Ashton - 14
Ashton, Age 14
Media Consumption: about 10-15 hours a week
Favorite Media/Technology: Online video games and Instagram
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My family and I do not interact very much with media or technology together. The very few times that we do usually involves watching a show together on Netflix. That said. my parents actively monitor my digital activities. For example, they ensure that my social media posts are appropriate, and they monitor the television content that I am exposed to.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My main form of digital interaction with my peers is through online video games, specifically, Fortnite. The game is less about winning for me, and more about interacting with my friends. I have even made new friends that I have not met in-person through playing the game. Aside from video games, Instagram and Snapchat also help me to stay connected with my peers. Sadly, it is quite easy to be excluded from social circles if you are not active on both social media platforms.
What do you use media for?
I mainly use media as a means of staying connected with my friends. We often use social media to get invited to parties and to invite other people to our own parties. I also use media to complete my homework assignments. They often require me to use a laptop and have access to the internet.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about media and technology is that it allows me to remain connected to my friends during times that I normally would not be allowed to hang out with them. For example, my mom almost never allows me to go out with friends during the school week, but social media and online video games allow me to stay in constant contact with them.
My least favorite thing about media and technology is how distracting it can be. Not only am I distracted by media when I am attempting to do my homework, but it is getting to the point where one form of media distracts me from another form of media. The constant feeling of “needing to stay in the loop” is what causes me to become distracted by media, and it can take quite a toll on my mental health.