Roxana, 16
Media consumption: Approximately 4 hours per day
Favorite Media/Technology: Instagram
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My family interacts with technology regularly, the whole family has the social media platform Instagram, and we all post stories and photos regularly and there aren’t really any restrictions as long as there’s nothing bad I am hiding, but at the same time both my parents follow me on Instagram so they know what I’m up to and I’ve never really hidden anything bad so I feel like I have much their trust having social media.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
Me and my friends are on social media a lot, we use Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok regularly to post videos, photos, or just chat and see what other people are up to. Pretty much everyone has some form of social media so it’s easy to keep it touch.
What do you use media for?
I mostly use media to post photos and to keep in touch. I like to post videos or stories to memorialize the moment or certain places I went with certain people or specific events. Partly I feel like I do this to show things I’m involved in or have planned.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
Honestly, my least favorite thing about social media is how downgrading it can be on your mental health. I know I can easily be caught in the current of TikTok or Instagram and end up scrolling for hours and then realizing that I wasted my time on nothing. But like at the same time I know many adults talk about this, but honestly it is kind of true, but when you’re on social media, you easily find yourself comparing yourself to like others on the Internet and what they’re up to or how they look like and certain items they own.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
One thing that I would want someone who created the media is to know how dangerous Snapchat is. At my school we had a lecture of a kid’s mom whose son went through I think fentanyl poisoning from some dealer on Snapchat. I know and I would like anyone reading this to know I don’t do drugs or alcohol or anything but it’s scary to think the developers of this may know what’s going on but don’t wanna fix anything about it. But like it’s pretty scary media platforms can change people’s lives and things like that.
What media do you interact with the most?
The media I interact with the most is Instagram. I like to have a profile up to show what I’m doing and places I’m going to.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
Most of the information I get about what is happening in the world is from either from the radio, parents, friends, news, school, or Instagram.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Honestly, Instagram is probably the social media platform that keeps me busy during challenging times because I can watch something for a bit or cruise around on people profile to see what they’ve recently posted.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
When COVID-19 happened I was in seventh grade so I feel like the lessons that I learned coming out of it was that I had to become more self-aware and I was maturing and becoming into a woman so I had to always be aware of my surroundings what I would say, how I would appear to other people.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
So, during COVID-19 I used social media a lot to connect with people but once I came back to school, I kept using social media as much but then over time my usage of it declined a bit. Now I am a sophomore in high school and I really like lowered my usage of Snapchat and TikTok. I mean I’m still on them a lot, but I don’t really focus my time on it as much as I used to. But I have realized that I use social media a lot when I’m in my house by myself or when I’m honestly pretty bored and have nothing better to do. Which then relates back to the question of my use on social media it feels like I’m mostly on social media when I don’t have anything to do or anyone to hang out with or when I’m mostly bored, which parallels how I felt during COVID-19.
Interviewed by: Pedram Bazargani, UCLA student
Lucy, 17
Media Consumption: Almost 3 hours a day for social media which is a weekday, weekends were an hour and half more. Feels as though when she is not doing homework or is not busy that she is checking her phone every 30 minutes.
Favorite Media/Technology: Her phone; Snapchat and TikTok are the platforms she likes the most.
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I got my phone a lot later than a lot of my friends, which was 6th grade. For the first year that I had my phone, I was supposed to plug it in in the kitchen, but eventually my parents shaved up on that rule since I would break it a lot. Since I have older siblings, I got social media before I had a phone.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
We are constantly on it and I do not like it. All of me and my friends have each others location on Snapmaps and we are constantly looking where one another is and what one another is doing. Some of my closest guy friends, I don't even think I have their phone number, that’s how we make plans that's how we see how we are all doing.... sitting in a room where 10 different people are communicating with other people on their phone.
What do you use media for?
Personally, I use media for entertainment and to connect with my friends.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about technology is that it provides an easy way to communicate with friends when you are not with them. My least favorite thing is that it creates fomo. It makes things seem more fun than they actually are.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
Snapchat: should have never created snap maps, sucks for younger kids when they don't have a set friend group yet and it causes people to feel left out. And for TikTok I would say it is so addictive I hate it but I love it, I don’t even know what I would say... you made way too addictive of an app.
What media do you interact with the most?
Snapchat and TikTok. A lot of my friends are on instagram a lot but I do not like Instagram as much as they do.
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 my information about what is going on in the world from my family, and also from TikTok (but I take everything on there with a grain of salt ).
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
If I’m looking to stay calm I honestly find it best to stay off of social media, but I would say I would probably go on TikTok if I had to pick when to keep myself busy because I can scroll for hours and not even notice. I find Snapchat and Instagram to stress me out when I’m already having a bad time. It normally gives me fomo or something of that sort. My favorite thing to do when I need to keep calm is read!
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned that I need to be okay being alone, I shouldn’t always have to be surrounded by friends to be happy. I have also learned that everything in life is temporary and can change so fast so not to worry about the future before it comes.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
During COVID I used social media to connect with people I was unable to see, but also as a distraction. I was 15 during the pandemic and spent so much time making TikToks and following the trends on there to keep myself distracted.
Interviewed by: Tiki Feldman, UCLA student
Miles, 19
Media consumption: iPhone/iPad/Macbook everyday
Favorite media/technology: Instagram
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I usually watch TV in the living room to catch up on college football games. My family and I are big college football fans.
How do you and your friends interact with media/technology?
I communicate over social media like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. I use group chats with my guy friends. Groupme conversations for my fraternity.
Were you exposed to media/techonology during your childhood? If not, how early on were you exposed to them?
My parents were relatively relaxed about media use as long as the devices were off by 10pm. I used to watch Nickelodeon shows with brothers on TV. My parents are also big college football fans so I was exposed to TV culture early on during my childhood.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
Favorite thing is that I can communicate freely and easily with my friends and family. Least favorite thing is how distracting social media and TV is from doing my class work.
What do you use media for?
I mostly use social media to keep in touch with my friends and family. I mostly use technology, like my phone and iPad, to do homework or to do Zoom meetings.
How did you use media during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I have noticed that I used social media to communicate with my friends more during the pandemic because there was limited in-person interactions. I participated in Zoom classes and Zoom meetings during the pandemic and still use Zoom to do my internship over my computer.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/ interact with to know?
Media plays a huge role in day-to-day life even in ways that people don’t realize. Therefore, one thing people who create the media should be more aware of is the rapid spreading of information over the internet and create a more safe and welcoming environment for adolescents.
Interviewed by: Julia M. Park, UCLA student
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
Marissa, 10
Media Consumption: A lot, like everyday
Favorite Media/ Technology: Tablet/iPad
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My family and I use digital media and technology to communicate with each other and stay connected.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My peers and I also use media and technology to communicate with each other and stay connected. We also use media and technology to FaceTime and play games with each other.
What do you use media for?
I mainly use media to watch videos, movies, play games, and make TikToks.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My least favorite thing about media/technology is the ads that pop up on certain games and websites. They appear frequently and are very annoying.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I watch movies and shows on Netflix a lot, and I want the creators to know that it’s a great app. Some of the other media that I use are Toca World, and Roblox, and I want their creators to know that they are really fun games.
What media do you interact with the most?
I use Toca World, Roblox, and Netflix the most.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
In the mornings, my mom plays the morning news on the television and I listen to it, and I get most of the information about what’s happening in the world from that.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times? Why?
Disney+, Toca World, and Netflix help me to stay busy and calm during challenging times because they help me get my mind off of things that cause me stress.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned to stay clean from germs, and to be mindful of each other, and elders especially because they are more at risk when it comes to COVID-19.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed I use media and technology much more. We also look things up and use our laptops in class all day long.
Interviewed by: Jazlyn Zendejas, UCLA student
Kayla, 11
Media Consumption: 3-4 hours per day
Favorite Media/Technology: Discord & Nintendo Switch
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I spend a lot of time with my family watching movies or playing video games. We usually watch animated movies because of my younger sister, or play games like Super Smash and Animal Crossing.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
I communicate with my friends after school using Discord to chat, since I don’t have any other forms of social media. We also all use technology for homework assignments.
What do you use media for?
I mainly use media to watch random YouTube. I mainly watch content that is related to my interests, like percussion and skateboarding. I also play Minecraft when I’m bored.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
I don’t like how media makes us have shorter attention spans and less present in our daily lives. We’ve also learned in school about how information online can be misleading and not-credible, which is scary. I do like how technology makes it easier to communicate and makes doing homework faster, because it allows me to type everything out.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I don’t like all the YouTube ads. I swear there used to only be one ad in the beginning of videos but now they pop up so often.
What media do you interact with the most?
I spend the majority of time on my laptop or iPad watching YouTube or listening to music.
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 my information from peers or videos online. Whenever I tell my Dad about something I learned he immediately Googles it because he doesn’t trust my sources.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Listening to music helps me to relax and unwind.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
The pandemic taught me how to entertain myself. There were times when I was bored at home, so me and my sister had to get creative in how we would preoccupy ourselves in ways that didn’t only rely on our devices.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I struggled to adapt to doing school online at first. I even missed a few assignments because I didn’t know how to check when things were due. Now, I’m more comfortable with using technology and COVID has forced me to learn quickly.
Interviewed by: Amelia Weintraub, UCLA student
Karo, 10
Media Consumption: I watch 2 hours of my favorite gamers on YouTube every day
Favorite Media/Technology: YouTube on my iPhone
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
The way my family and I interact with media is they give me a 2 hour limit to watch my favorite gamers on YouTube everyday, but only after I have finished my homework. My dad sometimes watches them with me.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends and I usually watch the same gamers, but their parents have different rules for them.
What do you use media for?
YouTube on my iPhone.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about technology is I can use it for video games, videos and help with homework. My least favorite thing is the ads on the videos.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
One thing I want people who create the media I like to watch to know about me is they help me with playing games and make me laugh.
What media do you interact with the most?
The media I interact with the most is YouTube on my iPhone.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I don’t really read anything about the news. I just hear my parents talk about it.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
The media that helps me stay busy during challenging times is my phone and Xbox.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Lessons I have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times is to stay calm and let it pass because tough times go away.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned how to be a little more careful with what applications I open and my parents also turned on parental controls, so I do not read or see anything I am not supposed too.
Interviewed by: Daniel Tashchyan, UCLA student
Jennifer, 20
Media Consumption: 3 hours per day, 2 and ½ on weekends
Favorite Media/ Technology: TikTok, medium, and Reddit
How do you and your family interact with media and technology?
We occasionally show each other more entertainment-based media by sharing it in the family group chat, or through social media apps. When we are far from one another we text each other with minor updates about our day.
How do you and your friends interact with media and technology?
I mostly text message friends though it's hard for me to keep up with people, I prefer to send funny videos through apps such as TikTok.
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about media and technology?
Favorite: How much it amplifies communication with others, we can easily send them a text or funny video to have something to laugh about and share while strengthening our communication.
Least Favorite: The chokehold that media has on users making their life significantly only about someone online (chronically online users) not directly about media, but occurs due to media.
What do you use media for?
For a variety of reasons, some of these include laughing, gaining more knowledge, and communicating with friends and family.
How did you use media during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the pandemic, I was online learning so I would watch class recordings live via Zoom, and read articles and YouTube.
What is one thing you want the people that create the media you like to watch, play and interact with to know?
This is something that is already happening, but I would like for media to become more personalized to each individual person. Thanks to stored data a lot of videos we see and articles that we read they are becoming more personalized. I think that is a good thing, I believe that influencers and other professionals should make media more human, individuals should not be afraid to say what they think but rather say the truth instead of trying to appease everyone. The more human type of media. Influencers try to portray a life that “everyone” wants, showing that it's not just a straight path forward.
Would you want to live in a world with or without media?
With media, although the overconsumption of media can lead to several harmful mental and health factors, the only one who can control how much media you consume is yourself. If you are disciplined enough to moderate how much media you consume and that it's valuable to you, it should not affect you as much. I was able to gain so much knowledge based on the internet as a limited and extracted valuable information that would help me in the long run.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I usually get my information from the Internet and my parents.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
During challenging times I enjoy taking a day for myself while watching humorous media on TikTok or YouTube.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned that we should enjoy every moment, though it may be going outside and getting a breath of fresh air, that is a moment in time that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned that I consume too much media and technology, so I have learned to set limits for myself.
Interviewed by: Ashley Flores Gracias, UCLA student
Leen, 13
Media Consumption: 4-5 hours per day
Favorite Media/Technology: Instagram, Snapchat, Netflix
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I text my mom through iMessages or Snapchat and I text my dad through iMessages when we need to. With my younger sister, I use Snapchat. We don’t really interact together with media so we all do our own thing.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
I talk to classmates through Google Classroom and Discord for school-related things. With closer friends, I use Snapchat and Instagram to text them. We also use Snapchat to send each other pictures and Instagram to post about ourselves.
What do you use media for?
I use it for entertainment by watching videos and talking to my friends online. I also post a lot on my social media accounts, but mainly on the accounts with close friends.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about media is being able to have something to do. It keeps me from feeling bored and I am able to talk to my friends easily. My least favorite thing about media is any negative posts and comparing myself to other people.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I would like social media like Instagram and Snapchat to have better security. I have times when I get scared that my information will get leaked and I would like to have more privacy options. I also do not want to see hateful posts or comments so blocking them would be good.
What media do you interact with the most?
I interact with social media more. I post pictures on Instagram and Snapchat and keep up with my feed. I also stay in more contact with my friends by texting them through DM’s. I also watch on Netflix and find myself scrolling through the list of shows to watch.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
Sometimes, they just pop up on my for you page on Instagram or I search it up myself. My friends also share informational posts on their stories so I find them there.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
I would say Instagram because they have the reels feature and I find myself scrolling through it. That is also why I don’t have TikTok since they’re the same. It becomes addicting, which is very bad. Netflix has also helped me with all the shows I watch.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I’ve learned that too much screen time is bad for you. I found myself using my phone too much, mindlessly scrolling around trying to find something to watch. Taking a break from my phone and going out would be better for me.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I would say I learned how I use media to entertain me when I am bored. I also spend a lot of time talking to my friends online which is nice so we can stay connected when we can’t see each other. But, I also find myself caring about how others see me and I focus a lot on my social media feed which is toxic behavior.
Interviewed by: Tasneem Elsayed, UCLA student
Jen, 19
Media Consumption: 8+ hours per day
Favorite Media/Technology: Twitch Live Streaming Service
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I know that my family uses the media as a main source of news, and that’s basically how they are fed information. A lot of the time they’re buying into propaganda because they don’t know what sources are reputable. Beyond the basics, I don’t really know exactly how they interact with the media because I don’t live with them anymore, but sometimes my mom and I send each other some silly GIFs and memes. They just kinda send me news articles and texts updating me on their life, and that’s all I know.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends and I are on TikTok and send each other stuff every day! I find some things funny and others educational, and I like to share them with my friends so we can all see the same information. We also use Snapchat as our main form of communication, and sometimesInstagram as well. Yeah, I think I tend to use these forms of social media as my main method of communication rather than your typical SMS text message.
What do you use media for?
As well as connecting with family and friends, I’ve mainly used the media for profit. I’ve never worked a traditional in-person job, and so all the money I have earned up ‘til now was through the use of media. That included creating and selling it - monetizing my media use! I’ve done a lot of content creation, which is something that is definitely new to this day and age. That is my main source of income. I’ve also done writing for a journalism website - most of these things had to do with video games. I helped grow a network of YouTube channels which now have around 700,000 subscribers, which is great. So I’m able to monetize the YouTube videos I create and other brand deals like sponsorships. I also created an online community based off of my video game streaming and was able to monetize that as well through different modes such as ad revenue from the streams, brand deals and sponsorships, and selling merchandise.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
I definitely think my favorite aspect of the media is the ability to stream. Streaming was my favorite job for sure and for like, obvious reasons. Of course it's gonna be better than other jobs because you have your direct community and you are your own manager. The whole thing felt like fun. None of it was work for me. I loved streaming because it was very different from a traditional job. I think for one, this happened at an age where I couldn’t just walk into a Starbucks and get employed, so I was able to start fairly young and that was great because I was able to start earning my own money at a very young age. Overall, I enjoyed the freedom that the media was able to give me. It gave me a lot of creative freedom and freedom with my time in a way that a traditional job never could’ve. I think streaming using the media was my vehicle to be able to gain independence at a young age, which was incredible. There were definitely negatives, of course. I think my least favorite aspect of the internet was that it made me grow up way too fast and lose parts of my childhood. I think unrestricted access to the internet as a child was, uh, not great. I can't say that I regret it because it definitely gave me the opportunity to make money at a young age and therefore move out of a toxic home and whatever. But yeah, I could definitely see how it affected me and made me grow up a lot faster than you might have 40 years ago. I think it gave me access to inappropriate information and you know, as a child you're very inquisitive and want to understand everything presented to you, even if you don’t know that it’s bad. I was also given access to and accessed by, um, dangerous people at a young age. It was definitely a safety issue and stripped a lot of my childhood. Even now, I’m still being confronted with dangerous situations online, yeah. There's creepy men everywhere.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
If I had the ability to speak with the creators of Twitch, I would definitely want to let them know about the somewhat toxic environment they’ve created. I think streaming had a very positive boost to my self-confidence, but in a seemingly toxic way. I was in this cycle of getting validation from strangers, which is unnecessary when you have your own intrinsic self-worth. But I was starting to base this worth off of other people's views of me since I was in the public eye and receiving comments about my appearance and my personality every single day. When it came to views and stuff, I wasn't like competitive, but I think you do become hyper aware of the different metrics. Um, when you see it on your screen, you're definitely aware of it. Like, it'd be a lie if I said like, ah, I don't care how many people are here right now. Even though I tried not to let that flood my mind, the way the system was designed was to make us competitive, which is definitely a negative. I feel like very, very, very recently have I tried to start to unlearn this like hyper-sexualization of myself because from the very beginning, from probably the first day that I had access to any sort of media, I saw women like me, even at a young age being portrayed in this very, very sexualized way. And it felt like you had to portray yourself in that way to succeed in that environment. And, you know, speaking of metrics, you did see, uh, a shocking difference on days where I’d dress more promiscuously versus a day where I'm in more comfortable clothing. There is a glaring difference in how many people are going to be there to watch you. Um, it sucks. It made me base my worth off of how sexualized I was by other people. And I wish the creators would do something to address this, because otherwise Twitch is a wonderful platform.
What media do you interact with the most?
I definitely spend most of my time on Twitch or making Twitch-related content, such as on Instagram or TikTok trying to make posts, advertise, connect with my audience, and things like that. It takes a lot of work and time to run a channel, so this is mainly what I spend my time
doing with the media.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I’d say I get my information from my friends and from social media. Current events, historical events, and just daily news all tend to come from these sources. I would say Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are what I mainly see information on, and I don’t really use Twitter. I don’t think these are really reputable sources, but if it’s important, I make sure to fact check on Google with some primary sources. I tend to look out for videos of current events because that tends to be reliable. That’s usually my first stop for confirmed reputable information, but I mainly use social media on the day to day.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Definitely TikTok. The whole app is just mindless scrolling and distraction from the hard times. The algorithm is so much better on TikTok than on other apps, so it feeds me more interesting and personalized media. I don’t have to think about challenging things when I’m distracted by TikTok, you know? I think it’s sometimes unhealthy to use it as a distraction because there’s certainly much better mechanisms out there to to cope with. I try to limit it, but at the end of the day, using TikTok is sometimes more healthy than the alternative mechanisms I might try.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
COVID really taught me a lot about life and how you really never know what’s going to happen. Everything can change in a minute, and it literally did! I think it showed us how important communication is, even online communication, because that’s truly what got a lot of people through the challenging times, including me. Life is sacred and we really shouldn’t take it for granted.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I think the COVID-19 pandemic caused us to focus on the internet and media because we were so restricted from the outside world. It made us hone in on the media as our way of communication and as a platform to make money, because there was no other way to do things! Personally, the isolation made me turn to online activities which I was then able to monetize, like my streaming career. It obviously benefited me quite a bit and I’m very grateful for it being an available option, but it did make me feel a lot more detached from interpersonal communication in real life, which is so important. Do I think it’s harmed me in many ways? Yes, but I really think the positives outweigh the detriment I’m still working through.
Interviewed by: Melanie Piper, UCLA student
Evan, 18
Media Consumption: Very often/Every day
Favorite Media: Movies/TV, Music
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I interact with media/technology every day. I use my phone for social media, games, and technologies like videos and photos. I use my computer for schoolwork, internet searches, and access to media sites and shopping. I use these materials every day to entertain and support myself in my daily life.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My peers and I mostly use it for entertainment purposes. Apps like TikTok, Clash of Clans, and Snapchat are what my peers mostly use; apps that help them connect with their friends and family and pure entertainment apps that help my peers pass the time. We also use media and technology for school. Online class sites as well as Zoom and Microsoft Office are all sorts of mediums that we use.
What do you use media for?
I personally use media mostly for social, school, and entertainment purposes. This includes social media, like Instagram and Snap, Netflix and Amazon Prime, and Canvas and Microsoft word. These are all technologies that I use in my daily life.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about it is how much access it gives us. The ability to look up literally anything, the ability to see or learn about anything in the world, and the ability to connect with people far away in an instant is my favorite part of technology. My least favorite thing is how addictive it is. It’s so easy to get lost in its features and videos and binge-watch that it becomes an extremely easy addiction. The highlights and colors and algorithms are meant to keep users entertained and that sort of dedication to obtaining viewership is my least favorite part about technology.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
Stay creative. There are so many inputs and opinions in today’s world of media that everything is starting to blend together into the same thing. Uniqueness is hard to find these days so when artists come along with new creative ideas it really keeps the media that I interact with fresh and entertaining.
What media do you interact with the most?
I probably interact with social media the most. I’m always on my phone and constantly checking the apps I have and I tend to get lost in them. Apps like Instagram, Tiktok, and Snapchat use up most of my screen time and media use.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I get it the most from social media. Influential accounts are also posting newsworthy things so I tend to get a lot of it through social media. News accounts on my phone also help keep me updated.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Mostly entertainment media, like games and movies/tv shows. They are a source of pure entertainment and transport me to a world that is calm or busy instead of our challenging times. They offer an escape and a source of fun and joy in the troubles of real life and even a sense of control. The fantasies and thrills of TV and video games are definitely the go-tos in challenging times.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
That sitting still in the same place doing the same over and over doesn’t work for me. New experiences are needed to help grow the mind and there was a huge lack of that throughout COVID and other challenging times. This repetitive cycle of negative behavior draws one down and keeps them from doing other things in life that are beneficial. Pursue the things that interest you and you will be able to break the cycle of isolation and difficulty that challenges like COVID put on people.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Not to get too invested in the glamor of social media. After all that time spent on my phone during the pandemic, I saw so many highlights of people's lives. And yet I knew the reality that most people were living in and considered that the filtered world I see on my phone isn’t as positive as the posts make it seem. I also learned that social media can be addictive and depressing and that too much time spent consuming likes, comments, and videos can be detrimental to human health and mindset.
Interviewed by: Melanie Khashadourian, UCLA student
Cate, 16
Media Consumption: Average 6 hours on weekdays, average 11 hours on weekends
Favorite Media/Technology: Instagram
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I’d say that me and my family don’t really communicate or interact with each other a lot online because we don’t use that platform as a main form of communication. It's a very distant relationship but we use family group chats to share good meals or to update each other.
How do you and your friends interact with media/technology?
I would say we interact with each other a lot on social media because it is where we have a lot of our conversations when we’re not in school, we talk a lot about drama and our lives and stuff that’s going on or we use it to complement each other on each others posts just to interact in general.
What's the most used media among your friends?
Definitely Instagram because that’s where everyone is at, everyone has the app and like honestly that’s where people like to stalk you with. That’s where everyone shares aspects of their lives and you can directly communicate with people from Instagram.
What do you think about Instagram removing likes?
I 100% like it, I think that it’s a great thing they did that because I know people are always concerned with likes and honestly since they removed the feature I don’t care what I post anymore as long as I like the post I post it without thinking or without having the concern that oh I'm going to take this down because I don’t have a lot of likes.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My least favorite thing is that it's a big distraction, I've become dependent on my phone it removes my focus from other important things that I need to get done.
What do you use media for?
I use media mainly for entertainment I like staying in the loop for pop culture, shopping, watching movies or shows and I also like sharing aspects of my life, my accomplishments with people who follow me and friends and stuff.
How are you using media during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It was different in social media because in social media, I deleted all my media platforms because it got very toxic for me during COVID since I couldn’t go outside and interact with people. All I was exposed to was online and so I took steps to delete it because it got really unhealthy because it was all I was focused on but in technology I used Zoom a lot to attend classes online but on social media I didn't have any.
What was toxic about it?
I think because everyone was at home it just got boring all the time and so being on it and seeing all my other friends hanging out when I couldn’t go out was very sad to me and I didn’t want to see it altogether, so I just deleted it.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/ play/ interact with to know?
For developers, I feel like they need to have more regulation on what gets shared on media platforms because there's a lot of dangerous subjects, a lot of dangerous people online that people get exposed to and it's also just really affects their own personality and wellbeing. There should be more regulation on what gets shared online and what the type of people can have access to online but for influencers and content creators I would say, be honest in the content that you are creating, be careful what you share and don’t create some false reality to people who watch your content because if you're just doing it for the views then it's very toxic and if you're gonna be promoting items that aren’t good for your fans knowing you have a really big following look up to you, be more aware of what you post and be honest with your following.
Because you’re a teenager, how do you think media affects you differently? Do you feel like technology and media satisfy development needs like romantic relationships, belonging or do you feel like media makes it worse and doesn’t satisfy those needs?
It definitely hurts your wellbeing because when you’re really young you compare yourself a lot. You're at a stage where you're not really developed. Social media has affected my well being because I compare my life with other adults and 16 yr olds. It makes a downward comparison because you compare your life with others online and it creates a negative outlook on what you have and make you really ungrateful and not seeing things for how it is because you’re comparing on what other people choose to share when it's not what their real life is like.
If you were a parent, what age would you give your child access to media and how would you guide them, would you be strict or not?
At 15 or 16 I would give them access to media because I wouldn't have a phone if I was 12 because I would post really embarrassing things and just thinking about your digital footprint just save yourself from the embarrassing posts. I would give them access when they are older, mature and more sure of themselves to use it. I wouldn’t be too strict. Our mom raised us with a lot of privacy and freedom and I would want the same for my kids as well like maybe following them is the most I would do but regulating what they share I wouldn’t be strict because if I was a parent I would teach them the dangers and hope they apply them as they navigate the digital world.
Interviewed by: Cassandra Rabaya, UCLA Student
Jacob, 6
Media Consumption: Everyday; roughly 2-4 hours a day
Favorite Media/Technology: “phone“ aka old iPod that connects to wifi; Favorite apps include Minecraft, Roblox, and YouTube
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
One of Jacob’s favorite activities is to watch YouTube with his Dad, but they aren’t just passively watching. His dad is actively engaging with the videos he carefully chose to relate back to real life. Their favorite series on Youtube is called “What if?”. Jacob and his dad sit and watch these information videos that are basically “really cool facts” as Jacob would explain it.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
No kids bring their phone to school. On some playdates they sit and play Roblox, Melon Playground, and other games together. Loves to watch YouTube with his friends, specifically ‘Mr. Beast.’ Teachers use some iPads and apps on the computer in class.
What do you use media for?
For games and videos on YouTube. “I like learning the fun facts and how to be better at games” - referencing youtube videos of streamers who show tips and tricks about different games.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
He doesn’t love when his older brother won’t play with him.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
“Can you make a game that has chainsaws, legos, and teams?”
What media do you interact with the most?
YouTube
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
YouTube
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
When he is bored he likes to watch YouTube videos or TV with his dad.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Always wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and wear a mask.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I’m not sure this is applicable to Jacob. He was too young to really understand the pandemic and to him it was just a time not to go to school.
Interviewed by: Lauren Umansky, UCLA student
Ella, 17
Media Consumption: around 5 hours a day
Favorite Media/Technology: iPhone 13 for TikTok and Snapchat
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We have a family group chat where we send pictures and updates about our lives . It's nice because it keeps my sister - who is in college - in the loop. We also love to watch tv together, so often after dinner we will sit down and watch something like Survivor or Amazing Race together.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
We send each other lots of TikToks, especially when we see something that reminds us of each other. We also send each other selfies and talk on Snapchat.
What do you use media for?
I use media a lot, mainly keeping in touch with friends and family as well as for school. I also use it as an entertainment source - like watching Netflix or doing the daily New York Times crossword.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
I don’t like the maps aspect of Snapchat because it sucks being able to see when my friends are hanging out without me. I also don’t like that people use it to show off.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I would love them to know they have a bigger impact on the people that follow them and view their content than they realize. They can say something and hundreds of people will take it to heart, so they have to be really careful.
What media do you interact with the most?
TikTok is my most used app, I use it for about 11 hours a week.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I get a lot of news online on TikTok, but my parents also keep me informed so normally I already know the information before I see it on TikTok. In my history class we also do current event updates so that is helpful too.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Music streaming services really help me stay calm. I love being able to listen to whatever I want whenever I want. Harry Styles is definitely my go to when I want to calm down.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
It is really important to cherish the moments we have because we never know what the next day holds. Also, you have to be present with the people you care about, put the phone down sometimes.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Media is a great way to connect with people. When I wasn’t able to see my friends during the pandemic we would schedule zoom calls and play games together, it would almost feel like we were actually hanging out.
Interviewed by: Kate Yerkes, UCLA student
Alexander, 9
Media consumption: 5 hours
Favorite media/technology: Tablet to watch YouTube & play FIFA
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We use media to watch videos and play music; we also use it to learn things. My dad uses it to learn his crafts with wood and tools, my mom uses it to pray, and my sisters use it to watch movies and stuff. I use it to play games. We also use it to watch the world cup 2022 Qatar and other soccer/sports games and that keeps us entertained because if the team you like wins a game you go back to see the replay and it’s exciting to see your team qualify or win.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends use it to play games like Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox. And they use it to watch videos like gaming videos, to play music, and they also use it to do school work cause sometimes our teacher asks us to go to Schoology and Clevver portal.
What do you use media for?
I use media for watching videos, playing FIFA, and learning how to do certain things like drawing, how to play instruments. I also use it for school, we do Amplify, Brainpop, ST Math, and sometimes our teacher lets us play Minecraft education.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing is that you can go experience different things. You can play games online with your friends, you can learn and ask questions to Google or Siri. My least favorite thing is cyberbullying because if you post a video on YouTube and you get a lot of hate it can affect your life and feelings which will make you depressed, angry, and can lead you to try and commit suicide and hate.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
To be more safe because once you really get to know it people just start hating on it. They should take responsibility of updating it because if you leave it like that people won’ t like it anymore and leave bad reviews. They should make media more safe because there could be cyberbullying, death threats, sexual things like “ooo imma come to your house and do this to you.” They should restrict comments on certain things like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter because they could send hate comments.
What media do you interact with the most?
Games like FIFA, Animal crossing, Duolingo to learn French, and YouTube videos like gaming, unboxing, influencers: Faze Rug, Mr.Beast, Caylus.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (eg. news, internet, parents, etc.)?
From the TV news, notifications from Apple News, friends. Like last time they told me about the war in Ukraine and I didn’t know that. Oh and ads like on YouTube that if you click on it it shows you about what is happening in the world.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Breathing videos in school, satisfying videos: slime, soap cutting, cute animals, and watching Lego videos. I watch coloring videos of people painting pastels landscapes and celebrities.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
How to interact with technology like FaceTime with your friends so that you don't feel lonely and so that you can be social. How to not get sick by wearing a mask all the time, wash your hands for 23 seconds because of the virus because you don't want to get sick. People die, it affected lives, we don't talk about that.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Yeah we took Zoom classes, which were boring. How to build things, because you couldn't go out with the pandemic and quarantine, so you had to go outside for certain necessities. That you could go use technology to be entertained and not be bored. Using technology to experience things that we could no longer do like watching videos of people vlogging in the past, cooking shows that you had to test negative for to be on. It taught you that if you do not get wifi you go crazy as hell and if you don’t have wifi you die, you get bored. If you didn't have certain money for wifi then the kids parents would have to teach them about what they know when they went to school, if they even went.
Interviewed by: Angela Ramirez, UCLA student
Amy, 18
Media consumption: 5-6 hours a day
Favorite media/technology: Instagram
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We use media and technology often. My mom is on Facebook everyday and my dad watches the news through TV everyday.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My peers and I interact through technology. We send each other TikTok’s and Instagram posts regularly, and it is one of the most popular ways we interact with each other, especially with my friends who are at schools far away from me.
What do you use media for?
I use media for entertainment purposes which is mainly to pass time, I search for cooking recipes, workout-related content, I communicate with friends, and I use it for Netflix.
What is your most favorite/least favorite thing about technology?
My most favorite thing about media is where I find my entertainment. Certain posts that you come across make your day because it’s so funny. My least favorite thing about media is that it is so toxic for young people because you can get influenced so easily, but not everything applies to everyone, and people end up falling into a trap.
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 to know that there are a lot of people out there who are scarily swayed into doing things they see on the internet. Although I understand that it is one of the main purposes for making them, I believe that creators should be extremely careful with what they choose to post.
What media do you interact with the most?
The media that I interact with the most are TikTok and Snapchat.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world?
I obtain most of my information about what’s happening in the world through people I am close with or through social media.
What media helps you stay busy/ stay calm during challenging times?
I feel like scrolling on TikTok is nice for me to unwind during challenging times or before going to bed. It takes one’s mind off of things and it is an easy watch.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
One of the important lessons I learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that human interaction is very important for people. A few of my friends who were already introverted became even more introverted, and lost a lot of social interaction skills because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
My dependency on social media for entertainment increased because I was at home, and I did not have much else to do during my free time.
Interviewed by: Osheen Abnous, UCLA student
Emily, 18
Media Consumption: Social Media, about 3-5 hours a day
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We have our own phones and laptops along with a television in the living room. I am usually on my phone or laptop for school purposes or to entertain myself with social media. My parents usually only use the television to watch shows and listen to music. My phone is an extension of me and I couldn’t live without it.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends and I are always texting, snapping or FaceTiming so it’s a large part of our lives. Other than just that, we take our laptops to school for assignments and we use them to watch shows together in our free time.
What do you use media for?
I use media to stay in contact with my friends, watch shows, listen to music and do homework.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about media is being able to stay in contact with my friends so easily. It makes me happy knowing what my friends are doing and that they care to see what I’m doing too. I also watch cooking channels on Youtube and TikTok because it’s nice to have found a community of people who cook, share recipes and encourage each other. Without social media I wouldn’t have access to all the different kinds of recipes and people that have made me better at it. My least favorite thing is that sometimes it becomes a very judgmental place. It’s hard to see pictures of people with plastic surgery and photoshopped pictures and still feel good about myself. But I try my best to remember that people don’t show their worst moments on social media, just the curated versions of themselves and their lives.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I would want them to know that they should do a better job at making sure people don't spread hate so easily. I know it’s hard to censor the media, but being able to block certain words and cruel things people write would be helpful.
What media do you interact with the most?
I use TikTok the most because it’s so funny and useful at the same time. I like watching Alix Earle because her content is super exciting and luxurious, yet she's really relatable and comes off down to earth. I spend 3-5 hours on average a day on social media, most of it coming from TikTok.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I get all my information online, particularly social media apps like TikTok and Twitter. My sister also tells me things that are going on as well that I haven’t heard of.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Social media has been the best way for me to stay busy during hard times. Like when I am anxious about a test score coming out, I try to relax by scrolling on TikTok and watching funny videos.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I’ve learned that technology can be very useful for learning. The way we integrated technology into the education system so quickly during the pandemic was amazing to see. 20 years ago I’m not sure what the option would have been for learning during a pandemic.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I’ve learned to be more tech savvy with zoom but the pandemic has come with downsides as well. I know it’s bad, but sometimes I’ll be on two screens at once, half paying attention to the TV and the other half on my phone. Growing up in the technology era, it’s hard to not go on your phone when a class gets boring. This is especially true for me during and after the pandemic when there was no one watching my every move in person.
Interviewed by: Melanie Ajoonian, UCLA student
Isabella, 18
Media Consumption: 2 hours
Favorite Media/Technology: Cell phone
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My family and I do not use media together very often. Sometimes my dad posts pictures of our family on Facebook, but the most interacting I do with my family is sending the occasional TikTok.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My peers and I follow each other on our social media accounts and occasionally send videos back and forth. If I post on social media, they will like my photos. Sometimes we FaceTime.
What do you use media for?
I use media for shopping and reading mostly.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about media is getting to hear about cool/new products. My least favorite thing is the insecurity/body dysmorphia that I get from being exposed to so much picture-perfect content.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I would congratulate them on creating platforms and media that I enjoy, and I also watch a lot of calming content so I would thank creators for helping me sleep.
What media do you interact with the most?
I think the media that I interact with the most is predominantly fantasy e-books, but in terms of more conventional social media, definitely videos.
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 my information from the news and Google. My parents, grandparents, and I will all talk about our thoughts regarding current events when we see each other.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
ASMR videos, and also video games (specifically Call of Duty) help me to decompress.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I learned that I learn better virtually, and I have grown a huge appreciation for online schooling. I think online schooling is better because I can work at my own pace whereas in person school moderates the workload for you, which I personally don’t like.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
During the pandemic, I learned that it was very easy to get sucked into a media hole, where I would decide to watch a couple minutes of TikToks that could very quickly become hours if I was not aware.
Interviewed by: Sofia Nicolau, UCLA student
Abigail, 15
Media Consumption: 2-4 hours a day on weekdays, 6-7 on weekends
Favorite Media/Technology: YouTube
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My family and I usually interact with media/technology by watching movies together using platforms such as Netflix or Disney+.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends and I use online platforms like Google classroom for class assignments and contact info for reaching out to each other. Occasionally, we use discord or WhatsApp to connect with each other.
What do you use media for?
I like to update myself on current events like what’s going on in the world, or my favorite celebrities. I also like to view stuff about my interests and learn new things in my free time after school.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing is how people can connect with one another who share similar interests, beliefs, etc. But my least favorite thing is the toxicity, such as unrealistic beauty standards which impacts people in real life (offline). I see it affecting people around me and my friends. It sucks.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
One thing I want people who create the media I like to use is that while media can be toxic at times, it is important to highlight the benefits of it by creating a positive environment that anyone can enjoy. It helps me connect with other people who are fans of the same thing I am and to have all this cool information to access. I just hope they know it’s positive as well as negative.
What media do you interact with the most?
I interact with YouTube the most. I love watching videos such as video essays or movie analysis.
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 my information on the local news, which I watch at home with my parents, and sometimes in my classes at school when we catch up on what’s going on in the world.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
If I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I like to use Netflix or Disney+ to watch something that will calm me down. I enjoy watching TV shows and movies, especially animated ones.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I’ve learned that spending all the time I have on my phone is not beneficial for me and will end up doing more harm than good. I spent a lot of time on my phone and later realized I could have been trying new hobbies, reading books, or spending time with my family. So later on in quarantine I would go on walks or bake with my sister.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned how easily addictive social media is to young teens like me. Social media can suck people in and leave them in loopholes where they spend hours on social media without realizing.
Interviewed by: Idella Smolyar, UCLA student
Caleigh, 6
Media Consumption: 3-4 hours everyday
Favorite Media: Glee and YouTube
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
When I was a baby (12 months) I used to watch Peppa Pig everyday. Now I have my own iPad and iPhone that I use everyday. When I’m traveling in the car I watch Disney movies and when I am traveling on the plane I watch them with my dad and when I go to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, I watch Glee and sing and dance to the songs they sing.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
I call my friends everyday (Facebook Messenger Kids) and then I show them my toys. We also play Roblox and Toca Boca together.
What do you use media for?
I like to see all my friends since some of us go to different schools or live far away. I also like to watch YouTube. I like to play Toca Boca with them ‘cus it’s a lot of fun. I never play Toca Boca by myself but sometimes I play Roblox or find new games to play but my Daddy sometimes says no. He says no when it asks for his credit card.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about technology/media?
I like to watch people on YouTube play the games I like to play and also I like that I get to learn how to braid my hair and put on makeup but then I wipe it off because it looks sometimes crazy. I don’t like the adult games. Sometimes they show up when I am playing a game or watching Adley (on YouTube). And sometimes my friends aren’t home so they can’t pick up. I also like my iPad more than my phone because it has more internet.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I’ve watched Stranger Things before this one time at my mom’s house but it was just this one time that I can’t remember when and I didn’t like it. Also I know where Adley (YouTuber) lives. She lives in Utah and my dad told me that he lived there before.
What media are you using more now because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
"Oh, corona? Jesus died to save us from the corona." Later I learned from her dad that since she goes to a private catholic school they never closed during the pandemic and she wasn’t affected. However, her dad also mentioned that is when she started using FaceTime on her phone with the friends that went to a different school than her.
Where do you get most of your information to learn more about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
I ask Siri on my phone and then she gets it from the internet and tells me. Sometimes my teachers at my school or my dad talks to me about it too.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
I like to use the Nickelodeon where I push the button and I say what I want to say and then it sends it to my friends and they do the same thing back. I have Nickelodeon on my phone (her father clarified this is the voice memo feature she uses when texting since she doesn’t know how to text yet).
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I learned that people can die from the corona and that’s why we wear masks.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
I wear my mask more but I’ve used my phone and iPad my whole life but I am happy I get to talk to my friends and play games with them everyday using my iPad.
Interviewed by: Patricia Bryan, UCLA student