Who Are You Following?

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As millennials, our knowledge of what is happening in our community, and in the world, comes from the social media outlets we follow. Your version of what happened over the weekend will be very different if you follow @theSkimm vs. if you follow @taylorswift13 or your high school best friend. In a world where news updates literally happen every second, and every Twitter account or Facebook Page thinks they have the most relevant story to tell, how do you decide which source is worth following? What kind of messages should you be RT'ing? How educated are you after scrolling through the last 30 min. of your News Feed?

I am a huge proponent of following a variety of news sources and human interest outlets both to diversify the messaging I am receiving and broaden my knowledge of what is happening outside of the four walls of my Chicago apartment. In addition to bringing back smart anecdotes and scholarly opinions to your happy hour set, your social media feed will actually inform your followers and friends of something more than what you cooked for dinner and the cute little dress you had to buy over the weekend.

So, who are these amazing news outlets and sources that you should add to your following list? Below are some of my tried and trues. Let me know who your go-to's are. I would love to add more voices to the mix :)

1. @theSkimm. Clever, witty and can't-live-without-it news updates. Not only do you know what is happening in the international current event scene, but you can make an educated comment on it. And not feel totally depressed about the state of affairs (at least not with the daily Mean Girls references and pop culture quips) Sign-up here for their daily eNewsletter. Or check out my previous post on their amazingness here.

2. HONY. You've all heard of Human of New York. Obviously. But are you aware that right now the photos being posted on Facebook and Instagram are a part of a 50-day trip in partnership with the UN?? He is highlighting the ordinary people of Ukraine, South Sudan, Uganda and other countries we don't always personalize when we are blinded by political headlines and turmoil. Such an important way to connect with the global community, be informed, and realize that every person has their own story that deserves to be heard.

3. NPR. Yes, I know, Captain Obvious over here. But seriously, who else is going to tell you about the plight of neighborhood schools and what the high amounts of data being collected on dating sites tell us about our social impulses? 

4. Chicago Magazine. A local favorite. From a new perspective on neighborhood violence  to the inside details on the ongoing gubernatorial election.

5. @petridishes one of my favorite writers for the @washingtonpost whose columns are not only clever but bitingly acerbic with a great dose of feminism.