Violet, 16
Media Consumption: 7 days a week, 8 hours a day
Favorite Media/Technology: TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, iMessage
How were you introduced to technology and social media?
I received my first iPad and Ipod Nano at the age of 4. I grew up surrounded by technology with a father involved in the Tech and Telecommunications industry. Through his access to tech, I recieved my first smart phone in fifth grade. After moving across the country and abroad, I was able to keep in touch with friends and family because of technology, whether it be sending each other Instagram memes or chatting on FaceTime.
How did the pandemic affect your social media consumption?
Once the pandemic hit, I downloaded TikTok and have been an avid user since. I started spending 8+ hours a day on the application. Now that school is back in person, I have cut back on my use, but still spend hours on the app over the weekends.
What was and now is your favorite type of media to consume?
I first explored YouTube and later delved into watching more reality television as well as TikTok. I discovered YouTubers like Bethany Mota, known for her day in the life videos, beauty tips, outfit inspiration, and meal ideas. I fondly remember sneaking in hours of YouTube, and binge-watching Bethany’s videos with my older sister in elementary school. My initial impressions of the videos were fond. I always looked up to people like Bethany who always had the trendiest room decor per holiday season and had the latest Bath and Body Works seasonal products in her bathroom. Now, I like to watch other TikTok influencers like Sandra and Alix Earle, U Miami seniors known for their get ready with me makeup videos.
How do your peers interact with social media?
I think unrealistic beauty standards on social media have led to excessive photo retouching and the fear of missing out for my peers. It has normalized applications like FaceTune and oftentimes my peers use this application to minimize acne, look tanner, and appear thinner. In real life, it manifests itself into girls feeling pressured to cake their face with makeup and look like an airbrushed doll; they even seem afraid to go to the beach without makeup sometimes, especially if they know boys will be around. Although I am good at ignoring these expectations, I sometimes feel less confident, and succumb to the pressure of editing my own appearance on social media to look “better.” This leads to unrealistic expectations that my age group has to attain, creating a ridiculous beauty standard that nobody is able to reach.
How does social media influence your own age group and those who are younger than you?
Children younger than myself are being influenced by these college-aged girls like Alix Earle, contributing to the sellout of some of her beauty essentials. Some 12 year olds are buying out drunk elephant bronzing drops to be on trend when they don’t even use it. When I was 12, I think I dipped into your drugstore makeup but never high end product. In general, younger generations want to look up to role models and trends which may not be targeted at them. I think they are doing it to be accepted and “on trend.”
How does social media affect communication?
Social media has altered reality in making people feel socially awkward. Some people are unable to have normal conversations in real life and sometimes hide behind their phone because they don’t have the ease of speaking over text and FaceTime. When I spend quality time with my friends, I usually avoid being on her phone because I value real relationships more than my online connections.
Interviewed by: Grace Hillabrant, UCLA Student