Madeline Kennedy
Contributing Writer
1. Let your smartphone make you smarter
The advent of the smartphone has brought us countless ways to waste time. However, should you somehow tire of playing Candy Crush, you might consider using your phone a bit more productively. Most media outlets offer smartphone apps that make it easy to stay informed, often with the option of using banners or alerts that bring you breaking news. Try the BBC, NPR, or The New York Times for updates on important stories from the U.S. and abroad.
2. Make it your own
Information overload is one of the principal problems of the Internet age. If your Facebook and Twitter feeds have become too cluttered for your liking, just tune out the noise by going elsewhere.
Try Flipboard, an app that lets you choose areas of interest, then provides you with a carefully curated newsfeed with stories that appeal to just you. If you’re interested in following specific topics (archaeology, Taylor Swift, existentialism), it’s an app that’s worth exploring.
3. Podcasts, Podcasts, Podcasts
Podcasts offer a great option for commuters and multitaskers alike. Podcasts are another relatively new way to keep up with topics that interest you. Not to mention, there’s something out there for everyone.
If you’re into outer space, check out StarTalk Radio, hosted by everyone’s favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. If pop culture is more your thing, listen to Culture Gabfest, or Pop Culture Happy Hour. If you love Serial so much that you want to hear other people talk about it, then congratulations, because The Serial Serial has got you covered.
