Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate - Blog

It's a new day and in addition to young people using social media platforms at a high rate, senior citizens and older adults are also increasingly finding joy and connection online. My mom, who is in her early seventies, is a perfect example of this exciting shift. She's discovering the many ways the internet can help her stay social, informed and in the know about things to do in our community and beyond. I feel like in many ways access to the internet for her and her peers has benefited their lives tremendously for the better.  Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram enable older adults to stay connected with family and friends, share life updates, and see the lives of those they care about. Whether it's video calls with grandchildren, sharing photos, or even joining group chats, these digital interactions can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and prolong life. The internet is filled with information and entertainment, perfect for older ...

Free the News!! In an era where information is power, access to news should be a basic right, not a privilege. As an internet wellness advocate, a mom, and someone who works in communications and PR, I find it absolutely ridiculous that many news sites are hidden behind paywalls. Sites that used to be free now charge for specific articles or access to the whole site. A healthy democracy and an informed society thrives when citizens are informed about current events and issues. However, paywalls create a form of financial gatekeeping, making news a privilege for those who can afford it. Should only those who can afford it be the most informed? This archaic system mirrors historical injustices when based on your race, gender or status in society you were denied the right to read, education and access to information. This legacy of exclusion exacerbates inequality and limits participation in our democracy and important conversations. Now, I'm not talking about cultural and lifestyle p...

Summer vacation is well underway as we make it to June. How are your kids or teens doing with their screen-time? As a mom and an internet wellness advocate, I know firsthand how with more free time, our children inevitably may spend more hours on their devices, exploring the vast digital world. So, how do we ensure they're safe while they're having fun? Here are some tips from my experience and what I've learned along the way. Open Communication First and foremost, keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your kids about what they're doing online. Make it a casual part of your daily conversations, not an interrogation. Ask about the games they play, the friends they chat with, and the videos they watch. This not only keeps you informed but also lets them know you're interested and available to help. Set Boundaries Setting clear boundaries is crucial. Just like you have rules for bedtime and chores, establish rules for screen time. Define how much time they can ...