What medium/platform do you use the most? Why? Do you believe you spent too much time using digital technology or was it all to benefit your daily life? From a professional standpoint, do you believe these apps and technology help or hurt your work or future work?
YouTube is my go to platform for almost everything. I, like a lot of people, spend hours on it. YouTube is filled with informative content, storytellers, and videos that entertain. It’s the one of the first things I open when trying to cooking, making home repairs, or wanting to learn something new. The sheer breath of knowledge that’s available on it is astounding. If you have a hobby or interest, there is a channel devoted to it or at least a few other people will making videos about it. It’s strange for me to see how children are also so drawn to YouTube. It’s so easy to use and children can navigate it easier than a TV remote. YouTube is the platform that I believe is going change almost everything we know about entertainment, culture, advertising, and even tracking audiences.
After tracking my digital consumption for one day, it’s shocking to see how much of my time is filled with technology. Even when I run, something that should be an unplugged activity, I still use an app to track my miles and another app to play music. It feels the only time, I go without technology, is when I’m in nature and there’s no service. And while digital technology is beneficial to my life, I’m working on a better balance.
As a journalist and news producer, all these apps and technology aid my work. These are all tools to tell a better story and connect with an audience. While it is exhausting to keep up with all the new tech and apps, journalists need to keep ahead of the curve and stay in touch with how people are getting stories. If we want to keep having an effect on people’s lives, we have to tell stories in the best and most engaging way.
Anthony R. Leong 