"The More Drama, the More Entertainment": What Teenagers Say About Their Engagement With Social Media

• In Event: Youth and Online Participation: New Perspectives on Ubiquitous Practices

Abstract

Social media is everywhere. There is no escaping the daily onslaught of tweets, Instagram posts, Tumblr videos, Tik Tok dances, Facebook controversy and the continuing evolution of virtual spaces. Society is deeply entrenched in a digital world, and that is true not just for adults, but for young people as well. With this social media onslaught comes a certain responsibility, which is often absent when it comes to young people and their social media usage and understanding. This is not because they are irresponsible or foolish, but rather because they are not being educated with the critical lens that is necessary to navigate the never-ending stream of social media.

Author

• Danielle T Ligocki, Oakland University