Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate - Blog

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...

I n a bold move to protect the well-being of our youth, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for tobacco-style warning labels on social media. This plea for action has sparked a wave of support from advocates who see the urgent need for regulation. Yet, without the power to enforce these warnings unilaterally, Murthy is reliant on Congress to turn this vision into reality. As an internet wellness advocate, I feel a deep sense of resonance with Murthy’s call to action. It’s clear that we need to address the pervasive influence of social media on our children and society at large. While some may argue that such measures infringe on free speech, I believe it’s a necessary step towards creating a safer world both online and off. US Surgeon General Wants a Warning Label for Social Media The Need for Comprehensive Regulation The internet was originally conceived as a tool for communication, research and education—a place to share knowledge and foster learning. However, the landscape has...