Wake up, check your phone, refresh your newsfeeds, watch a video of a dog driving a minivan that your uncle shared on Facebook and finally get out of bed. For many, this cycle comes as no surprise. We live in a digital age where media is constantly present and continuously affects our lives. However, we also possess the power to choose what forms of media we view every day. Because of this, we need to remain well rounded when it comes to media and choose our outlets wisely. This is probably my inner communications major talking, but being well rounded within media is so integral to living in the digital age, even if your line of work isn’t necessarily within the media aperture. Here are five websites to help you get started:
theSkimm, my personal favorite, is a daily email newsletter that gets sent to your inbox around 7 AM every weekday morning. Within it they include current events that range from pop culture to politics. The best part? The writing breaks down each story into digestible pieces so readers can actually understand what they’re reading. The newsletter is also laced with witty humor and who can say no to that?
As college students, we’re slowly learning how to navigate the professional world. Need a little help? Cue Levo, a website designed to help those in the beginning stages of their career navigate the professional world through technology. From helpful guides to allowing users to build connections and learn how to make the most of their “thinking talents”, this website is a must for every young professional.
This lifestyle website has nearly everything. Known for their style section, Refinery29 seeks to help women live a more stylish and creative life. What I like the best about their website is their relevance. They provide readers with everyday reads like pop culture news but also include tips and tricks to developing your personal style.
The website, founded in 2011, serves as a positive community for women. With articles curated to issues that matter most to young women, the site enables readers to read up on everything from culture to relationships. My favorite part? Zooey Deschanel is a co-founder, which pretty much solidifies the site as an adorkable media platform.
Last but not least is Girlgaze, a website and movement. The website, as well as their Instagram account @Girlgazeproject, is dedicated to the photographs of female photographers. They showcase beautiful photos curated by Amanda de Cadenet, Amy Astley, Inez Van Lamsweerde, Amber Valletta, Lynsey Addario, and Sam Taylor-Johnson. Not only are the photos inspiring, but the movement behind all of it make them that more powerful: the visibility and support of the next generation of female photographers and the empowerment of the female perspective.