DL 347
Understanding and Overcoming
Hello all. Here's Digitally Literate, issue #347.
🔖 Key Takeaways
- Belonging Uncertainty: How feelings of doubt about belonging impact performance and inclusion.
- Facebook and Mental Health: Exploring the platform's effects on college students.
- Bypassing Censorship: Five innovative ways independent media continue operating under restrictive regimes.
📚 This Week’s Highlights
1. Humpback Whale Jumps Out of Water Landing on Kayakers
This viral moment from years ago is now part of a broader narrative by wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill, culminating in the book How to Speak Whale, which explores efforts to understand and communicate with cetaceans.
2. Research Reveals Facebook’s Negative Impact on College Students’ Mental Health
A study linking Facebook usage to increased anxiety and depression among college students leverages data on the platform’s launch timeline and health assessments.
Why this matters: While Facebook’s effects are debated, this study adds a critical datapoint on social media's potential harm.
3. Meta Has Made Thousands of Dollars from Hate Speech Ads
Despite its hate speech policies, Facebook profited from ads containing anti-LGBTQ slurs, revealing challenges in enforcing moderation policies effectively.
Why this matters: These actions highlight the complexities of content moderation and platform accountability.
4. Five Ways Independent Media Get Around Censorship in Russia
Amid Russia’s efforts to block independent coverage of the Ukraine war, journalists employ creative strategies like mirror sites, newsletters, and podcasts to reach audiences.
Why this matters: These methods demonstrate resilience in ensuring access to independent information.
5. Understanding and Overcoming Belonging Uncertainty
Coined by Geoffrey Cohen and Gregory Walton, “belonging uncertainty” refers to doubts about acceptance in a given environment, with significant impacts on performance and self-perception.
Why this matters: Addressing these doubts can foster inclusion and help individuals reach their potential.
6. The $15 Gadget Eliminating Cell Phone Use in Schools and Concerts
[Yondr Pouches](https://www.overyondr.