Entrevista com Sonia Livingstone

Summary

The speaker discusses the growing trend of young people engaging with digital media, particularly through phones and tablets. They highlight the appeal of content created by peers, offering more control over viewing experiences and creative expression. However, they express concern that many still consume mass-produced content rather than creating their own. The speaker advocates for schools to nurture digital creativity and literacy, while also warning about the dangers of focusing too much on fame and financial success in the digital age. The goal is to strike a balance between creative self-expression and responsible media consumption.

Takeaways

• 😀 Young people are drawn to digital screens because the content is often created by peers, offering creative and alternative perspectives compared to traditional media.
• 😀 The control young people have over their viewing experience is a major factor in their preference for screens, allowing for personalized, private, and flexible media consumption.
• 😀 Many young people are engaged in consuming creative content but only a small minority actively create, edit, and upload their own content online.
• 😀 The perception that television was a passive medium is challenged by the idea that children have always found ways to play games or invent activities around television shows.
• 😀 The internet allows young people’s creativity to become more visible, but this creativity is still not widespread, with many not fully engaging in content creation.
• 😀 Schools should be more creative in fostering digital skills, offering feedback to help students improve and learn how to use digital media as a tool for self-expression and creativity.
• 😀 Teachers often treat digital tools as mere instruments for academic success, but these tools should also be viewed as a medium for imaginative learning and creativity.
• 😀 There is concern about the influence of YouTube and other platforms on young people's career aspirations, with some believing they can achieve fame and wealth without education or traditional career paths.
• 😀 The small percentage of people who achieve success on YouTube suggests that aspiring to be a content creator may not be a realistic or informed goal for most young people.
• 😀 Despite the opportunities digital media offers for creativity, it’s important to balance the desire for fame with a focus on education, as not all content creators succeed or make a sustainable career out of it.

Q & A

Why are young people turning to phones and tablets for content consumption?

Young people are attracted to phones and tablets because the content is often created by their peers or people like them. This content is more creative, witty, and alternative compared to the standard TV programming, which appeals to their desire for more personalized and authentic media.

What role does the context of viewing play in young people's preference for digital media?

The context of viewing is crucial because young people have more control over their viewing experience. They can watch content privately, at their own pace, and in any environment, such as at the bus stop or during downtime with friends, which gives them a sense of empowerment and autonomy.

What is the issue with how young people are currently using digital media, despite its creative potential?

Despite the creative potential of digital media, young people tend to use it for consuming mass-produced content or familiar media. Only a minority create, edit, and share their own content, meaning the creative aspects of the medium aren't fully realized by most users.

How did the speaker perceive the passivity of television viewing in the past?

The speaker does not fully agree that television was a passive medium. They point out that children have always played games and invented activities around television shows. The internet has merely made such creativity more visible and accessible.

What does the speaker suggest schools could do to support young people's creative use of digital media?

The speaker advocates for schools to become more creative and enabling, teaching young people the necessary skills to communicate effectively through digital media. Feedback and guidance on improving creative work should be part of the learning process, helping students refine their abilities.

Why do teachers tend to view digital media tools in an instrumental way?

Teachers often see digital media tools in an instrumental way because they can sometimes go wrong, leading to issues like bullying or inappropriate content. Additionally, teachers may feel responsible for how the tools are used and might prefer focusing on traditional academic goals like grades and test results.

What does the speaker believe could help teachers use digital media more creatively in classrooms?

The speaker believes that more research is needed to demonstrate how creative use of digital media benefits learning. This could give teachers the justification and freedom to explore more creative teaching methods in the classroom.

What concerns does the speaker have about the influence of YouTube on young people?

The speaker is concerned that YouTube encourages young people to prioritize fame and financial gain over traditional education and career aspirations. They worry that some young people might believe they can achieve success without studying or pursuing a conventional, valuable job.

What is the speaker's perspective on the celebrity culture surrounding platforms like YouTube?

The speaker is ambivalent about the celebrity culture promoted by platforms like YouTube. While they acknowledge the potential for creativity and challenge to traditional norms, they are concerned that the focus on fame might mislead young people about the realities of career and success.

How does the speaker feel about the role of digital media in young people's future?

The speaker is hopeful that digital media can empower young people by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. However, they are concerned that the emphasis on celebrity culture and fame could overshadow the importance of education and real-world skills.