The Rising Cost of College
College is often described as an investment in the future, but for many students it feels more like a financial gamble. Tuition, housing, books, food, transportation, and basic living costs have turned higher education into one of the biggest economic…
The Social Cost of Public Shaming Online
The Social Cost of Public Shaming Online Public accountability matters. People should be able to call out cruelty, abuse, discrimination, and dishonesty. Social media has made it possible for voices that were once ignored to be heard loudly and quickly,…
Why International Airports Need Better Arrival Information
Arriving in a new country can be more confusing than departing from one.
Why Smart Home Devices Need a Clear End-of-Support Date
Connected devices can remain physically functional long after the software behind them stops receiving updates.
The Hidden Class Divide in “Free” Opportunities
The Hidden Class Divide in “Free” Opportunities We often tell young people that the key to success is simply taking initiative. Apply for the unpaid internship. Join the volunteer program. Attend the networking event. Build your résumé with extracurricular leadership,…
QR Payment Systems Need Cash Fallbacks
Businesses using QR payments should retain a practical alternative for customers without compatible phones, accounts, or connectivity.
Online Forms Need a Save-and-Return Option
Long online applications should let users save progress securely and return without losing entered information.
Why Fictional Letters Still Work in the Age of Instant Messaging
Letters may seem old-fashioned in contemporary fiction, but they create narrative possibilities that instant communication does not.
Why Literary Characters Do Not Have to Be Likeable
Readers are often told that a protagonist should be likeable, but many enduring characters are selfish, difficult, dishonest, or frustrating.
The Price of Being “Always Available”
The Price of Being “Always Available” One of the most normalized social problems of modern life is the expectation that everyone should be constantly reachable. A text message unanswered for two hours can feel like a statement. An email sent…
