Lewis Tachau made his case.

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I love learning, but I sometimes lack the discipline to be a true autodidact. I get distracted far too easily by the wide range of topics. One week is Spanish, while the next I'm onto history. Barring the rampant misinformation, we have the ability to explore so many topics through the web and social media. Social media can sometimes fill the gaps we are missing in school and within our community. When I first began my natural hair journey, there were very little credible sites on the internet, and companies simply did not carry products that preserved the health of Black natural hair. I discovered YouTube where a handful of Black women made videos demonstrating how they grew and maintained long, healthy hair. More than that, there were actual scientists who explained things at a molecular level. It was a powerful movement that engendered self-love.

More recently, I have turned to social media to learn about the multiple genocides happening around the world. I have noticed now that people tend to fact-check each other more, and that has been made easier through features like reposts and stitches. I admire that there are people who will counter arguments with actual sources, and this speaks to my soul. There will always be misinformation, but I do appreciate that there is a value placed on unlearning and educating.

Comments

  1. Samantha MatherneNovember 14, 2023 at 7:39 PM

    The fact-checking about current events and the news within social media is so helpful to society. Some arguments with stitches I've seen on TikTok are just combative and unnecessary, but often people who fact-check a source - whether a person or a news organization - tend to cite actual sources, like you mention. I love when they do that, because then I understand at least how they arrived at their own points.

    Hearing how social media gives a voice to topics previously hard to research, as in your natural hair journey, is inspiring.

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