Facebook was once the digital town square—a place to connect with friends, share life updates, and post dog photos. But over the years, that vision has unraveled. What’s left is a platform increasingly dominated by outrage, conspiracies, and hate speech. How did we get here? More importantly, why has Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, allowed this to happen? Engagement Over...

Rural America, home to nearly 60 million people (about 19% of the U.S. population), plays a crucial role in the nation's economy, agriculture, and energy production. However, small towns and farming communities already face numerous challenges, including declining populations, hospital closures, economic stagnation, and climate-related disasters. Project 2025, a policy initiative led by...

Recently in a few of the local Facebook groups I read, I’ve noticed something in my newsfeed that is both irking and alarming. Some people (many of whom I don’t know in person) are using Facebook as a virtual clothesline to air their dirty laundry. I’ve seen grown women rip their boyfriend’s exes to shreds through status updates, guys do the same thing about the ladies...

In the wake of President Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, the LGBTQ+ community has faced increased challenges due to policy changes and societal shifts. Despite these adversities, maintaining visibility on social media has become a crucial strategy for empowerment, community building, and advocacy. Below are notable examples that illustrate the importance of this visibility in the context...

Today, we’re diving into the real-world impact of misinformation on social media, particularly Facebook. How did a made-up story lead someone to bring a gun into a pizza shop? What really fueled the Capitol riot? We explore the thin line between lies online and violence offline. It’s tempting to scroll past a conspiracy theory or laugh off a wild comment section. But...