After navigating the Listen Up! website for a while, I noticed something unique. Compared to the majority of YouTube and adult media depictions of teens, these teens had a different message to deliver about themselves. They want viewers to see them as real. They were not trying to sell an image. Rather, they were talking from their hearts. I watched videos on teens and drugs, one in particular about teens and nicotine dependence. These series of 17- year -olds were not trying to look cool or show off for the camera. They were talking about the real life, day to day struggles they face with their addiction. They said things like "I wish I could stop", and they were aware of the negative side effects, yet they still found themselves smoking. This doesn't sound like an adults portrayal of teens and smoking to me.
In addition to teens and drugs, there were videos on suicide, sexuality, and even one about teens as digital natives. Listen Up! is a portal for teens to post real-life autobiographies with one another. Its an outlet where teens can connect through shared experiences and learn about those of other teens. It houses diversity and generates open mindedness in a safe space. Teens really share their personal stories and analyses in a remarkable way here-in a way we have not seen much of this semester until now.
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