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     Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of starting over. Not in a dramatic or reckless way, but in a more intentional sense. It is easy to fall into routines that no longer feel aligned with who you are, yet still continue them simply because they are familiar.      The idea of stepping away from a job and school, especially without financial security, is often seen as irresponsible and impulsive. Society places a lot of value on things like stability, productivity, and constant forward movement or growth. But it raises an important question about what productivity really means.       Part of what has been influencing this mindset is my experience staying at a monastery before. It was one of the few times in my life where everything felt quiet in the best way. The days were simple and structured, but not overwhelming. There was a focus on being present, contributing in small ways, and just existing without constant pressure....

Social media affects our lives in a lot of different ways, and not all of them are good. One major downside is how it can impact mental health, especially for younger people. It is very common for people of all ages to get sucked into social media and become absorbed with what it seems other people have that you don't. Spending a lot of time scrolling and comparing yourself to others is linked with more symptoms of depression and anxiety. According to a study from JAMA Psychiatry, showed that teens who spend more than three hours on social media each day were more likely to report internalizing problems like anxiety and depression compared to teens who spent less time on these platforms. (Riehm) Social media use can be linked to real emotional harm At the same time, social media has helped people speak up and be heard in ways that weren’t possible before. It gives everyday people the ability to share their experiences and bring attention to issues without needing traditional media....

  The internet has completely changed how we experience and share culture in everyday life. From social media to streaming and online communities, it’s easier than ever for people to express themselves and connect with others around the world. Things that used to stay local can now go viral in seconds, influencing trends, language, and even values. Because of this, the internet doesn’t just reflect culture anymore, it actively shapes it.  One clear way the internet has changed culture is by making it easier for global cultural exchange in ways that never existed before. On the internet, you have access to things like fashion, food recipes, and music from other cultures. This is very progressive for our society as we learn from each other and develop cultural competency skills through learning.  Cultural practices that used to be strictly to a local community now mix with others and influence each other people across countries. Even values and morals start blending togethe...

Caitlyn Breen  In this class, I hope to learn new ways of how to utilize the internet. I'm excited to expand my knowledge of internet history and learn more about how the internet impacts our daily in person lives.