I still remember watching ESPN as news reports came out about NBA players Rudy Robert and Donovan Mitchell having the Coronavirus. Sitting in a hotel with my teammates in Virginia just after traveling through numerous airports, we were confused and uncertain of the whole situation. In the past few weeks so much has happened that’s impacted the entire world. The use of media has now become an essential use of communication and entertainment for people worldwide. I’ve found myself using my phone, watching Netflix, or playing video games much more than usual lately. Without the presence of face to face human interaction, I feel like we tend to look for other outlets as a way to take up time. This missing connection is depicted in Danah Boyd’s article “Why Youth (Heart) Social Network Sites: The Role of Networked Publics in Teenage Social Life.”, he explains how “the popularity of MySpace is deeply rooted in how the site supports sociality amongst preexisting friend groups. Teens join MySpace to maintain connections with their friends”
Although with all of the social distancing, I’ve noticed that it’s motivated people to get outside more often in any way whether it’s hiking, running, going for a walk, etc… So even though there is an increase in the use and importance of media, it’s also allowed people to realize what they need to do to become better people. This can be shown through spending quality time with family, reading more, or spending time outside. Overall, the past month has showed me how important and essential media is in our own development as well as the role it plays in keeping in touch with our family and friends.
Works cited:
Boyd, Danah (2007). “Why Youth (Heart) Social Network Sites: The Role of Networked Publics in Teenage Social Life.” MacArthur Foundation Series on Digital Learning – Youth, Identity, and Digital Media Volume (ed. David Buckingham). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 10
MIXTAPES FROM THE COVID-19 ERA 