Sue - 14
Sue, 14
Media Consumption: Day: 11 -13 hours, Week: 60-80 hours
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok/iPhone
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My parents and I do not really interact with one another through technology other than communicating through occasional text messages or phone calls. Sometimes, we will watch movies or television shows together when everyone’s schedule is the same. However, my older sister and I enjoy communicating through Snapchat and Instagram Direct Messaging. Depending on the day, we may use one more than another. On Snapchat we send each other funny images or update each other about our school work throughout the day. On Instagram, we send each other pictures/videos we find funny, cute or places we would like to visit. We also send each other new restaurants and foods we would like to try.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends and I are constantly in contact with one another whether it be through social media, text message or FaceTime. I mainly prefer interacting with my peers through FaceTime because of the ease at which we can communicate. Often when communicating through other means we may not fully understand each other or miss out on important details. I also enjoy scrolling through Instagram but I prefer not to post anything that could be misconstrued or used against me.
What do you use media for?
Being in elementary and middle school, my primary use for technology was to pass the time and keep myself entertained as well as to stay connected with my friends. But as I have grown older, my media use has too. Now as a freshman in high school, I largely use my phone for educational content in addition to entertainment. I also enjoy keeping myself preoccupied with watching Netflix and listening to music.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
I believe that media usage has both positive and negative effects on an individual. I believe that social media applications such as Instagram can have a negative effect on a person psychologically. I attribute negative connotations to Instagram due to its ability to make you feel negatively about yourself. Such as when I see my peers post the “perfect” picture or my friends having fun without me. It makes me feel left out and unimportant. On the other hand, I view applications such as YouTube as positive in terms of both education and entertainment. It gives me the ability to learn new things and get help with homework while also allowing me to unwind after a long day at school.