[DMEC] Essay Quotes: Identity
While there were only 14 winning essays, the majority of the over 130 essays offered some insight into and perspective on the role of digital media amongst today's teens. The following is a collection of some of the best quotes around the topic of Identity.
Ryan B., Louisville, Kentucky:
On my web page, I can have skate boarding pictures all over the place, and my parents wouldn't be able to do anything about it. I may even listen to a type of music my parents hate because with a computer, I have that freedom. I can be myself and not what my parents want me to be.
Stephanie M., Bob Jones High, Madison, Alabama:
I also have a Myspace. I use it almost as much as AIM. You could say I’m addicted to it. I imagine myself in an AA setting surrounded by fellow Myspace addicts. I stand up and introduce myself, everyone says “Hey,” and then I explain my addiction.
Autumn B., Wheatland, Wyoming:
Without [digital devices] I would not be the person I have grown to be today.
Cassie T., Kokomo, Indiana:
Digital Media is one of the most important tools in today’s society. For me, it’s almost the pentacle of my existence.
Scarlet S., Bob Jones High, Madison, Alabama:
Okay, so maybe a few years ago, I could’ve survived without my cell phone, but give me a break… I’d die without it now.
Chelsea F., Belpre, Ohio:
I will never stop using technology. Its not just a hobby now but a way of life.
Pearl S., Madison, Alabama:
TiVo is only second to the Bible for me.
Ryan B., Louisville, Kentucky:
As crazy as it sounds, teens feel comfortable at their own web pages. Web pages almost become a second home to some teens.
Cassie T., Kokomo, Indiana:
Without things such as MySpace, LiveJournal, Xanga and Blogger, teens might not have an outlet to voice their opinions or frustrations. … Another great thing about blogging sites is the ability to network. You might suddenly find yourself surrounded by people who have the same interests or passions as you do. … I feel network. like this helps teens that may feel like they are alone in the world find that they are not the only one who has an interest in one particular thing, or is different in some way. I know a few kids who say they feel like they can only be themselves when they are online because there is no judgment there. Let’s face it; the internet is a pretty anonymous place. You can be anyone, do anything.
Jorge P., Brooklyn, New York:
I received my first cell phone in eighth grade and ever since then, if the battery dies or I lose it someplace, I feel naked…I’m so attached to it, people tell me that I am going to eventually receive a tumor from it. Even if I do, part of me knows that after treatment I would go get a new phone. I’ve become an asthmatic who smokes, addicted to what could be my demise.
Nick C., nik385 Doesburg, Teen Second Life:
People young and old can be what or who they want to be just by the click of a mouse.
Alexandra G., Bob Jones High, Madison, Alabama:
I consider myself and my friends to be normal teenagers living in America. What defines us as normal? The answer is internet usage. … The internet is like air to us.
Alexandra G., Bob Jones High, Madison, Alabama:
My good friend Lauren goes to the library for both educational and social usage of the internet. Yes, that’s right. My friend Lauren goes to the library to use the internet for social use. Have you heard about the new craze of MySpace? … One of the opening questions of a conversation is: Do you have a MySpace? If you don’t have one, you have at least heard of it and your friends are begging you to get with it and start one.
