Browsing: Editorials

Too often, political discussions devolve into arguments where the main objective is to come out on top rather than to obtain a greater understanding of a different perspective or to expose someone else to your own.

AI grows more capable and sophisticated each day, making it all the more enticing and convenient for students to use as they earn their education. But, with such a high-powered tool at our fingertips, setting boundaries around its use is more important than ever.

Look, everyone’s college journey is different, but it’s safe to say each member of the graduating class has a one-up saved in their back pocket for the “when I was a college student” conversations that pop up during family and work outings. On a more serious note, there is reason to celebrate, because the class of 2024 overcame unique hurdles to finally walk the stage.

It is important to destigmatize mental health, and there is power in conversation. However, accepting the existence and impact of mental illness should not mean taking it less seriously — and self-diagnosing does just that.

If you don’t have a job or summer internship — or if you haven’t even declared your major — it’s OK. If you have no idea what you want to do yet, that’s OK too. Where you start in college and directly after is just a stepping stone to where you’ll end up.

The pressure of being an influencer is hard to conceptualize. Imagine going viral for a “get ready with me” video and, only a few months later, being asked to share your opinion about controversial topics you know nothing about. As a society, putting this pressure on our favorite influencers does more harm than good and is setting them up for failure.

As Iowa hero Caitlin Clark walked off the court for the final time in Sunday’s women’s NCAA National Championship game, a sellout crowd and a nation of people sitting on the edge of their seats from home experienced the power of a game built on empowerment.

If your realization is that you really don’t know all that much about journalism, don’t worry — you’re not the only one. Mob mentality spreads like fire on the internet, and it’s all too easy to connect the negativity and offensiveness of what’s happening in our world to the source that reports it. But we ask you, please, don’t shoot the messenger.

The point at which ring by spring becomes harmful is the point at which it teaches students that marriage is necessary for them to live a Christian life — and, further, that marriage is promised. College offers an opportunity for immense personal formation, and we shouldn’t overshadow that opportunity with unrealistic, and frankly unbiblical, pressures to settle down.

A lot of us may embrace and engage in the large prayer tent on Fountain Mall and various conversations surrounding the three-day Christianpalooza, also known as FM72. There is beauty in having a space for that on a college campus. However, this is one of numerous examples of public, almost performative, Christianity at Baylor.

Growing up in the boom of technology, college students have come to know the changing landscape of school and work. Whether it be the regularity of weekend exams, 11:59 p.m. deadlines or last-minute emails, the way current students interact with school is severed from the “good ol’ days” — weekends and breaks absent of homework — preached upon by elders.

Long story short, there are a lot of expenses when it comes to college, and students might not be well-equipped to handle them. Baylor has resources for financial aid and counseling; however, it’s still vital to understand what costs you or your family are paying and how they can impact you in the long run.

Like any and all heritage months, Women’s History Month gets the same criticism. People often express the idea that Women’s History Month excludes men, but it’s time we realized that this month is for all of us — an opportunity to reflect on our history and grow from it together.

There’s only so much preparation a student can do to help their experience with the process. Perhaps it’s time to give registration itself some attention. After all, what’s the harm in adding a handful of seats to classes and giving upperclassmen first dibs on Bearweb?

Here’s a tough pill to swallow: Whichever idol you adore could be a completely different person in real life than they choose to project to the world. So, why do so many fans of celebrities and influencers describe, defend and bond over these stars as if they’ve spoken face to face?

The average citizen doesn’t seem to grasp that beyond a short list of enumerated powers, the president is little more than a figurehead. Much to their chagrin, “single-handedly ensuring the holistic success of the United States while establishing an immaculate economy” is not in his job description.

Vaping is not only leeching off of your wallet but also negatively impacting your health, whether or not you’re part of the one in five Americans who believe it isn’t. Although it’s true that vapes generally contain fewer chemicals than traditional cigarettes, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t putting yourself at risk of lung cancer, exposing yourself to formaldehyde (the chemical funeral homes use to preserve the deceased) and becoming more likely to develop heart disease.

Sure, it’s true other people in public perceive your significant other. So, why is a video about it bad? Because social media material on subjects like this takes a simple thing and runs with it. It serves as a constant reminder of insecurities and encourages viewers to assume the worst of their partners.

While sports gambling is legal in 38 states, with two more expected to launch later this year, Texas is one of the few where it is illegal and punishable as a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of up to $500 — at least for now. Texas sports betting on trending apps will have to wait until at least 2025, but with the rapid growth, the gambling world isn’t waiting to enforce cognitive habits that lead to splurges.