This is not to say they could not before, but self-exploration provides confidence.

It is common for practices to change from generation to generation and even get lost entirely, but there is always a chance for reclamation. There is no shame in learning one’s culture and doing so should be applauded.

Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Learning one’s culture should be encouraged” was originally posted on The Cougar