Media Lab and Ambassador Program:

​

By age 18, 88% of young adults regularly get news from social media, yet more than half of US middle-schoolers cannot distinguish advertising from real news, or fact from fiction. Creating an informed public capable of community, civic and democratic engagement starts with educating our youth to take responsibility for the content they create, share and consume.​​​

​

The emergence of the "Anxious Generation," as described by Jonathan Haidt, highlights a troubling link between the rise of smartphones and social media, and the increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among youth. The CDC reports that 95% of teens (ages 13-17) spend 3-5 hours daily on social media, while 40% of children ages 8-12 are also active on these platforms. The impact on mental health is alarming: 40% of youth report persistent sadness, and 29% face poor mental health. It’s clear we must equip the next generation with the tools to create, share, and consume content in a responsible, mindful way. 

​

Our Media Labs as read about on the Gothamist, NPR and CBS News, our labs aims to harness the power of youth by providing them with comprehensive training in media literacy and wellbeing. Through this program, participants will not only become adept at critically analyzing media content but also proficient in delivering engaging talks and workshops on these topics to their peers, parents, and educators in order to effect change.

 

Our talks and programs have proven to help people understanding of the pitfalls of technology and the mechanics of social media.  They also help school communities make plans and agreements for how and when to introduce smart phones and social media to kids. ​

​​

Our Impact

100% of students who participated strongly agreed or agreed that they have gained a better understanding of media, algorithms, and the impact of smartphones and social media. They expressed a strong intent to apply media wellbeing strategies in their own lives, with many stating they would use their phones and social media in a healthier manner. Additionally, students are committed to sharing the principles of media literacy and wellbeing with their school communities as Media Movement Ambassadors. They feel confident in their ability to lead discussions on media topics and provide schools with the necessary tools and resources.

• 85% of students indicated they would try media wellbeing strategies by reducing their screen time.

• 80% of students agreed they would leave their phones on Do Not Disturb mode when not in use.

• 80% of students committed to taking intentional breaks from their phones throughout the day.

• 75% of students stated they would refrain from checking their phones or social media first thing in the morning.

 

Words From Our Ambassadors

• "In one word, this program was insightful. I chose this word because the internship opened my eyes to the dangers of media and taught me how to share that knowledge with others, especially young kids and parents" - Kyrie Ubiera (HS Student):

• "In one word, this program was enriching. I picked this word because I’ve learned so much about media literacy and well-being." - Julian Krudop (HS Student)

• "I’ve become more mindful of my phone usage and social media habits, and I feel like a better person because of it." - Eva Gracyalny (HS Student)

• "In one word, this program was engaging. I walked in expecting to do little, thinking it would be a lot of talking and listening, but it was quite the opposite." -Angel Mojica (HS Student):

• "It helps you understand how media affects your life and others, while teaching you how to develop better media well-being." - Syrus Rios (HS Student)

• "I learned a lot and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with others!" -  Zora Penn (HS Student):

• "The Take Two Media Lab internship gives you valuable skills you’ll need later in life, like public speaking and presentation skills. It also taught me about media literacy and the habits around technology that people often overlook." - Daniel Loeb-Lojko (HS Student)

​​

Alternatives to Smart Phones!

We also have an affiliation with limited access phones Troomi use code: TTMI and Light Phone use code:TTMLight10. Buy yours here are support our efforts to train more Ambassadors.