Bridging Blocks | Social Media, the News, and the Next Generation
The way we consume information has changed dramatically in just a few decades. What was once defined by the morning newspaper and the evening broadcast has evolved into a 24-hour deluge of a nonstop news cycle, with information arriving instantly from a seemingly infinite number of media outlets, platforms and algorithms.
Data from the 2025 Statista Research Department shows more than 310 million people in the United States—about 91% of the population—and nearly 6 billion people worldwide use social media. Platforms have transformed the way people communicate, consume news, build relationships, consider candidates, and learn about the world. It’s easier now more than ever to communicate and engage with the world. It also raises questions about misinformation, privacy, mental health, and the influence of algorithms.
Join us for a community conversation about the role of the news and social media in shaping public understanding and civic life. How do we determine what information is trustworthy? Has constant exposure to breaking news desensitized us? How do social platforms shape our opinions, relationships, and communities?
Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.
Host - Tony Cuffie Senior Manager Community & Engagement, WHYY News
Moderator - Brisa Luzzi Castro Community Convener, WHYY News
Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland
This event is free to attend, and optional donations help WHYY continue offering meaningful community programs.
