Lexi: I was a sociology major in college (shoutout Max Weber ) and honestly, comprehending the fact that society and culture have and will be constantly influencing each other was such a big brain energy moment. Think about it: how much of what we discuss in our everyday lives comes from viral content or social media feeds? The internet in all its breadth and glory has become an inextricable part of being a person in this day and age.Įmily: Do you think the internet drives culture or does culture drive the internet? It’s kind of a no-duh that being online for our entire lives has shaped who we are and how we approach the world, but those specific facets-and turning to the internet for our news, in particular-are key to today’s conversation. Having grown up with social media, Gen Zers curate their online selves more carefully than those in prior generations have, and they are more likely to turn to trends of anonymity, more personalized feeds, and a smaller online presence, even as they voraciously consume media online. They flit between sites, apps, and social media feeds, each one forming a different part of their online ecosystem. As a recent report from McKinsey puts it, digital natives often turn to the internet when looking for any kind of information, including news and reviews prior to making a purchase. Not to be dramatic but our digital footprint does define our presence on the internet which is why Gen Z is both more readily online but more cognizant of their consumption. The #digi#footprint is so real which is why I respect people like you, who use your platform to amplify the collective voices of those who don't always have the opportunity or place to speak on certain hot topics. Seeing that there are thousands of people online experiencing the same struggles, doubts, and conflicts that you are.Most importantly, I've learned that means that it is not always my place to admit to such things. Lexi: Recently, I've learned that I'm not special and it is both humbling and comforting. I also was a big Poptropica gworl, Webkinz, Club Penguin-you name it.Įmily: What are some lessons or just general things you learned from coming of age online? Lexi: I used to be a part of like a Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus blog website where if you were a VIP member you could get a VIP member card sent to your home (pictured below) and we would gossip in different chat rooms about Disney drama. To kick off today’s conversation, I asked Lexi:Įmily: If you can remember it, what was your first encounter with the internet? Now that I’m taking the time to stop and reflect on it, I’m surprised that I wasn’t more overwhelmed by the limitless worlds and potential being offered online but I supposed it does make sense: Gen Z is considered to be the first generation of digital natives which means that “from earliest youth, have been exposed to the internet, to social networks, and to mobile systems” ( X ). The hoarding was not just for the sake of it, though, because on this device that probably weighed more than my cat, I got unbridled access to ✨the internet.✨ 1 The internet showed me music videos and Stardoll and man’s greatest creation, Horse Isle. In my defense, I am textbook Oldest Daughter and I believe we are entitled to first dibs on communal goods as well as lineage. When my family got a white Macbook that looked, in hindsight, more like Elle Woods’ laptop in 2001 than mine does today, I immediately hoarded it. While she’s not currently a Kardashian stan, she has been keeping up with them for long enough and is ready to speak her truth. She loves Drake, her family, and posting for her close friends on Instagram. Lexi is a doctor…or she will be one in about eight years. about growing up on the internet, the Kardashians’ fetishization of Black culture, and the online environment that keeps them relevant. With all that said, I know it’s not unique or breaking news to criticize the Kennedy’s dynastic successors but a recent Instagram story intrigued me enough to strike up a conversation about it with all of you, God, and Kris Jenner’s Google Alerts watching. Even if they’re wrong or stealing from others, they have lasted this long and their relevance will probably outlast us all. I am admittedly not a fan of the Kardashians, but I have always been intrigued by their ability to always land on their feet-they perpetually seem to have a new company, a new venture, or a new scandal that keeps them employed and discussed.
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