The internet has done many beautiful things for us in the 21st century.
One of the things that come to mind is when I can search a name that a journalist wrote down in an article to check that it’s spelt right. Spelling of names, you see, is part of being accurate – which is fundamental when writing articles. Well, I’m sad to admit that some of our writers don’t understand this concept. But there’s no need for alarm. We are teaching them the ways. Slowly but surely, just like a sensei teaches his karate kid.
The other thing that we can be grateful to the internet for is that we have all become googleable. Even if you’re a wallflower, ten to one you will pop up in a search engine thanks to social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook.
This can be good or bad news. I’ll leave it up to you to decide. But I will relish in one bad reason: the forgotten Facebook photos. Have you ever delved into your own past? It’s almost like a voyeuristic experience. Or like a strange thriller movie because, unfortunately, you are that 13-year-old with the really corny nickname. Speaking of which, we’re all adults here. If you still have a surviving embarrassing email address, something like sexybaby260 – then it would be wise to change it. Right now. Just go ahead. There’s no judgement here. I would especially implore those students involved in student structures on campus to take this advice.
Moving on. Be brave and take a look at your Facebook history. Some of those photos and posts make you squirm. And if you feel that your posts or photos haven’t changed at all since the old days, then I would suggest you take a look at that. I hear that Student Support is very helpful.
I fear I’ve run out of space this week. Maybe I’ll rephrase the heading of this editorial: The forgotten Facebook years. Part one. Because we all know that I haven’t even touched on those cringe-worthy moments when someone says that they googled you and found something from your high school days. Or when your mom comments on something but she clearly doesn’t understand that everyone, everyone, can see her comment. Or when someone digs up an old primary school photo, posts it on Facebook and then tags you in it. If you’re one of those … just stop. It’s neither cute nor funny.
As for the paper, I would like to take a moment to thank our readers who have liked what we’ve been doing the past few weeks. Your feedback (positive or negative, might I add) is valuable to us and helps us know what you want to read about.
This week we have another crossword for you. We also have sudoku and Pssst…, everyone’s dream paper, I’m guessing. But when you’re done with your doodles or frustrated at not getting the crossword answers – take a look at what’s around the Fun and Games page. We take a look at the HPV virus on page 7 and we have an interview with Zinkplaat on page 9. Our first Afrikaans interview this year. We have other cool stuff too. There’s nothing to shy away from here. I hope you enjoy it.
There won’t be a paper next week, but we’ll be back on 06 May.
Until then,
Margeaux
