‘Power of the platform’ is my independant exploratory mixed methods research study - supported by the University of Michigan. This study aimed to identify how the intersection of the millennial identity affects creatives whom are already apart of low-income marginalized communities, navigate the social media ecosystem to create alternative forms of professional development and community support. 

Power of the Platform

  • Semi-structured interviews were the main source of data collection and each interview focused on these five themes:

    - Digital Self & Inspiration

    - Creativity & Entrepreneurship

    - Digital Definitions

    - Single Project / Post Reflection

    - Millennial Identify & timeline

  • Role : Lead Researcher

    Timeline: 4 Months

    Scenario : Each interview lasted between 30 - 90 minutes and all participants were compensated.

Research Process

I received IRB approval on the first try! They are a group that has been formally designated to review and monitor biomedical research involving human subjects. In accordance with FDA regulations, an IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove research. the majority of the research process went as followed.

  • In the form of direct or “targeted” recruitment as well as in-direct or “snowballing”. This process took a little over a month.

  • Were conducted in-person and ongoing during the majority the summer months.

  • In the form of open source coding each interview, into themes.

Findings

The data analysis stage took a little over 2 weeks, in which themes started to emerge as early as the first few days. Once completed, I was able to organize the major categories into three key findings:

  • The Millennial Paradox is the driving force behind MCO’s behaviors and motivations, as the first digital natives within their communities.

  • The purpose of the platform vs the platforms purpose became more difficult to navigate as the start-ups became ‘for-profit’ digital corporations.

  • MCO’s were unaware of the degree in which their data is being used on digital platforms.

Conclusion

As the first digital natives of other, there is a feeling of freedom and independence as MCO’s look to the digital ecosystem for creative development. However MCO’s are faced with a continuous stream of HCI stressors from constantly modifying digital behaviors to the conflict between sharing original creative works and the loss of creative ownership and privacy. The existence of these experiences has informed MCO’s behavior and attitudes towards current and future digital engagement.

Next Steps

  • The most important next step was to complete the research paper with the intention to submit it for publication. As of Fall 2022 - the paper is in review