Media Law & Literacy 2020

For the past year or so, I have grown more resistant and less eager to scroll through the laundry list of different apps that haunt my phone. I am definitely more aware and conservative with my screen time. Whether I am feeling bored, looking for something to do, or trying to pass the time, my brain immediately thinks it would be a good idea to unlock my phone and fall into the rabbit hole of information. In general, it seems impossible to unlock your phone without becoming distracted by the numerous notifications that take over your home and lock screen. Screen time has become such a normal activity, that we do not even realize the daily toll it takes on our psychological well-being. In a research article published by the US National Library of Medicine , the association between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and young adults was examined. After collecting information from the parents of 44,734 children, researchers concluded that children who are high...

As we enter May, the current pandemic that we are fighting has started to become even more bizarre and surreal. Colleges and universities are closed and conducting online classes, curfews and lockdowns have been put into place and our favorite restaurants and stores are no longer safe. While we sit comfortable and safe at home, healthcare workers are continuing to battle this invisible opponent every day, on the front lines of the medical field. Although, this time is marked by closures and isolation, many stores and restaurants in local communities are finding ways to scaffold support for our nation’s essential workers. Through the use of technology, creativity, and kindness these supports are thriving. In my small town of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, folks in the community have been busy thinking outside the box on how we can be most helpful to essential workers. A local restaurant , "The Rising Sun Inn", has decided to give back to our essential workers and families in nee...