Since 2021, Ari Berenstein’s students at Abraham Lincoln High School have prepared for the argumentation unit of their coming English Regents Examination on the question that’s become an over-arching subject across culture, education, psychology, tecnhology and politics.

Does the internet have a negative impact on our thinking process?

A scroll through any social media platform will show you many negative examples. Berenstein, a pro wrestling fan, discovered one positive influence that has changed the thinking of many of his students – Jay Fowler.

Fowler, who writes under The Great Fowler handle on Twitter, was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation in Jan. 2020 and with only 10 percent heart function. Fowler was given six months to live, but despite close calls with death and many visits to the ER, he’s survived nearly five years and became famous among pro wrestling fans, wrestlers and wrestling media as the guy who kicked out at 2.9 against The Grim Reaper.

Fowler gained support on Twitter from some of wrestling’s biggest names like Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega as the guy who kicked out at 2.9 on the Grim Reaper.

What made Fowler’s story standout – he used the contacts and goodwill he received to spread goodwill to others. Whether it’s helping those in need, or setting up messages and greetings from top wrestling names for kids in need.

Berenstein wanted a topic for research that would interest his students and work their critical thinking skills. Fowler’s story immediately came to mind.

“One of those research activities goes into the positive aspects of the internet, social media, and the influence it can have on people, especially helping others and “paying it forward”,” Berenstein said. “Which is something Jay has done with his health situation and how he has helped others in similar moments in their lives. I ask students to choose from a menu of options such as researching different gofundmes or charities. Another option is reading and responding to the article about Jay’s life and how he became a positive influence on others even amid a difficult and ongoing struggle.”

Berenstein learned of Fowler’s health condition listening to Bryan Alverez and Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer podcast. He began following Fowler online and became more familiar with his work to push positivity on a more-often-than-not negative platform like Twitter and a notoriously cynical fan base like pro wrestling.

Berenstein said most of his students aren’t pro wrestling fans, but it didn’t stop them from relating to Fowler’s story.

“Students have been very complimentary towards Jay and his story,” Berenstein said. “Most students are obviously not into wrestling fandom, but they understand on a basic level that someone is helping others to experience something cool.”

Fowler’s health will be an uphill battle for him the rest of his life. He’s still faced eviction and finding cash to pay for bills, but he said the struggle has been worth it if it inspires others to do good.

As part of the assignnment, students in Berenstein’s class shared their thoughts about his story on Padlet.

Fowler said his own dire situation helped him see the power of good.

“That is what makes me feel good,” Fowler said “If high school students start looking at things from a better perspective, everyone wins.”