DS, 15
Media Consumption: very frequent
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We all talk on WhatsApp and Zoom together, and I used to play video games with my brother. My mom’s constantly on her phone, most of the time it’s like she doesn’t even hear me, so I just go on my phone too.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
We text each other and use it to make plans (virtually & in real life), or we game together. But sometimes when we’re all hanging out, everyone will be on their own phone individually so it’s like everyone stays by themselves on their phone, so I do it too.
What do you use media for?
I use it to chill and to not think about other stuff, like to distract myself. I use it for fun like gaming and to talk to friends too.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing is TikTok because it’s so relatable and funny, it’s just like entertaining, you know? But my least favorite thing is like the outcome of using it, like I end up spending so much time on it.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
They suck. They make your “For You” page (TikTok feed) things that you personally like so that you can't stop using it. They make it so addictive, on purpose.
What media are you using more now because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Definitely TikTok. I spend most of my time on it. And I guess Zoom/Microsoft Teams because of online classes. Other websites related to school stuff and homework.
Where do you get most of your information to learn more about changes during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I mostly get that information from TikTok because people talk about pretty much everything on there, and I guess my family sometimes.
What media has been helping you stay busy/stay calm during the COVID-19 pandemic?
TikTok. I would stay on the app for hours and wouldn't really think about anything else.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I guess I haven’t really learned anything from the pandemic; I’ve mostly just been trying to get through it.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Well it's not really anything new, but the pandemic showed me just how much time I can spend on social media if I really have to, like if I have nothing else to do. And if I’m trying to distract myself, I guess it showed me I can spend hours on it without getting bored.
Interviewed by: Nora Sfeir, UCLA Student