Youth Media

Abstract

“Youth media” refers to the creation of mediated messages by teenagers and young adults; the term covers both the production process and the final product. The product can take the form of various media texts and have a variety of purposes, while the process has seven distinct stages. Depending on the stakeholders, the emphasis of youth media can be on the product, on the process, or on both. Many youth media organizations use the process of production and its result for community engagement. With the increasing accessibility of digital production and distribution, youth media organizations can offer opportunities to engage diverse populations in media production. Youth media research often examines the development of agency, creativity, technical skills, critical thinking, and civic engagement in the young people who participate in media production.