It's that time of year again when we all start thinking about how we will make ourselves better for 2016. Whether it's working out more or jumping on the clean eating trend, as young adults I think this year we should all make an effort to be more informed about the world, politics, and how this will affect us in the future. Here's a list of a few ways I stay up-to-date and knowledgeable about the "haps" of the world all on my little phone:
1. The Skimm
A classic, this daily newsletter is specifically targeted at our demographic. In your inbox by the time you wake up, it provides a brief, simple, and entertaining rundown of the latest news. Instead of checking all your social media when you first wake up, read this and you'll be set for the day (only takes me about three to five minutes). All you have to do is subscribe on their website and it will be in your email the next morning. Their website also has great "Skimm Guides" that give you more in-depth details on major issues, like the Syrian Migrate and Refugee Crisis or The Paris Climate Change Conference.
2. BuzzFeed News
The app is a game changer. This gives you a quick and concise rundown of the news, all in bullet points or small paragraphs. When you open the app, there is the "Quickly Catch Up" of all the news you need to know. Then, as you scroll down, you go through the "Catch Up" over all the world news. You can also personalize the notifications and alerts you get so you never miss a beat. I go through this in between classes. Just like you kill time on the regular BuzzFeed app, kill time on this app, a little less "mindless" scrolling.
3. NPR News
This app can be your go-to for all things news but what I use the app for is the "Newscast" feature at the top of the home page. Here you will find the "Hourly Newscast." This is a compact update of all major news stories that you listen to. About five minutes long, I turn this on in the morning while I brush my teeth and wash my face and then I switch to my morning pump-up playlist.
4. @CNNBRK
Now the news will infiltrate your Twitter timeline. This account tweets quick, breaking news stories from CNN. Not an overbearing account that will cover your home page, but just enough tweets that you feel informed but never overwhelmed. If you already follow this account, @CNN provides more context and information on the snippets that @CNNBRK produces.
5. Lenny Letter
This email newsletter was created by the star of the HBO show "Girls," Lena Dunham, and producer, Jenni Konner. This comes twice a week. Less of a news newsletter, this newsletter focuses on more in-depth interviews and commentaries on feminism, politics, style, health, etc., run by the motto "there's no such thing as too much information." I get these and move them to a separate inbox to read later when I have free time.
