Samantha, 20

Media Consumption: about 5 hours per day

Favorite Media/Technology: Netflix, YouTube, Instagram

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

I live apart from my parents so we call and text a lot to keep up. We also like to watch Netflix as a family and my brother and I share memes and other videos over social media.

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

We keep up through text, Facebook messenger, and DMs. We also have movie nights and watch many streaming platforms together. We definitely live on our phones and interact through them, sharing updates about our lives or content we are passionate about.

What do you use media for?

Most often I use it for entertainment purposes as well as to educate myself on current events, but I try not to use it too much for getting information. I also use Instagram and Snapchat to share content with others and see what they are up to.

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

My favorite thing is that it can connect you to a host of different people pretty easily. It allows me to keep up with relationships as well as see other people’s perspectives on various platforms that I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. On the other hand, various forms of media can be incredibly toxic and promote a certain body image standard. It can also act as an echo chamber and only accept one opinion and if you are not within that, you can be ostracized and become prey to the “cancel culture.”

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

While this may be a contested point of view, some media creators could employ more censorship on their platforms so we can minimize incidents like the January 6th riots. Media creators have a right and responsibility to excise extremist groups who promote violence and facilitate terrorist ideologies. While Twitter and Facebook have begun to do so, this took a lot of public pressure and needs to continue.

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

Messaging platforms because I can’t see my friends, and other social media sites to stay in contact.

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

I don’t keep too up-to-date with COVID-related things because it has become exhausting for me. I occasionally get news through the Wall Street Journal or campus publications with updates on places opening up and rates.

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

Mostly streaming platforms to take me to another place and get my mind off the present. I love finding new shows on Netflix and definitely partake in binge-watching more than I would like to admit.

What lessons have you learned from COVID-19?

I have learned patience and who my close friends are. I have focused on self-discipline and needing to be my own motivator each day. I also try to accept help when I need it and extend grace to others. I have tried to better understand how other people are feeling and accommodate them as well.

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

I have noticed in the absence of extracurricular activities and places to go, I tend to turn to social media instead. I need to monitor my use as I could sit for hours in my room scrolling through media and wasting the day away. But with all the social movements that have been incited during the pandemic, I have learned it can also be a powerful tool for social change if used correctly.

Interviewed by: ​Sahar Shirbacheh, UCLA 3rd Year Student