Youth-Powered or Empowered: How Self-Determination Theory Helps Us Understand Youth Media Dynamics During Pandemic

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Perspectives on News Media Production, Education, and (Counter)Engagement (Table 11)

Abstract

This case study explores the process, challenges and opportunities of cultivating trust between adults and youth collaborating on Chicago’s southsides community media project during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews and artifacts, the researchers identified three self-determination themes: (a) generating routines to foster sense of competency; (b) having sense of belonging by creating caring interactions; and (c) allowing participants to voice their opinion to increase their sense of autonomy. Being Black during the pandemic with civic unrest was hard and challenging. However, creating media to their specific community offered the youth sense of competence, belonging and purpose. These are the three factors that supported the youth sense of power coming intrinsically and not by the adult facilitators.

Authors

• Yonty Friesem, Columbia College Chicago
  Presenting Author

• Charlotte Duff, Columbia College Chicago
  Presenting Author

• Teena Sloane-Hendricks, Columbia College Chicago
  Presenting Author