The internet used to be a place that you physically went to, and now it’s accessible 24/7, often located in your very own pocket. Jordan starts out the episode by sharing an update on her first scheduled film screening of Can’t Look Away, and Helen cracks us all up with a joke. NSYNC fans will appreciate this episode because Jordan takes us back to her days sending out a weekly email newsletter on AOL. We reflect on our own early internet experiences and screen names, which leads to Helen sharing a memory of being left out by some of her “friends.” Jordan and Helen then discuss ways they currently use the internet for learning and connection with others. Helen talks about how parasocial friendships can result from people you follow online. We hope you leave this episode understanding that we don’t think all internet is bad, and there are still ways to use it to better ourselves.

In episode 11, we dive into the world of algorithms to try our best to understand them. Jordan shares an update on her documentary viewing event that is scheduled for October 6th. Helen and Jordan both share their how they use WhatsApp for communication. We go over the rules of the latest recess craze sweeping Morton aka gaga ball, and Helen tells us how she made a trip back to the apple orchard. We then define what an algorithm actually is and how we all use algorithms in our daily lives. Much of our discussion surrounding algorithms focuses on the negative (with a few positive) impacts on teens. Helen and Jordan reflect on some of their own teenage experiences with media and how different media is today. Jordan references a study that looked into the effects of social media on the teenage brain. We share concerns about how social media companies hire psychologists to help make social media more addictive and why delaying use for kids and teens is so beneficial.

Can't Look Away trailer

Screening Registration

In our tenth episode, it’s time for us to reflect on our goals, accomplishments, concerns, and future plans for this podcast. We start off by diving into the wild world of the multitude of Facebook groups in our town and their eccentricities. Helen gives her hot tip of spreading peanut butter with a spoon - NOT a knife - and we then give a brief preview to our upcoming Halloween plans. We each share how this podcast has helped boost our confidence with talking about topics and issues that are important to us with others. Jordan shares a new project she’s working on to bring a documentary screening to Morton. Helen gives a glimpse into her childhood theatrical skills with her amazing recall of lines she had in elementary school. Helen then shares how she plans to help positively influence future teachers during her literacy and technology course. We each reflect on some disturbing online experiences of our past and present, which leads to concerns for the future.