Joshua, 17

Media Consumption: Six hours per day

Favorite Media/Technology: Instagram and YouTube

How do you and your family interact with media/technology?

My family and I use an app called Line to text. We text about where we are, where we’re going, what food we want to eat, or what time we will get back home. My mom will usually ask if we are eating dinner at home and that is one way we communicate with my family.

How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?

My friends and I usually use Instagram to talk in group chats. We discuss when we’re going to ride our bikes together and where and when to meet. We share posts and send memes to each other. We also talk about YouTube videos and send funny videos.

What do you use media for?

I use media to talk to my friends, to discover new biking trails, and to watch vlogs. I like to build my own bikes, so I search up different types of models. I also make plans with my friends to get together. I like to look at cars and different builds of cars and electronic bikes.

What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?

I usually stay up really late at night using my laptop or phone. This affects my sleep because I usually wake up late.

What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?

I think the content I can find online is great, especially on YouTube. I learn about so many new biking trails and new areas to explore through maps and other people’s videos. I like the media because it is easy to talk to friends and watch videos, such as vloggers like Logan Paul.

What media are you using more now because of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

I still use the same apps I regularly use, but now I have more time and freedom to explore new things on YouTube. I also use Strava a lot more because I have time to bike and go exercise. Strava tracks the route you take and tells you how many miles you have gone.

Where do you get most of your information to learn more about the coronavirus (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?

I usually see it on Facebook and my parents are both doctors, so I get a lot of information from them. I used to watch it earlier in the year but now it is kind of something I scroll past.

What media has been helping you stay busy/stay calm during this difficult time?

I don’t really have a specific media that helps me stay more calm. I have used media mostly for entertainment during this time which helps me keep busy and not get bored.

What lessons have you learned from COVID-19?

I learned that there are some people out there who do not believe in masks and think this is a hoax, which I didn’t know of before.

Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of COVID-19?

No, I generally have kept the same pattern in terms of my media use before COVID-19. I just have more time now to use the media more and sleep longer.

Interviewed by: Emily Honng, UCLA Rising 4th Year Student