POS Video

My POS Video assignment was fun. I went around campus asking the students how do they feel about homecoming here at SC State.

I interviewed five different students:

• Kamaji Bufkin
• Jamarcus Elder
• Paris Wilmore
• Chasity Goff
• Mckinley Bond

Click here to see: https://youtu.be/sTbPwbPt6Yk

PSA Final Project

 

Car trouble can hit when you least expect it. But staying safe on the road starts with being prepared. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re committed to helping drivers keep their vehicles reliable. From top-quality brakes, batteries, and filters to friendly experts who help you find the right part, Advance takes the guesswork out of car care.

Need help on the spot? Stop by for free services like battery testing, installation on most vehicles, and our loaner tool program. Because when it comes to keeping your car and your family safe, every small step counts.

Advance Auto Parts. Quality parts. Expert people. Confidence to keep moving forward.

Click here to listen: 

Store Hours: 

Sunday: 9am-7pm

Monday: 7:30am-8pm

Tuesday: 7:30am-8pm

Wednesday: 7:30am-8pm

Thursday: 7:30am-8pm

Friday: 7:30am-8pm

Saturday: 7:30am-8pm

The Impact of Limited Housing and Safe Spaces on Student Success at South Carolina State University

 The Impact of Limited Housing and Safe Spaces on Student Success at South Carolina State University

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Ultimately, housing stability and access to safe spaces are not small issues they are central to the success and well-being of students at South Carolina State University. When students have reliable places to live and supportive environments to turn to, they’re able to focus more fully on their goals, participate in campus life, and build the relationships that make college meaningful. But when these needs go unmet, it creates obstacles that no student should have to face alone.

Addressing these challenges isn’t just about improving campus facilities; it’s about investing in student success. Expanding dorm options, creating more welcoming community areas, and ensuring that mental-health and cultural spaces are accessible to everyone would help students feel safer, more supported, and more connected. As an HBCU with a deep history of resilience, leadership, and academic excellence, SC State has the potential to set an example by prioritizing the environments where students learn and live.

By focusing on these needs, the university can strengthen not only academic outcomes but also the overall college experience making sure every student has the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

South Carolina State University is addressing a potential housing shortage this fall by offering a $1,000 incentive to eligible juniors and seniors who secure off-campus housing. The initiative aims to alleviate pressure on the university’s limited bed space, which is strained by record applications and high retention rates. "SC State is clearly a top choice for students looking to improve their lives by advancing their education,” said President Alexander Conyers. “We are taking several measures to increase our housing inventory through renovations and new construction.”

 

Click here for more details: https://www.abccolumbia.com/2025/06/12/sc-state-offers-1000-to-juniors-and-seniors-for-off-campus-housing-amid-shortage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Students Struggle with Online Learning at SC State

 Kamari Chiles tried to log into his hybrid biology class last semester, he was met with repeated error messages. The Wi-Fi in his dorm kept cutting out, leaving him frustrated and anxious as he attempted to keep up with lectures and assignments. “I missed half the lecture because my connection kept dropping,” Chiles said. “It’s stressful because you feel like your grade depends on technology working, not just your effort.”

Chiles’s experience is shared by many students at South Carolina State University as online and hybrid learning continues to be a core part of the academic experience. While the university has invested in digital platforms like Canvas and Zoom, students report that connectivity issues, outdated devices, and platform glitches can create barriers to learning.

Many students have had to improvise moving to the library, buying personal hotspots, or relying on friends’ internet to stay connected. The issue doesn’t just affect convenience; it affects academic performance and mental well-being. SC State’s IT department says the university is aware of the challenges and has been working to improve infrastructure.

“Over the past year, we’ve upgraded several dorm networks, increased bandwidth, and implemented additional support for online platforms,” said Marcus Fields, Director of IT Services. “We are committed to ensuring all students have reliable access to their courses, whether they are on campus or remote.” The university also provides troubleshooting guides, virtual tech support, and device loan programs for students in need. Professors are adjusting to hybrid and online teaching as well. Many have adopted new strategies to engage students virtually, from pre-recorded lectures to interactive discussion boards.

“Technology is a powerful tool, but it comes with challenges,” said Dr. Sylvia Carter, a biology professor. “We’ve been learning alongside our students to make the experience as seamless as possible, but internet reliability and student access remain concerns.”

Despite improvements, students feel the need for ongoing attention to online learning resources. Connectivity, device availability, and platform reliability directly impact their ability to learn and succeed. “I love my classes and my professors, but it’s frustrating when technology keeps getting in the way,” Chiles said. “We’re here to learn, not troubleshoot Wi-Fi all day.”

As universities continue to embrace hybrid and digital learning models, ensuring equitable access and reliable technology will be key to student success.

Housing Shortage at SC State Leaves Students Scrambling for Off-Campus Options

When Junior Nehemiahus Wardlaw arrived on campus for orientation, he expected to receive the final details for his dorm assignment  something he’d been looking forward to since deciding to attend South Carolina State University. Instead, he was pulled aside and told that no rooms were available, and he would need to look for housing off campus. “That’s not what you want to hear a week before school starts,” Wardlaw said. “I thought I’d be moving into a dorm with everyone else. I had no idea I’d have to find an apartment on my own.”

His experience is becoming increasingly familiar to SC State students. As enrollment grows and residence hall capacity remains limited, more students are learning  often at the last minute that on-campus housing is not guaranteed. What should be a standard part of the college process has become a stressful, uncertain scramble that affects students and families alike.

Students and parents invest heavily in tuition, fees, and campus life expecting housing to be included. Instead, many find themselves searching for off-campus apartments with little warning.

The shortage doesn’t just determine where students sleep. It affects:

• daily transportation

• financial stability

• sense of safety

• participation in campus activities

• academic focus

“For what we pay, I assumed my son would have a secure place to stay on campus,” said a parent. Finding out he didn’t have housing was overwhelming. We had to figure out everything at the last minute.”

Those who end up off campus say the experience is both isolating and expensive. Wardlaw spent days calling apartment complexes, many of which were already full or priced far higher than the cost of a dorm.

“I finally found a place, but it wasn’t easy,” he said. “And now I’m paying for gas, groceries, and rent. It’s not what I expected my third year of college to look like.” Other students share similar frustrations.

 “Commuting makes it hard to feel connected,” one student said. “You miss events, meetings, and the chance to build community. It changes the whole college experience.” Transportation remains one of the biggest challenges, especially for students without cars. With limited public transit in Orangeburg, many depend on friends, ride-shares, or long walks just to attend classes.

Parents say the hardest part is the lack of clarity. Many feel blindsided when they learn sometimes only weeks before move-in that their student won’t receive a room. “You think everything is handled,” one parent said. “Then suddenly you’re searching for apartments, paying deposits, buying furniture, and worrying about safety. It’s exhausting.”

Parents say the hardest part is the lack of clarity. Many feel blindsided when they learn sometimes only weeks before move-in that their student won’t receive a room. “You think everything is handled,” one parent said. “Then suddenly you’re searching for apartments, paying deposits, buying furniture, and worrying about safety. It’s exhausting.”

University officials say they are working on plans to address the shortage, including exploring partnerships with nearby apartment complexes, renovating older dorms, and evaluating possibilities for new residence hall construction.

Students say they want transparency and assurance that their basic needs are treated as a priority. Wardlaw hopes future students won’t have to go through the same stress. “I love being here,” he said. “But housing shouldn’t be something students have to worry about. We’re here to learn, not to wonder where we’re going to sleep.” Until additional housing is built or new solutions are implemented, SC State’s shortage will remain a major obstacle not only to comfort, but to the full college experience students expect when they enroll.

SC State Prioritizes Student Safety and Wellness with New Initiatives

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  South Carolina State University is taking proactive steps to ensure students feel both safe and supported on campus. From enhanced security measures to expanded mental health services, SC State is addressing physical safety and emotional well-being, creating an environment where students can focus on learning, growth, and thriving.

Recent initiatives include upgraded security infrastructure, such as additional cameras, improved lighting across campus pathways, and increased patrols by campus safety officers. Students also have access to emergency alert systems and mobile apps that provide instant access to safety resources.

“Student safety is our top priority,” said Director of Campus Safety Dr. Richard Johnson. “These upgrades allow us to respond quickly to any incidents and ensure that our students feel secure at all times.”

In addition to physical safety, SC State has expanded mental health and wellness programs. Counseling services now offer extended hours, peer support groups, stress-relief workshops, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging students to seek help.

“Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life can be stressful,” said junior business major Alicia Thompson. “It’s comforting to know that the university provides resources and workshops that help students manage stress and take care of our mental health.”

Student engagement plays a critical role in these initiatives. Resident Advisors and student leaders actively participate in wellness campaigns, hosting workshops and events that educate peers about safety practices and mental health resources.

University officials say the combined approach improving physical security while supporting mental well-being  is designed to create a holistic, safe campus environment. “We want our students to feel that SC State is not just a place to earn a degree, but a community that looks out for one another,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Angela Brooks.

Early results show the initiatives are already making a difference. Students report feeling more secure walking around campus at night, and participation in counseling and wellness programs has increased significantly. Looking ahead, SC State plans to continue expanding safety and wellness programs to further enhance the student experience.

By prioritizing both safety and mental health, SC State University demonstrates that being a Bulldog means supporting one another  on the field, in the classroom, and across campus.

Beyond the Game: SC State Bulldogs Excel in Academics and Community Leadership

 ORANGEBURG, S.C. While South Carolina State University’s Bulldogs chase another MEAC championship on the football field, a group of student-athletes is proving that excellence doesn’t stop at the scoreboard. Balancing grueling practices, game schedules, and travel, SC State players are also earning accolades in the classroom and making meaningful contributions to the community.

For junior wide receiver Jordan Smith, football and academics go hand in hand. With a 3.9 GPA in business administration and a leadership role as team captain, Smith also mentors younger players and volunteers weekly at a local youth football camp.

“Being a student-athlete is about more than football,” Smith said. “It’s about learning discipline, time management, and how to give back. I want to leave the program better than I found it, both on the field and off.”

Smith is not alone. Thirteen SC State football players earned All-MEAC honors this season, and several were recognized as MEAC Scholar-Athletes for maintaining high academic standards while contributing to the team’s success. Offensive lineman Roger Smith, who also serves as a peer tutor for first-year students, says the balance between athletics and academics teaches lessons that last a lifetime.

“Our players understand that what they do in the classroom matters just as much as what they do on the field,” said head coach Chennis Berry. “We are proud of their dedication, and they serve as examples of leadership for the entire university and the Orangeburg community.”

Beyond campus, SC State student-athletes are making an impact through community service initiatives. From mentoring middle school students to organizing local food drives, these athletes are reinforcing the university’s mission of developing leaders who give back.

“Seeing these young men succeed in school, on the field, and in the community is inspiring,” said Dr. Angela Brooks, Associate Dean of Student Affairs. “They show that being a Bulldog means excelling in every aspect of life.”

As the Bulldogs continue their championship pursuit, their achievements off the field remind the Orangeburg community that SC State football is about more than wins  it’s about shaping future leaders. With dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence, these student-athletes are proving that the heart of a Bulldog beats far beyond the gridiron.

One Team, One Town: How SC State Football Unites Orangeburg

Orangeburg has always found its rhythm on fall Saturdays. Long before kickoff, the smell of barbecue drifts through tailgate lots, families in garnet and blue set their folding chairs in neat circles, and music from the Marching 101 echoes across campus. For South Carolina State University, football is more than a sport  it’s a tradition woven into the identity of the community. This season, as the Bulldogs push once again toward a championship run, that bond feels stronger than ever. SC State’s football team isn’t just chasing wins; they’re carrying the pride of Orangeburg with them every time they step onto the field. “We always say we’re playing for something bigger than ourselves,” said one longtime fan in the stands. “When the Bulldogs win, the whole city wins.”

That sentiment captures the unique relationship between SC State football and the people who support it. The bleachers at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium draw students, alumni, local families, and lifelong Orangeburg residents  people who may have little in common day to day but find unity in cheering for the Bulldogs. Generations gather game after game, passing down stories of legendary players, unforgettable seasons, and the HBCU spirit that defines SC State. The team’s climb back toward the championship spotlight reflects more than athletic skill; it reflects the discipline, heritage, and pride embedded in the university’s history. SC State has long been known for producing tough, focused athletes  the kind who carry themselves with dignity both on and off the field. That resilience resonates with the community around them.

For Orangeburg, the Bulldogs are a symbol of hope and continuity. When the team takes the field, the stands become a living reminder that tradition still matters, that shared experiences still bring people together, and that a small Southern town can rally behind a common purpose. Every touchdown, every defensive stand, and every victory chant strengthens the sense of belonging that SC State fosters. As the Bulldogs continue their push toward another championship, Orangeburg is right behind them not just as fans, but as family. And in a world that often feels divided, SC State football remains one of the rare places where the community comes together as one.

South Carolina State leads the MEAC in football conference championships. As of 2025, the Bulldogs captured their 20th MEAC football championship after defeating Delaware State Hornets 28–17.

Some of the SC State players honored by MEAC in 2025:

• Roger Smith — Offensive Lineman of the Year, First Team All-MEAC (OL) 

• Jordan Smith — First Team All-MEAC (Wide Receiver) 

• Michael Lunz II — First Team All-MEAC (Defensive Line) 

• William Atkins IV — Listed among the First Team selections (Quarterback) 

• Jordan Franklin — First Team All-MEAC (Linebacker) 

• Cyrus Ellison — First Team All-MEAC (Tight End)

• James Reddick II — First Team All-MEAC (Offensive Line) 

• Moses Umoren — First Team All-MEAC (Offensive Line) 

• Chevy Trask Jr. — First Team All-MEAC (Offensive Line)

In total, 13 Bulldogs from SC State earned All-MEAC honors in 2025  with 5 on the First Team and 8 on the Second Team

As the Bulldogs continue building on a legacy shaped by championships, standout players, and decades of tradition, one thing remains constant  the powerful bond between the team and Orangeburg. With each season, SC State football does more than chase titles; it strengthens the unity, pride, and spirit that define the community. And as long as the Bulldogs take the field, Orangeburg will be right there with them loud, proud, and united as one. The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl, scheduled for December 13, 2025 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SEE YOU THERE. GO BULLDOGS!

5 Music Artists

 My first music artist I wanted to talk about will be Jermaine Lamar Cole. I chose J. Cole because he’s known for honest storytelling, introspective lyrics, and a grounded real-life perspective. His music blends smooth production with meaningful messages, making him one of the most respected voices in hip-hop.

Song Soundbite: The track opens with a clean, catchy melody over a steady beat. J. Cole steps in with a calm but confident delivery, mixing humor, truth, and reflection. As the beat rolls, the mood feels cool, smooth, and slightly nostalgic like a late-night drive vibe with sharp commentary. 

Click here to listen: https://youtu.be/8HBcV0MtAQg?si=i08KvgOaHrat0r3y

Chosen Song: “No Role Modelz”

Second, I chose Anthony Hamilton because he brings soulful, emotional storytelling to R&B. His voice is rich, raw, and full of feeling, and he sings about real-life relationships, love, and personal growth.

Song Soundbite: Soft piano chords slide in first, setting a warm, emotional tone. Anthony’s voice enters smooth and heartfelt, rising with passion in the chorus. The track feels like a confession deep, soulful, and filled with longing.

Click here to listen: https://youtu.be/QUmxh7H8vok?si=1c-NkPNbxNsf99sk

Chosen Song: “Charlene”

Third, I have chosen Derez De’Shon Lenard because his music is raw, emotional, and grounded in real struggle. He blends melodic rap with pain, survival, and resilience giving his tracks a unique “street soul” feeling.

Song Soundbite: The beat begins mellow and moody with a slow, echoing melody. Derez comes in with a heartfelt, gritty vocal tone, riding the beat with both melody and rap. The track builds in emotion, feeling like a powerful release of everything he’s been holding inside.

Click here to listen:https://youtu.be/VwEzECCjhhE?si=KC8MH2XzqO_DxSBY

Chosen Song: “Hardaway”

Next, I have chosen Rodarius Marcell Green. By the name of Rod Wave. I choose Rod Wave because his music is emotional, melodic, and deeply personal. He talks about pain, heartbreak, and overcoming struggles, which connects with listeners who like real, raw storytelling.

Song Soundbite: The song opens with a soft, soulful piano riff. Rod Wave’s voice enters strong and emotional, blending singing and rap. The chorus hits with intense feeling, almost like he’s singing straight from the heart heavy, honest, and powerful.

Click here to listen:https://youtu.be/deMLg4FPFhQ?si=3JkO94Inx0_mvUq5

Chosen Song: “Heart on Ice”

Lastly, I  chose Tupac Amaru Shakur because he is one of the most influential storytellers in hip-hop history. His music speaks on real-life struggles, social issues, and emotional truth. Tupac brings a mix of intensity, wisdom, and vulnerability, making his songs powerful and timeless. 

Song Soundbite: A smooth piano sample opens the track with a nostalgic feel. Tupac’s voice enters calm but strong, delivering thoughtful lines with sharp rhythm. The chorus lifts with emotion, creating a blend of hope and frustration. The whole track feels like a message real, raw, and reflective.

Click here to listen:https://youtu.be/eXvBjCO19QY?si=3PDw67Rx5qiPvWgz

Chosen Song: “Changes”

Action Sequence with Jalyn Woodbury

 Today it was an honor working with my classmate Ms. Jalyn Woodbury today in class. Today as a class we cover clips of students walking from class to their next destination. 

The action sequence clip uses fast cuts, dynamic camera angles, and high-energy movement to create excitement. The editing pace increases the intensity, while the lighting keeps the characters clearly visible as they move. The combination of motion, sound, and visual contrast helps build tension and keeps the audience engaged.

Click here for the video: https://youtu.be/Ks9exI-Ut1Y

Three Point Lighting Setup

Today in class we had the opportunity to control a photo shoot and operate the camera and lighting. We cover a three-point lighting setup. There's three different lighting: key, fill, and back lighting. I took the photos of Jalen Gasque and below are examples of the different lighting.

A wide shot (also called a long shot) is a camera framing that shows the subject within their full environment, giving context, scale, and spatial relationships. Here’s how to talk about it clearly and effectively great for a class critique or presentation.

A close shot (often called a close-up) focuses tightly on the subject, highlighting detail, emotion, and texture. 

The key light is the main source of illumination in a photo or video setup. It defines the subject’s shape, form, and overall look, and it has the strongest influence on the mood of the image. The key light is the main light source in my setup. I placed it at a 45-degree angle and slightly above the subject to create natural shadows and define facial features. It establishes the overall mood and is the most influential light in the shot.

The fill light is the secondary light in a three-point lighting setup. Its main purpose is to soften or reduce the shadows created by the key light without overpowering it. Think of it as the light that brings balance and prevents the image from looking too harsh or dramatic (unless that’s what you want). 

The fill light softens the shadows created by my key light. I placed it on the opposite side of the subject at a lower intensity to reduce contrast without overpowering the key. This helps create a balanced and natural-looking image.

My three-point lighting setup includes a key light, a fill light, and a back light. The key light is my main source, placed at a 45-degree angle to create shape and shadows. The fill light sits on the opposite side and softens those shadows to control contrast. The back light is positioned behind the subject to create a rim of light that separates them from the background and adds depth. Together, these lights create a balanced and visually dynamic image.

Our last photo was a wide shot with all three lights on. The key light created the main illumination on the subject, the fill light softened the shadows to keep the scene balanced, and the back light added separation from the background. Because it was a wide shot, the lights had to cover more space and stay out of the frame, which gave us a clean, evenly lit image of the whole scene.

Fear, Grief, and Resilience: SC State’s Story After the Shooting

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After the Homecoming Shooting, SC State Struggles to Heal:

Students, faculty, and parents reflect on the emotional aftershocks of a moment that changed the campus community.

When gunfire erupted during South Carolina State University’s 2025 Homecoming celebration, what should have been a joyful weekend instantly turned into a scene of chaos and fear. In the days that followed, the campus community found itself trying to recover at one of the toughest academic moments of the semester. Students were forced to navigate midterms, looming finals, and the usual pressures of college life all while coping with shock, grief, and a shaken sense of safety.

For many, the emotional impact was immediate. Students described trouble focusing in class, waking up with anxiety, feeling uneasy walking across campus, and struggling to re-establish routines. What had once felt like a familiar and predictable environment suddenly felt fragile.

“I kept trying to study, but my mind was somewhere else,” one student recalled. “Every loud noise made me jump. It was like I couldn’t turn my brain off.”

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Academic Expectations Collide With Emotional Recovery

The incident didn’t pause the academic calendar. Midterms, projects, and exams forged ahead even as students were still processing what they had experienced.

Some students felt overwhelmed by the expectation to continue performing academically. Others said they felt guilty for falling behind, even though they knew their emotional state was valid.

Professors, too, were navigating the aftermath. Many faculty members described experiencing their own fear and uncertainty yet felt compelled to show strength for the sake of their students. In the days after the shooting, a number of instructors adjusted deadlines, offered extensions, or simply opened the door for conversation.

“We were all hurting,” one faculty member explained. “You can’t pretend students can absorb complex material when they’re still trying to feel safe.”

Several departments encouraged instructors to prioritize well-being, reminding them that flexibility and compassion were essential during times of crisis. This shift sparked broader discussions about mental health, trauma-informed teaching, and how universities should respond when violence impacts learning environments.

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Campus-Wide Conversations About Safety and Support

The shooting also reignited long-standing conversations about campus safety. Students reported feeling nervous walking alone, especially at night, and expressed frustration that violence had reached a place they considered home.

Counseling services saw an increase in inquiries, and student groups organized discussions focused on healing, fear, and the desire for change. Though some students said they appreciated the resources made available, others felt that the emotional impact was too deep to resolve quickly.

“You don’t just snap back to normal,” said one student. “Your body might be on campus, but your mind keeps replaying everything.”

Despite the fear, many students described a renewed sense of solidarity checking on friends more often, walking in groups, and leaning on one another for comfort.

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Parents Face Their Own Fears

The emotional ripple effects extended beyond campus. Many parents learned about the danger only after the lockdown lifted, receiving frantic text messages or social media updates from their children. For families who send their students to college believing they will be safe while pursuing their dreams, the shooting introduced a painful new layer of worry.

Parents described sleepless nights, fear every time the phone rang, and a new vigilance about campus alerts.

One mother said, “You send your child to college hopeful about their future. You never expect to hear they were in danger. It changes you.”

For many families, the incident created ongoing anxiety an invisible burden layered onto the academic pressures their children already face.

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The Long Road to Healing

While time has helped, the emotional aftershocks of the Homecoming shooting have not faded overnight. Students continue to navigate coursework while managing trauma, and faculty work to balance academic rigor with compassion. Parents remain both proud and fearful, wanting their children to succeed but wishing they could protect them from everything.

The SC State community has begun important conversations about mental health, about safety, about what it means to support one another in moments of crisis. But healing is not linear, and the path forward is still unfolding.

What remains clear is that one violent moment created lasting effects changing how students move through campus, how faculty approach their classrooms, and how families view the college experience. Despite the pain, many say they’ve also witnessed resilience, unity, and a deeper sense of care among the campus community.

As one student put it, “We’re still here. Still healing. Still trying. And we’re doing it together.”

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Poetry, Rewritten

 

How Social Media Is Rewriting Poetry

From Instagram slides to TikTok micro-poems, a new literary movement is reshaping how people read and write poetry.

Click here for more details: https://youtu.be/YKgz5XMq2nU

Poetry used to live mostly in books, classrooms, or coffee-shop readings. Today, it shows up on the same platforms where we scroll past memes, outfit videos, and daily affirmations. On Instagram and TikTok, minimalist poems and aesthetic text blocks go viral by the millions. Poets like Rupi Kaur, Atticus, and Nayyirah Waheed have built careers on social media, turning short, emotive pieces into visual content designed for quick consumption.

To some, this “Instapoetry” movement is a long-overdue modernization of poetry one that makes the art form more accessible to young readers. To others, it’s a flattening of a historically rich tradition. As part of this project, I spoke with English students and professors, including Dr. Cassidy, advisor of the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta, to understand how academic and creative communities are interpreting this digital wave.

Instapoetry refers to short, often visually striking poems that circulate on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These poems typically feature:

• concise, relatable language

• intentional line breaks

• minimalist illustrations or photos

• emotional themes such as healing, heartbreak, empowerment, or identity

The poems are crafted to be shared screenshots sent between friends, reposts in Instagram stories, stitched videos on TikTok. This shareability is part of their power, and part of the debate.

Why Young Readers Connect With It:

For many students, Instapoetry feels inviting in a way traditional poetry sometimes doesn’t.

“It’s the first time poetry felt like it belonged in my everyday scrolling,” one student told me. Many described how they first encountered poetry not in class, but through social media where it required no textbook, no analysis, no pressure.

Common reasons students said they enjoy Instapoetry:

• it’s quick and fits their digital habits

• it feels relatable and emotionally direct

• it uses aesthetics that align with the online spaces they already inhabit

• it provides a gateway into reading more poetry, not less

Even students who don’t consider themselves “poetry people” said social media poems made the genre feel more approachable.

Is Social Media Evolving or Simplifying Poetry? The debate isn’t easily resolved and maybe that’s the point.

Arguments that social media is evolving poetry:

• It democratizes who gets to publish and be read.

• New visual and multimedia forms are emerging.

• Historically excluded voices can gain audiences without gatekeepers.

• It meets readers where they already are.

Arguments that it simplifies poetry:

• Shareability becomes more important than depth.

• Formulaic styles dominate the algorithm.

• Readers may consume poetry passively rather than reflectively.

• Nuanced, experimental, or longer poems are less likely to go viral.

In many ways, Instapoetry mirrors the digital age itself: fast, emotional, image-driven, and deeply shaped by platform design.

Where Poetry Goes From Here:

Whether Instapoetry is a meaningful evolution or a simplified version of the genre, one thing is clear: poetry is not fading away. If anything, it’s entering a new phase one in which the boundaries between literature, visual art, and technology blur more every year. For some readers, Instapoetry is just the beginning. They start with the short, shareable pieces on Instagram and then move toward more traditional or experimental poets. For others, Instapoetry is poetry valid in its own right as an expression of modern experience. As Dr. Cassidy noted, poetry has survived countless shifts in culture, technology, and medium. Social media is simply the latest transformation. And like every era before it, this moment will leave its mark.

Poetry is alive, adaptable, and thanks to social media more visible than ever.