Teachers are the world’s modern superheroes, charged with educating each young generation as they climb through their school grades. However, with so much yearly material to cover and hundreds of students to keep track of, it’s nearly impossible to focus on each student individually. Enter: social media. Though it’s commonly viewed as harmful to teenagers, the Internet is a vast place—there’s bound to be something helpful here and there, and as luck would have it, there’s actually a lot.
Over the years, social media apps such as TikTok and YouTube have constantly adapted to fit consumers’ needs and interests, and as most of us know, teenagers are particularly susceptible to scrolling. A wave of online tutors have risen to meet them, offering their best knowledge about test hacks, niche topics, and college prep advice. Some of these informative takes even come from fellow peers sharing their own experiences online. Students wisely take full advantage of this readily available plethora of information, especially when exam season hits.
All classes have units packed with information, but some courses such as AP and IB have so much material to review that it’s impossible to cram just by looking at notes. Sophomore Esther Preis is taking five AP classes this year, meaning she needs to devote a lot of time to studying. The common method for her is to search up YouTube summaries of each unit to go over before taking a test. Preis is also planning to utilize the many AP-centered channels when May rolls around. “I’ve used YouTube for AP exam tips before,” Preis said. “I think I will be looking at more test taking strategies for upcoming AP exams.”
Some of North Atlanta’s students have specific creators that they keep up with. Senior Alex Kuo is spending his last months at NAHS tying up old ends and turning his attention to college. College is incredibly intimidating, and between the new workload, environment, and expectations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Kuo has found assistance in TikTok and Instagram creator Eric Ou, who offers great suggestions on study methods and time management, as well as financial advice. “Eric Ou has generally pretty good college tips,” Kuo said. “Especially on how to save money.”
Social media can have a pretty bad rep, and a lot of it is deserved. However, in the distant corners of the Internet that are helpful rather than harmful, a whole world of education awaits. So, next time you’re in a study pinch… consider the endless online opportunities!
