Zoe, 14
Media Consumption: Frequent; daily for both school and personal usage
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok (2-3 hours per day), YouTube (20-40 minutes per day), and Messages (10-30 minutes per day)
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
When I was younger, my parents would let me use a family iPad for an hour a day, however, I had to ask for their permission in order to use it and they would monitor my activity. I would use the iPad to play games such as Angry Birds or watch videos on YouTube. My parents used to have flip phones but now we all own iPhones. Even though I have my own phone and get to choose my interactions with media/technology, my parents still have rules. For example, I am supposed to leave my phone in the living room at night and have to put my phone away while doing homework. We also have a family rule: no phones at the dining table.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
A lot of my friends and I use iMessage to communicate. Through iMessage, we have a lot of group chats and also play games such as 8-ball through [an integrated app called] Game Pigeon. I also use Spotify a lot so I have collaborative playlists with my friends which allow us to share the music that we are currently listening to with one another.
What do you use media for?
I use it to communicate with my friends and to keep up with social media. Additionally, I use it for school. Canvas or Google Classroom. I was curious if COVID-19 played an important role in how schools decided to use media. In asking her about that, Zoe shared how since elementary school, media has been a large part of her learning. In elementary school, her class would go to Computer Lab once a week in which they would learn skills such as typing, using Word, and how to create citations. This helped me understand her grasp on media literacy and its prevalence in schools. My teachers assign homework through Canvas, and I also turn it in online through Canvas. I even have a Chromebook from my school students, which I use in class such as to read articles in my English and History classes. I like using a computer as it makes completing assignments faster—I type faster than I write. I can also easily look things up when I am having trouble understanding a topic.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
Social media can be positive for spreading awareness about social issues because I can keep up with current events through peoples’ Instagram stories. It can also be helpful for getting things done quickly. However, social media also creates a false reality since people only post the good things about their life, which is harmful because others will believe their lives have to be perfect to fit in. I feel like a lot of people compare themselves to social media standards in order to determine how they should act.
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 like people I watch to know is that a lot of people look up to them. Many of these creators have huge platforms with many followers. Therefore, they should be aware of what they post. For example, a lot of my friends used to watch Brent Rivera when we were younger and now they realize how messed up and weird some of his videos are.
What media do you interact with the most?
I interact with media through my phone the most. The app that I use the most is TikTok. Last week, I spent 19 hours and 22 minutes on TikTok. Other apps on my phone that I spend a lot of time on are YouTube, Spotify, and Messages. For school, I also use Canvas and Google Classroom.
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 information from posts on Instagram and TikTok. I also get a lot of information through my friends (especially about things happening at school or related to my peers), as well as through parents and teachers. My history teacher provides us with a lot of information about current events by showing us news articles and videos.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Going on TikTok helps me stay busy and calm because it is full of things that interest me. I also love to listen to music so I utilize Spotify to listen to music to calm my nerves during challenging times. Some of my favorite artists are Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift.
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 more about how to adapt to different circumstances and situations. I have also found new hobbies during these times to take my mind off of the stress of the challenging times.
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 used media to learn new things that could keep me busy. I learned how to play the guitar and ukulele. Additionally, I learned how to make different types of friendship bracelets. I learned how to do all of this through media by watching videos on YouTube.
Interviewed by: Ally Chan, UCLA student
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
Wolf, 13
Media Consumption: ~8 hours a day
Favorite Media/ Technology: Snapchat
How do you and your family interact with media and technology?
We don’t use it as a family ever. Whenever we are just together we don’t use our phones. We pay more attention to each other. Except when we are watching TV because we are watching together.
How do you and your peers interact with media and technology?
We mainly use it for jokes. We talk all the time about everything, and we also use it for helping each other do our homework.
What do you use media for?
People are constantly snapping you, I am constantly snapping everyone, and you can see everyone's locations. I can tell when my friends are lying to me or when my sister is lying to me because I can see where she actually is.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
It gets really annoying when everyone wants to talk to me. My phone is always receiving Snapchats from everyone, and I never get a break. Sometimes I just really do not want to talk to anyone.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
Not really anything. What would I want to tell them? I don't know.
What media do you interact with the most?
I think Snapchat, but also YouTube. I am constantly using Snapchat all day but when I get home I like to use YouTube for gaming videos.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world?
My parents and my teachers. We always talk about what is happening whenever we watch the news together, and in class they tell us bigger important things.
What media helps you stay busy/calm during challenges?
Sometimes when I am stressed I go on YouTube instead of doing my homework, but then it makes me more stressed. I like to not be on my phone when I am busy, that helps me stay calm.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I got my iPhone right before the pandemic so it was pretty awesome and I was able to have stuff to do while staying at home. Family is important though. We spent a lot of time together at home all the time. It was good we all had phones to avoid each other when needed.”
Interviewed by: Marjorie Gray, UCLA student
Angel, 17
Media Consumption: a few hours during weekends (phones not allowed in her boarding school)
Favorite Media/Technology: Weibo (a Chinese version of Instagram/Twitter) and Bilibili (a website like YouTube)
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
I mainly use media for communication and entertainment. My mother doesn’t use digital media very much, but my father likes to surf the internet whenever he’s free. They regulate my time on media use because I have an approaching college entrance exam.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
We often use social media to chat with each other and share our lives when we can’t meet in person. Many of us also make online friends through social media. There are also a lot of students spending much time on video games.
What do you use media for?
I like using social media to connect with others and read news. I can follow news of my idols on social media and interact with people in the same fandom. I also watch funny and interesting videos for entertainment. Sometimes I make posts to share memorable things in my life with others. I talk with friends or send posts in a private account to deal with negative emotions sometimes as well.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about media is that it lets me to be connected to others and follow things of my interest online.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I like it very much. It will be better if there can be less disturbing information such as distasteful ads.
What media do you interact with the most?
Weibo and Bilibili. (basically Chinese version of Instagram/Twitter and YouTube)
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
Through the internet. I mainly read various kind of news on Weibo.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Media that most people use for texting. I talk with my friends to stay calm during challenging times. They make me feel that I’m not alone.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
There’s a lot of rumors on the internet during the pandemic. Lots of people were troubled by those disturbing information, because they didn’t know which source they should believe in. Media is a main way for us to know what’s happening out there.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
The pandemic makes a lot of activities online, for example, we had online classes for a long time. Personally, I like staying home and having access to all digital devices. I was able to use media more, and I could chat with my friends whenever there’s some new changes regarding the pandemic and school policies. However, it may be more effective to have classes in person for learning. Though I don’t want to admit it, sometimes digital media is a distraction to our study.
Interviewed by: Anna Wang, UCLA student
Cloe, 16
Media Consumption: 5-6 hours a day
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok, Mobile Device
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
When my brothers and I were younger, we used to all watch one or two episodes of TV together for the day. On Fridays, my whole family and I would come together to watch a movie at night. We were not on screens very often as children, but now that we’re older, we all watch TV on our own or use our own devices. We are on our screens a lot more than we used to be.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
Most of my friends and I use media and technology to stay connected with one another. I think some of my friends use social media a lot more frequently, I have one friend who deleted her TikTok account because she felt as though she was on it too much. We use technology for different things. I use my laptop for school and to watch movies. Our phones are mostly to communicate and use social media.
What do you use media for?
I like to use media to see how other people live. Those are the types of videos I enjoy watching the most on TikTok and Instagram. On Instagram, I have two accounts, a personal account with a lot of followers and a dump account with only 30 followers. I can have fun with the second account and post pictures of whatever I want without maintaining a certain aesthetic. I know that only my close friends are seeing those pictures.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My least favorite thing about social media is the negative effects it can have on us. TikTok recently recommended a video to me about a girl who eats a 500 calorie a day raw vegan diet. She only eats fruit and vegetables. One of the next videos the app recommended to me was a girl talking about how she follows a 4,000 calorie a day carnivorous diet. I don’t think these videos are healthy and they can really mess people up.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I wish they would humanize social media apps more. Social media uses algorithms to intensify the content you see, it can drain you and leave you scrolling for more. I wish social media creators would regulate this. As for content creators, I think they should think about their audience and ask themselves how their videos can harm young girls.
What media do you interact with the most?
I use TikTok the most.
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 on social media and by watching/listening to the news with my parents, but I also keep up with the news for school and extracurricular activities.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
During the pandemic, I liked to watch a lot of movies to stay busy when we were out of school. Now, I like to listen to a lot of music. I have a long commute to and from school, so I usually put in headphones on the bus to relax and listen to Spotify.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
One thing I learned was how to limit my phone use. When I was younger, my parents used to put screen time limits on our phones so that my brother and I wouldn’t be on them too much. But we’ve outgrown that, so I regulate it myself. I don’t have my phone out when I’m talking with my parents, eating dinner, or spending time with family. I think that’s important.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
Before the pandemic, I used to get upset when I saw people hang out without me or do things without me. But now I don’t mind as much, I know that social media can be misleading.
Interviewed by: Kimia Azad, UCLA student
Fiona, 16
Media Consumption: 7 hours per day
Favorite Media/Technology: Instagram or Pinterest
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
We watch movies together, and on social media I’ll just send them stupid stuff just for fun. It's like, almost like communicating with them that way. So it's just basically saying, “hey look at this thing.”
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
It’s pretty much the same, sending stupid stuff. And, I think like, if you want to, you could strengthen the relationship that way. But also, sometimes like, it doesn't really work out as you think it would. And like, things just get weird. And you're like, it's like, just the same as normal talking. But there's like certain rules when you're texting that are like, you have to understand what to do. So it's kind of like a whole other form of culture.
What do you use media for?
I use it for basically everything, entertainment and school and stuff.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
Oh, my favorite thing is probably like, looking at entertainment. And like, being able to share it with people who want to share it, too. And the least favorite thing is probably, like, just bad things on the internet that gets spread around. And like, I just really don't like that. Because like, there's just a whole bunch of negative things that it just spreads instantly. Like everyone knows it, then.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
Well, I think people who create media have to be very careful about what they do and say. So I personally like a lot of them. And like, sometimes I'll be like, Oh, another rumor came out, or like, clearly this thing that this person did, it's crazy. Especially people who create content for younger people specifically, I think they should really watch out for like, what they do and be very cautious and mindful about things they do. Because I'll see things like weak like they said something really bad, or they did something really bad. And like it'll just change everything. And you're like, I do believe like, the children have been watching this person. They are actually really bad people. So I think they should like, try to be a good person if you want to like, have a platform.
What media do you interact with the most?
Other than movies, probably Instagram and Pinterest. And I do use it for school a lot. It's like very common for it to be in school. And then they make it — oh, I post all the assignments online, which I think is very good. Because if you're sick, or if you miss it a it's all online. So you can get caught up very easily on that. But other times, like the teachers are very bad with technology. So makes the class a lot more difficult and like, hard to understand.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.?)
I get it mostly from the Internet! Usually I just scroll past it and am, like wait what was that? And it’s usually a meme or something about something crazy that just happened. I also get lots of information from my parents, because they always look at the Internet too.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
I’d say Instagram and video games, because they’re very distracting.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID- pandemic and other challenging times?
I’ve learned a lot of the times you have to just follow the rules and do what the government says otherwise it all gets out [of control]. Like in New Zealand they had the restrictions and they all went back to being normal really quickly because they followed directions and they knew what to do.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID- pandemic and other challenging times?
Yeah I definitely do think so. I've been using it a lot more, I think because when we're in the pandemic, we couldn't really go out and talk to people. So the friends that I was friends with in person, we kind of got closer because like we were all that we had, like we couldn't really go connect with other people. So you just like talk online a lot.
Interviewed by: Abbie Burrus, UCLA student, CSS intern
Gregory, 16
Media Consumption: I spend like 5 to 6 hours a day on media which counts listening to music, watching TikToks, and playing games.
Favorite Media/Technology: Social media wise I like TikTok, but I think music and social media are equally important to me for different reasons.
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My family has a group chat and we watch TV together, but we’re mostly pretty separate other than that.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
I play video games with my friends and I’m in group chats with my friends. When we play video games we play Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. My main character is Captain Falcon.
What do you use media for?
Entertainment. I also use media for education. I‘ve had classes where I’ve had to co-op (cooperate) with other people and we’ll use discord to collaborate.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My least favorite thing about social media is specifically with Twitter and other platforms. It's how hard it is to get a point across. It can be super divisive. For example on Twitter there’s a character limit so you have to shorten statements and the emotions you want to convey in your messages are often lost. My favorite thing is it's a super easy way to get entertainment whenever you want it.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
I wish subscription services on social media were not a thing because that’s super weird. On Twitter you can have a blue checkmark subscription where you can buy a verification badge and Snapchat has a premium subscription as well.
What media do you interact with the most?
I use music the most or messaging apps like Discord. On Discord I have 2 accounts, one for school and one for gaming and chatting with friends.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
It’s a combination of the news, TV, Twitter, and TikTok. I watch the news on TV. I don’t really follow news accounts on Twitter or TikTok from my account, but it’s more about the trending tab and what my algorithm brings up.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
Usually music and TikTok.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I’ve learned to never take moments for granted when I’m outside and with friends. During the pandemic I never got to do any of that but now I can.
10. Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic with other challenging times?
Before the pandemic I was never super into media, I only got TikTok and other platforms during the pandemic.
Interviewed by: Elizabeth Verzi, UCLA student
Chloe, 9
Media Consumption: 1-2 hours a day on my iPhone
Favorite Media/Technology: Using iPhone for YouTube and Roblox games
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My dad goes on his computer to play games and my mom likes to use her phone to look at Facebook. Sometimes my mom and I watch Netflix shows together like, Full House, but other than that I am not allowed to watch shows with inappropriate scenes like Wednesday Addams, because it has violence.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
My friends and I love texting each other or playing Roblox games together, I am not allowed to have social media like Instagram even though some of my friends do use that. When I am bored I usually FaceTime one of my friends.
What do you use media for?
I mostly go on YouTube and watch reaction videos where people watch funny or cringey videos and react to them. I also like playing games on Roblox. Sometimes I play with snapchat filters on my mom’s phone because I am not allowed to have Snapchat on my phone.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
My favorite thing about media is that I can talk to my friends outside of school or keep in touch with friends that don't live in the same area as me. I also love how I can be creative on apps where I make my own filters stickers, which I use on my pictures. I don't like how addicting using media can be at times. Sometimes I just want to keep staring at my phone and I don’t know how to stop. I am also scared of how much artificial intelligence is becoming used and if it can control people one day.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
Some of the YouTubers I watch make really cringey videos and are really dramatic for views and attention. I want them to know that it's pretty embarrassing when they make videos like that and they should stop click-baiting people.
What media do you interact with the most?
I use YouTube or TikTok the most to watch different videos, but my mom does set a time limit for me or else I will keep scrolling and streaming.
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 keep up with the news, I just hear it from my parents when they talk about it to each other.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
I like watching shows on Netflix with my mom. We look forward to our watch parties together.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
I have learned that sometimes there is information online that may not always be coming from a known source with evidence and it's not always good to trust everything you see or hear.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times
I realized I actually used media more during COVID-19 than I do now because I was bored at home with no one to play with. Now, I like to play with my friends more and go to the park.
Interviewed by: Sara Gharibian, UCLA student
Ariana, 18
Media Consumption: about 5 hours a day
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok, Netflix
How do you and your family interact with media/technology?
My parents and I watch TV together as a form of bonding. My mom is very involved with social media and is constantly “sharenting” about my life without my permission. I don’t care that she does it, it’s just that she chooses the most awful pictures of me and I honestly feel embarrassed.
How do you and your peers interact with media/technology?
On Sundays I host Milf Manor where we watch this TV show called MILF Manor. It’s the one time a week where my friends and I set a time to ensure we all see each other to catch up and hang out. BeReal is my favorite day-to-day app because I can see what my friends are currently doing at that moment.
What do you use media for?
I use it to distract myself from the concept of aging and facing reality as an “almost adult”. I like it as an outlet from the real world to entertain myself.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about media/technology?
I think that certain forms of social media can bring people together. On TikTok, there’s always running jokes in the comments that make me laugh and it brightens up my day. It helps me feel more normal as a teenager because I’m not out of the loop with pop culture. My least favorite thing is how draining it can be. I feel like I shouldn’t use it as much as I do and I can be more productive with my time.
What is one thing you want the people who create the media you like to watch/play/interact with to know?
Something I want them to know is to reflect on their morality and what their social media has turned into versus what it was when they started. I can tell their content becomes different the more popular they get and strays away from their authenticity.
What media do you interact with the most?
Short form videos like TikToks.
Where do you get most of your information about what’s happening in the world (e.g., news, internet, parents, etc.)?
TikTok. I think it depends on what the subject is for me to trust the source. If it’s a natural disaster there’s not a lot of ways to distort that but when it’s pertaining more to celebrity news and pop culture, I wouldn't say it’s more reliable than the news.
What media helps you stay busy/stay calm during challenging times?
TikTok. If it’s to stay calm, I wouldn’t read the news or something because it will stress me out, TikTok is very mindless and helps distract me because there’s no thought behind it.
What lessons have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
As bad as the situation was, I learned that once you hit rock bottom, things will get better. Even if the economy drops, it will always come back up, and the world supply of toilet paper will not disappear forever. I spent more time doing activities I never really focused on beforehand like painting, baking, and decorating my room. I started to pick photos for my wall, and decorations for my room and I started to tap more into my own specific interests and what I truly liked for myself. I learned more about myself during the pandemic and I definitely developed more of my personality.
Have you learned anything about how you use media and technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging times?
The time I spent on social media expanded on my personality rather than influencing it. I realized the content and people I watched online helped me to understand that my interests and humor are niche but that there are people that understand me as well. I would say that’s a positive factor of the pandemic that I experienced and that my time spent on media during COVID helped me shape myself and personality to the person I am today. I should’ve focused on posting content because now these platforms are being used as an opportunity to make money and get famous. In terms of education, it taught me that education in person isn’t something I necessarily need. I can learn just as well on a computer and it really shows that all classes have the accessibility to be online. Technology allowed me to stay in touch with my friends and family during the pandemic.
Interviewed by: Lillie Yazdi, UCLA student