We R Listening

      We’ve all been scrolling through TikTok on our FYP and have stumbled upon a video so accurate, and so specific to ourselves, that it’s almost scary. How is it that I’ve reached “traffic cone TikTok'' while I have a traffic cone proudly displayed in the living room of my college apartment. Or that I’ll see a TikTok about a restaurant I just went to last week? The content we see on our FYP feels so specific to us, in a way that social media never has before. You just can’t help but wonder, how is this even possible? I figured it’d be beneficial for us all to understand the app we spend so much time on. This week’s Factual Friday is uncovering the truth about the TikTok algorithm. (Photo from pexels.com) First thing’s first, the word “algorithm,” as defined by techterms.com, means, “ A set of instructions designed to perform

  I usually buy men’s razors instead of women’s. For a period of time, I bought men’s deodorant too. Why am I telling you this? Why should you care? Picking up your normal toiletry items from CVS usually doesn’t warrant a second thought, right? Well, for those of us who buy items targeted towards women, it most certainly does warrant a lot of critical thought. This week’s edition of Factual Friday is all about the Pink Tax and ladies, you’re not gonna like this one. (Photo from pexels.com)      Bankrate.com defines the Pink Tax as, “ not actually a tax but rather a system of discriminatory pricing on products and services that is based on gender. The Pink Tax costs the average woman over $1,300 a year and impacts all aspects of daily life from shopping to dry cleaning” (bankrate.com). What that means, is that women have to pay more money than men do for essentially the same items. You’re probably saying to yourself, “What? Why? That’s unfair and rude!” And I agree with you. As for the

       I think we can all agree that there are few things better than getting cozy in your bed and finally drifting off to sleep. And yet, I think we can also all agree that falling asleep can sometimes be really difficult! Staying asleep can also be really difficult, especially when your fire alarm wakes you up at 2 AM due to the broken water heater upstairs, but I digress. This week I want to discuss sleep hygiene. For those unfamiliar with that term, the American Sleep Association defines it as, “ behaviors that one can do to help promote good sleep using behavioral interventions” (sleepassociation.org). So let’s get comfy (maybe have a sibling or roommate tuck you in) as we take on Factual Friday: sleep hygiene edition. (Photo from pexels.com) Tip #1: Limit phone/laptop/tablet/TV usage before bed I love playing on my phone before bed. In my opinion, there’s no better way to end the day than snuggled up watching TikToks. However, the sleep scientists would disagree with me. The CDC

     This is typically something you’re not supposed to say out loud, but I love spending money. We’re all familiar with the saying “money doesn’t buy happiness” which is true, it won’t fill an emotional void. However, there is definitely a joy that accompanies a new pair of boots, a fresh set of nails or a really good meal. The only problem is, most of us are not yet working a full-time job, thus, balling on a budget. And when you Google “Personal finance tips for young adults,” the first result to pop up says, “learn self control.” Like, you’re not wrong Google, but really? That was the best you could come up with? So here’s what we’re gonna do, I’m gonna read through these articles, ask some smart people in my life (shoutout Naomi), use my own brain, and we’re going to figure out some tips that are, objectively, more helpful. Welcome to Factual Friday: personal finance edition.  (Photo from pexels.com)      At this point I should probably clarify a couple things. Personal finance, i