Max, 19
Media Consumption: everyday in a variety of contexts (work, school, to relax, etc.)
Favorite Media/Technology: YouTube
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
To keep in touch with my family, we typically text or call each other. My dad's a big YouTube buff while my mum is all about Facebook. And yeah, they keep tabs on me through Life360, which lets them see my location.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
Usually with my friends I will call or text them. I rarely go on social media anymore. But when I used to I would send funny videos or photos to them and they would send some back to me.
What do you use media for?
I'm really into using different types of media to promote my music and get my name out there. On top of that, I'm the social media manager for my internship, which eats up a good chunk of my day. Of course, I also use media to relax and stay connected with loved ones, not to mention tackling all the schoolwork.
What is your least favorite thing about media/technology?
My least favorite thing about media is how these platforms are wired to foster confirmation bias, creating a self-reinforcing echo chamber. They do not encourage critical thinking or challenge existing beliefs. The algorithm pushes an unending stream of like-minded individuals who validate and reiterate those beliefs.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
One thing I would want them to know is that I am in love with the stories and worldbuildung that they make. It’s truly incredible.
What media do you interact with the most?
I interact with YouTube the most mainly because it is a the platform allows for the kind of in-depth commentary and analysis that is not possible in shorter TikTok videos.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I mainly keep up with current events by reading articles or tuning in to news podcasts on Spotify.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
If I find myself in a public space or prefer a quieter morning routine, I usually end up scroll through Instagram. When I have a bit more free time to unwind, I turn to YouTube. For the few night I have off I watch a movie on my TV or laptop. I’m fully relaxed and get to escape from the stresses of the day.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
You know, COVID-19 really opened my eyes to the sheer volume of online content that's out there. It's kind of daunting to think about just how much media is available to consume, and yet someone is always consuming it.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Well, I was actually quite lucky during the COVID-19 outbreak, as I didn't need to rely too much on the media. You see, in Florida, the restrictions were pretty chilled out, which meant that I could head down to the beach a lot, just like so many others did too. So, yeah, I pretty much spent most of my time at the beach, soaking up the sun and splashing around in the waves.
Interviewed by: Caleb Kalu, UCLA student