Personally, I think we spend way too much time consuming media today. It could be my fear of technology taking over the world is quickly becoming less of a mind ramble due to the vast amount of innovative releases dropping every second, and more of a realistic observation due to the vast amount of innovative releases dropping every second. But nonetheless, we do. And there are tons of stats to backup my theory including this report from Statista based off findings from Nielsen, Americans from 18 and up spend more than 11 hours daily on electronic media. ELEVEN hours. That’s nearly half of a normal 24 hour day. You could fly from Los Angeles, California to London, England in 11hrs49 or from the same departing city to Brazil in 10hrs46. We spend roughly the same amount of time on electronic media that it takes to travel overseas.
I’m sure you’re thinking, “She don’t know me! Let me live!” Bless you… I do want you “to live” but shouldn’t we truly enjoy electronic media if we’re going to turn our own brains to mush before the human robots do? ::crowd looks around in agreement:: Good. Now let me offer you great ways to eat away at half your day that doesn’t include spending hours watching BuzzFeed turn cat haters into cat lovers overnight. [Stop it, BuzzFeed! We get it. You love cats. Do you want a cookie? As an avid dog lover and cat disliker, I’m on to you and refuse to sip that brainwashing Kool-Aid. I REFUSETH!]
Trending hashtags. Not the ones that Twitter tries to convince is the business, but the ones that are actually trending because they are funny or bring general insight to life’s many conundrums. Some of my favorite include #NoWomanEver, #GrowingUpWithStrictParents, #BlackHairSalons, #BeckyWithTheBadGrades, any hashtag John Oliver mentions on his show, Nori’s Black Book and #RileyCurry. [Because why not! I mean her dad may be Steph Curry, but she steals the show EVERY. TIME.]
Podcasts. It’s like books on tape, but interesting. There are a bajillion different podcasts out there, and the overwhelming amount makes it difficult to sort out the crap. I listen to a select few but also go through phases where some casts effect my mood, so am left scouring for one that coincides with waht I’m feeling. Here are a few that are always a must –
Serial. You will want to binge listen. It’s like a Netflix original series for the ears. You have to wait over a year for them to announce the next season, but each episode drops weekly or bi-weekly.
2 Dope Queens. It’s stand up comedy for the listening. They’re on a break until August [lameskis], but you can listen to all their past shows. They have a few comedians per cast but also talk to you about the things happening in their life. One comic told a story about how she wrote for a guy who she wasn’t sure was going to kill her or not, but had to make the tough decision of whether to stay or leave. Which I can totally relate to because once during my college years, I nearly worked in a brothel, because I didn’t know how to escape. (This is a true story.)
This American Life. If you want to be reminded to check your privilege for whatever masochistic reason, this is for you. There are hundreds of episodes relaying stories that will tear at your heart worse than a puppy in a wheelchair. Some are brilliantly informative. Others will have you skipping on the double foam, non-fat, skinny latte for the next week and listening to whatever that SAVE THE WORLD volunteer is shouting at you, on the way to work.
Meditation Minis. Sometimes you need to be taken away to a less hectic world that no amount of Savasanas can provide.
Grammar Girl, Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. Basically you’ll learn the difference between knowing your shit and knowing you’re shit. [Who doesn’t love nerdy grammar puns?!]
Instagram celebs. They are the people who create original video so funny, that it even has Rihanna fangirling.
BlameitOnKway. Get to know Titi and Kendra’s shady relationship. Learn how to thot pop. And catch hella love from Riri.
Lalasizahands89. Shadiness has a Queen and her name is Jay’La.
CallmeSkitzo, Wofaifada, and Ecovangel. Nigerian kids will relive their childhoods better than any repressed memory therapy sessions.
NotKarltonBanks. Growing up in the church can be painfully funny, and Leelee has no cares as long as she can give the finger.
PatDLucky. He does many characters but the always bickering sisters Kel and KO, and the voice overs are my fave. Go Gators.
CameronJHenderson. His YouTube videos where gospel is blended with trap need to be an album. Clips are on Instagram, but you need to watch them on the Tube. #LifeChanging. Someone does need to get his cheerleader lotion for those ashy knees though.
TyreeElaine. Everything in “Women Turning 30 Be Like” skit is sadly true, but the humor makes it all worth it. She has one for 20s, 40s, and 50s. HA!
A few others that will have you peeing your pants – MissJayDMV, LauraClery, IAmZoie, SDotNoel, and Luv_JJP.