Social media promises connection, but delivers something much more complicated.
Social media has evolved from a simple tool for connection into a force that shapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. The original goal was to create a virtual space to communicate. Today, social media is a complex ecosystem that thrives on influence, aesthetics and shortening attention spans. Social media users are more than observers — they are audiences, creators, believers and, perhaps most critically, users are the product.
As influencers redefine credibility and aspiration, it becomes harder to find the line between authentic creation and performative content. Carefully curated aesthetics dominate feeds and encourage users to post idealized versions of their lives that quietly shape cultural standards of beauty, success and identity. Anonymous posting offers a different perspective that fosters honesty — sometimes brutal honesty — and vulnerability, enabling detachment, isolation and harm.
Much can be learned about artificial intelligence as it constantly develops in education and college settings.
Everyone has their own perspective on how AI should be used, how reliable it is, and what steps should be taken to adapt to the increasing relevance of technology and power of AI.
From the professional perspective of administrators at Kings College in Pennsylvania and surrounding universities, a talk was held to gauge opinions on the potential of AI to help students with writing, as well as the risks that it poses. Professors said that in terms of dealing with growing AI technology, their role is to educate students about ethical AI use (53%), while only 3% of participants believed that AI should not be used at all.
This aligns with data from Lehigh University students and faculty, that AI should be integrated into the classroom, but used in a way that is effective without hindering student learning.
Student empowerment is a good thing, but to what extent?
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have become a major topic of discussion in sports. This new legislation allows student-athletes to generate compensation, endorsements and sponsorships based off of their personal brand. At first glance, this form of student empowerment should be a positive for those involved in college athletes. Revenue sharing has allowed them to get a piece of what they generate for their schools. But the issue is not that cut and dry.
Although student-athletes are more powerful than ever before, this financial incentive to play creates a power imbalance between NCAA teams. Larger teams with more money and resources to pour into their athletic programs are better equipped to recruit and retain high-end talent than smaller schools are.
Who built this site?
Meet the Lehigh University students who created this website.