Society Archives

Is YouTube Considered Social Media? Here’s What to Know

Is YouTube considered social media? What qualifies as a social networking site? YouTube is one of the most popular websites in the world. Launched in 2005, users can upload videos on their channel, including music videos, news clips, short films, vlogs, and more. Its other features such as stories, community posts, and YouTube Shorts make interactions between users much easier. Let’s figure out if YouTube is social media by first looking at what qualifies as social media and if YouTube shares any of these features.

The Most Powerful Economies in the World, According to GDP

What are the most economically successful countries in the world? Does the GDP of a country accurately reflect its standard of living? The top three countries by GDP—the United States, China, and Japan—seem to thrive on the surface. However, a closer inspection tells a different story: High GDP doesn’t necessarily translate into a high standard of living. Here’s a closer look at the most powerful economies in the world.

A Closer Look at the Carbon Footprint of Transportation

What percentage of carbon emissions come from transportation? Is it possible to eliminate CO2 emissions in the transportation industry? Statistics show that one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions is transportation/shipping. According to Vaclav Smil, the author of Numbers Don’t Lie, it would take a radical change to go carbon-neutral in these industries. Let’s look at the numbers behind the carbon footprint of the transportation and shipping industries.

The Hedonic Treadmill: An Endless Pursuit of Happiness

What is the “hedonic treadmill”? Why are so many of us stuck in this emotional cycle? How can you get out of it? Much of life is a tug-of-war between various aspects of existence—we’re caught in the struggle between what we desire and life’s obstacles. Author Derren Brown argues that this struggle in modern society has trapped many of us in a destructive emotional cycle called the hedonic treadmill. Read on to learn how Brown explains the dangers of the hedonic treadmill and how to end the cycle.

U.S. Marijuana Laws Are Changing—Here’s What to Know

What’s currently happening with U.S. marijuana laws? Is the “War on Drugs” ending? What’s the future of marijuana? President Biden has just announced pardons for federal marijuana charges, which could mark the beginning of the end of the war on drugs. Additionally, if passed, a new marijuana law reform bill could mean all 50 states will soon embrace some degree of marijuana legalization. Read on to learn about the new changes to U.S. marijuana laws, including the historical context of the war on drugs.

Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi

More than 50 years after the Civil Rights Movement and more than 14 years after electing its first Black president, why is the United States still divided along racial lines? What is the new theory of racism? That’s the central question of Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, which argues that contrary to common wisdom, racism doesn’t begin with prejudice and hatred. It begins with self-serving policies whose proponents justify their actions by inventing racist ideas. Below is a brief overview of the key takeaways from Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi.

What to Know About OPEC+’s Oil Price Increase

Why is there going to be an oil price increase? What effect will this have on you and the economy overall? OPEC+, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, recently announced plans to cut global oil production. With this announcement comes concerns about oil price increases and how this will impact gas prices for consumers as well as the U.S. economy overall. Keep reading to learn about the impending oil price increase, including possible energy solutions we should consider.

Uplift Suasion: You Can’t Persuade Away Racism

What is “uplift suasion”? What is the problem with trying to challenge racism by way of persuasion? Uplift suasion is a way of addressing racism that is premised on disproving the stereotypes associated with Black people. Although uplift suasion is meant to combat racism, it does precisely the opposite: it perpetuates racist ideas by imposing the white standard. Here’s why the logic behind uplift suasion is inherently racist, according to Ibram X. Kendi.

The Myth of Postracialism: How It Evolved & Why It’s Wrong

Was the Civil Rights Act a victory over racism? How did postracialism undermine antiracist positions? As the post-Civil Rights era settled in, the myth of postracialism overtook American consciousness. According to Ibram X. Kendi, the author of Stamped From the Beginning, the idea of postracialism is an inherently racist concept because it obscures racist policies and their effects. Here’s how the idea of postracialism evolved—and why it’s wrong.

How the Luddite Movement Lives on With Neo-Luddites

What was the “Luddite” movement? What is a “neo-Luddite”? Why are some people turning against technology? As technology advances at an unprecedented speed, a growing number of neo-Luddites are urging caution about what we use and how we use it. According to them, we need to stop adopting new technologies mindlessly and start questioning their potential consequences. Read on for an overview of the Luddite movement and learn how neo-Luddites are continuing the fight against technology.