Life without social media: local reactions to global outage

Oct 5 2021

As Facebook was losing its mind trying to get its platform and connected sites Instagram and WhatsApp back up and running, Maltese users of the social media sites were evidently enjoying the blackout. Despite starting with initial frustration at not being able to reload Instagram’s feed, many returned to their pages expressing how refreshing it actually was to be rid of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for a whole evening.

Commenters started to point out that we all have the power to switch off these platforms at any point in time – it just requires self respect and discipline. A global outage doesn’t need to occur for us to realise that reality outside these digital worlds exists. Even local artists expressed similar thoughts, with fashion designer Jayden Curmi asking for a social media break every single Monday. Kevin Paul posted to his story; ‘Must admit, today life without instagram, Facebook & WhatsApp was fun. Or shall I say it was life.’

Now that the platforms are up and running again, many are jumping back into the posting. Could this event really trigger a massive turn away from being constantly engulfed staring at the screen? Some however noted that such platforms are necessary for many brands and businesses to make their living. Others felt a massive personal void when the platforms were unavailable – a sign of dependency or at how social interaction has changed over the years?

According to DATAREPORTAL, there were 420.0 thousand social media users in Malta in January 2021. The number of users in Malta increased by 20,000 between 2020 and 2021, with the total number of users being equivalent to 95% of the total population. There is a catch to everything it seems as more of the world gets digitalised further. But our perceptions as to how much of our lives the platforms consume might begin to be altered after such occurrences.

#MaltaDaily

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp make their post global outage comeback

Squid Game tracksuits number one adult costume on Amazon

Oct 4 2021

Following the massive hit Netflix’s Squid Game made internationally, the tracksuits donned by the tortured players have ranked at the top of Amazon’s adult costume category. As Halloween closes in, it seems as though a massive portion of the series fanbase will be running around in track suits inspired by the series. The red guard jumpsuit is also another bestseller at the moment, featuring the black sinister mask. You can choose from a triangle, square or circle logo, meaning you and your mates can wear one of each.

The Frontman mask is also being sold on Amazon starting from £7.99. The most popular one is the black mask, despite the frontman in the series donning the golden mask. A set is not available for this costume however, so you’ll have to dig deeper into Amazon a bit. And we bet that we’ll be getting some dressed up as the sinister Red Light Green Light doll by the weirder among us.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Amazon, CheatSheet, Cosmopolitan

Primary school registrations increase from past years

Oct 4 2021

Figures released by the Education Ministry show that 36,000 students are attending State schools for the upcoming academic year. Kindergarten has 5,981 students, primary schools have 15,827 and secondary schools 12,143.

1,987 students are attending post-secondary education, with the education ministry stating registration for primary school was higher than in previous years. The students were distributed in 106 schools and educational centres.

A total of 7,071 heads, educators, LSEs, KGEs and administrative staff are involved. Education Minister Justyne Caruana stated that the determination and commitment of educators to ensure that children receive their education physically in schools is clear as this is the best place for education to take place. The ministry also confirmed that attendance for the upcoming academic year will be compulsory.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Justyne Caruana FB, Europass Teacher Academy