I’m significantly behind in getting this published due to an extremely busy period in the village. You can imagine what that’s done to my desk. But I wanted to ensure I shared some words about our Media Makers panel discussion from earlier this month.
First, I’d like to personally thank each of the panelists and CTZNS team members who made Media Makers possible. It was fantastic to witness. From behind the scenes in the production seat, there were many pivots required to make the event a success. I’m grateful for everyone’s patience and dedication. To our hosts, Tiffany and Jay, your leadership ensured the show flowed with clarity and focus. Media Makers shined a light into the sky, signaling to other thought leaders across the digital space to join our campaign to inspire the next generation of media and entertainment professionals.
Three Things I Learned at Media Makers
1. The Integrity of Today’s Media is in Question
The integrity of today’s media and entertainment outlets was questioned multiple times during the panel discussion. When it happened, I felt their remarks from multiple angles. I digested them from the vantage point of their professional stature first, as I’m sure many did. It’s riveting to hear members of the media yearning for more integrity, honesty, transparency, and purpose from their colleagues. It truly makes you think that a change is needed.
But then I heard their comments as citizens of the community, as concerned parents and neighbors. Recent data from Gallup shows they are not the only ones concerned about today’s media. A 2022 survey revealed that only 34% of Americans trust the media to deliver the news “fully, accurately, and fairly,” just two points higher than its lowest point in history. Meanwhile, 38% said they have no trust in the media at all. 27% have a ‘fair amount’ and 28% say they have little.
Despite these alarming statistics, media titans continue their operations without much beneficial change or accountability for the state of the media. It feels as though these concerns are simply swept under the rug—a problem tomorrow’s generation of media leaders shouldn’t have to face.
2. Today’s Teens are Fighting a Digital Consumption War
Let’s be honest, the digital space is a lot for some adults to manage. You can imagine how algorithms and irresponsible celebrities bombard the young, innocent, and naive minds of our youth and teens. They are inspired to chase questionable lifestyles that can be destructive, driven by celebrities and media groups focused on getting eyes on their content to make money. It’s harmful.
So harmful that lawmakers are waging a war against it. In May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about how social media use affects the mental health of our youth. “With adolescence and childhood representing a critical stage in brain development that can make young people more vulnerable to harms from social media,” HHS writes. “the Surgeon General is issuing a call for urgent action by policymakers, technology companies, researchers, families, and young people alike to gain a better understanding of the full impact of social media use, maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of social media platforms, and create safer, healthier online environments to protect children.”
3. Service is at the Heart of Media and Entertainment
I really appreciated the passion of each panelist. It was clear that even within their prestigious roles, their goal was to serve the community. They wanted to use their tools in media and entertainment to create a lasting and positive impact on the village. It was refreshing to see. I don’t have any data to support this portion—just one of those things you have to witness for yourself.
I can say that we, The CTZNS, stand behind them in their service to our community.
Media Makers was a significant step toward developing a media and entertainment-based community of resources for our teens. We’re starting this program in Baltimore, but the vision is to take it all along the east coast and eventually to the entire country.
It’s an investment in the health of our future. We simply will not survive if we remain on the path we’re currently on.