Opinion

Getting Off Social Media

A couple of years ago, I was aimlessly scrolling through my social media when I received a notification that read, “Average Screen Time: 7 hours and 26 minutes.” That’s when I knew I was in desperate need of a change. Social media is addicting. According to Jefferson Health, “Social media platforms drive surges of dopamine […]

Opinion

Is Going Green Just A Phase?

The latest marketing ploy this Valentine’s season is definitely less romantic than expected. With the day of love just around the corner, the average consumer is bombarded by brands taking advantage of the holiday through product packaging, advertisements, and social media. While most people try to put their best foot forward on the first date, […]

Opinion

Holes in the Education System

Today, there are major issues disrupting the education of America’s youth. Though there are many reasons for our lack of positive educational outcomes, one of the most blatant factors is the nationwide shortage of teachers. Infamous school reputations, inadequate pay and benefits, and safety risks are discouraging people from the profession. “The profession was vilified […]

Opinion

True Self Care: Going to the Gym

Self-care is the latest trend taking almost everyone’s social media algorithm by storm. Although my latest form of self-care has involved staying off social media, my TikTok “For You” Page was largely characterized by daily vlogs, recipe ideas, beauty product recommendations, and other content intended to inspire healthy living. Nonetheless, I found that most of […]

Opinion

Where’s the Beef?

In recent years, vegetarian food is all the rage. Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, founded in 2009 and 2011 respectively, have launched over a dozen plant-based “meatless” foods, including burgers, steak, chicken, pork, sausages, and jerky. Both companies have even partnered with restaurants, leading to the creation of vegan meals at fast food chains like […]

Opinion

Fitness Journey Expectations

Over the past two to three years, gym content on social media has become very popular; people tend to post about optimal workouts and transition videos that show what people looked like before and after a lifestyle change. Nonetheless, there are behind the scenes circumstances that are less transparent. Steroid use is very apparent in […]

Opinion

The Forgotten Art of Connecting

The spring semester is often marked with new classes, familiar faces, and the same coursework.Generally speaking, I did well making new friends from my classes last semester. Those I developed a deeper relationship with, I kept in touch with over winter break. Nonetheless, I lost touch with those whom I was merely acquainted. You would […]

Opinion

Out With the Old, In With Zoom

It’s easy to forget that when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, classes were initially moved online for only two weeks. After over two years, it is safe to say that the day-to-day ramifications of the pandemic are largely resolved as Monmouth University’s classes, clubs, and student activities are back in full swing, maskless, and […]