MAY 16 • 2024 | 15

governmental regulations for
technology companies and
social media platforms and
verifying information before
passing it on can help truth
triumph over lies.
“People are going to have
to be even more savvy in this
election year to make sure
what they’re reading is true,”
said Diem. “There are people
who are intending to do harm
and we need to outsmart
them by knowing what to
look for and how to validate
information.”
Normandin emphasized the
need to hold digital platforms
accountable for the content on
their sites.
“We must ask Congress
to set guidelines,” she said,
adding that regulations exist
for most other industries,
including manufacturing,
air travel, broadcasting and

banking. “We give phones –
with unconstrained platforms
like TikTok and Instagram
– to young people. We must
insist these companies take
responsibility and we must
hold ourselves accountable
and ensure we are seeking the
full story.”
Because it is easier to teach
children responsible media
consumption before they
develop bad habits, Bean
intends to keep working with
lawmakers to pass legislation
mandating media literacy
education in all public
schools.
“Everyone has the ability
to send out good or bad
info,” says Bean. “Do you
want to be a steward of good
information or do you want to
promote propaganda? We’re
at a crossroads. You have to
decide.”

Who to call
when you
don’t know
who to call.

During challenging times, the Detroit Jewish

community is here to help. Managed by

Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jhelp is staffed by

knowledgeable professionals ready to guide

you to the Jewish Detroit resources you need.

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Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund
and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

You can also chat
with us online at
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It’s here for you.

Call 1-248-592-2650

Maya
Siegmann
didn’t want a
traditional college experience;
she considered 4-year schools
but instead opted to follow in her
brother’s footsteps at OCC. She
appreciated how easily credits
from OCC transfer to other
schools and loved the flexibility
of online courses combined with
intimate in-person learning

Rewarding careers start at OCC.
Visit oaklandcc.edu/getstarted

Start Your
College
Journey
at OCC

Discover how OCC
empowered Maya Siegmann
to pursue her dream of
helping teens.

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
oaklandcc.edu/admissions

SPONSORED BY OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

opportunities. Now Maya is well
on her way to becoming a middle
school counselor and making her
someday a reality.