Zaayra, 18
Media Consumption: Several hours every day
Favorite Media/Technology: Instagram
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We all interact with each other through various forms of Social Media. From family groups on WhatsApp to sending memes to each other on Instagram. Social Media is an important part of all our lives.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
Similar to my family, my peers and I all interact through social media. We all got inspiration through social media and try to model ourselves through it. Posting regularly and seeing what others post is also something that excites us.
What do you use media for?
I use media for basically everything in my life. It is my inspiration for most things I do. The way I dress, the food I eat, and even the people I try to be like, are all inspired by social media.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My least favorite thing about social media is the aspect of stalking. I feel that some people can misuse social media and can invade the privacy of others.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I would want the people who create the media I like to know that their content has a significant impact on my beliefs and values, and that they have the power to shape the way I see the world. Therefore, I hope they take their responsibility seriously and create content that is diverse, inclusive, and promotes positive messages.
What media do you interact with the most?
I interact with social media the most. More specifically, I use Instagram more often than other apps. I model my life through what I see on Instagram.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I get most of the information about what’s happening in the world through Instagram. Other than that I also get news through the Internet and my parents.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
TikTok and Instagram help me stay calm and busy during challenging times. They provide me with entertainment through memes and reels and keep me distracted.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
From the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times, I have learned the importance of adaptability and resilience. It is crucial to be able to adjust to new circumstances and persevere through difficult situations in order to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught me to be more mindful of my media consumption and to take breaks from technology when needed for my mental health. It has also shown me the importance of using technology for social connection and staying informed, while being cautious of misinformation and excessive screen time.
Interviewed by: Aditya Singh, UCLA student