My Personal Media Timeline

Early 20th century, when I was a young child, I was introduced to radio by touch and hearing. If television signals were weak, we would use the radio to get the news. Even if it only uses electromagnetic waves to transmit audio signals wirelessly, we used to listen to the radio and smile at what we heard. We also looked forward to the jokes and the intense drama that it offered. In the long run, my earliest radio use as a child was an important phase in the evolution of communication.

My Nokia phone has been a constant companion since 2014. Back then, it was my lifeline, a simple device that allowed me to connect with my family through text messages and occasional call. I remember the excitement of receiving a new ringtone, the enjoyment of composing a witty text, and the joy of sharing silly photos captured with its camera. I found solace in the simplicity of my Nokia. It was a pocket-sized sanctuary, a reminder of a time when communication was unhurried and unfiltered.

I grew up watching TV from a young age, enjoying shows like Nick Jr and others that caught my interest. As far as I can remember I already encountered our TV when I was 7 years old. I was a little fascinated about the moving graphics and how they worked on the inside. Back then, TVs were expensive and didn't have many channels, so owning one was a big deal. My family gathered around the television to watch news, early shows, and athletic events.

I remember being a kid and loving the smell of a fresh newspaper, that crisp newsprint scent always meant a new day was starting. We had tons of newspapers at home, but I'd still buy one at the store for school. I'd spend hours reading articles, doing the puzzles, and soaking up all the information. It was my way of connecting to the world, learning about things, being entertained, and feeling like I was part of something bigger.

When I received my first smartphone as a child, I was in grade 4. I barely used it before because I am having a hard time discovering how to find a balance between the advantages of connectivity. I learned how crucial it is to establish limits and turn off technology in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the real world. My phone turned into a constant companion and quiet observer of my everyday vulnerabilities, helping me to make memories and expand my social network.

My Alcatel tablet was my introduction to the exciting world of technology when I was in elementary school. It was my personal portal to endless entertainment and learning. I remember the thrill of downloading games, spending hours playing Angry Birds, and discovering new apps. My tablet was always there for me, keeping me entertained on long rides or quiet afternoons. I used it to watch cartoons, read e-books, and even learn basic coding.

My early memories of Google from childhood are filled with a sense of innocent curiosity. I recall the excitement of entering a question into the search bar appear on the screen. It felt like I was unlocking a magical doorway to a wealth of information, where any question, no matter how simple or profound, could be answered. Whether exploring dinosaurs or delving into human anatomy, Google became my reliable companion, offering endless knowledge and expanding my horizons beyond what I knew.

I remember joining TikTok in the summer of 2019, right when it was blowing up. It felt like stepping into a whole new world, full of energy and constantly changing. I felt like I finally belonged in a community that celebrated being different and creative. It wasn't always easy, though. There were times I got frustrated with how things worked on TikTok, but it always had a way of grabbing my attention in a way that traditional media simply couldn't.

I joined Facebook Messenger in August 2019. I can still remember the feeling of creating my profile, selecting the perfect photo, and filling out all those little boxes about my hobbies. It seemed like building my own little digital persona, which was quite exciting! And then there was the excitement of reconnecting with friends from childhood I hadn't seen in years. The world beyond my bedroom window suddenly appeared more approachable.

My experience with Instagram has followed the platform's growth since 2020. At first, I was a passive user, scrolling through feeds and enjoying visuals. But as Instagram developed and gained more users, I became more engaged. I began using the app's creative tools like filters, stories, and reels, and also made new friends while delving into the lives of my favorite artists.

Since March 2020, YouTube has become a vibrant part of my life, filled with exploration and connection. It began as a way to relax after a long day, but quickly evolved into a space for discovering new interests and finding people who share my passions. I'm drawn to creators who resonate with me. It's been a thrilling experience, especially watching my favorite artist's music videos and other content I love.

The pandemic pushed me into the world of online shopping, and Shopee became my gateway. I was immediately drawn to its vast selection of products, affordable prices, and convenient doorstep delivery. I started with small purchases, like clothes or a phone case, but soon I was hooked. Shopee became my go-to for everything, from everyday essentials to gifts for loved ones. It was a lifeline during uncertain times, providing both practicality and unexpected joy.

My brother's gift of an Acer laptop was more than just a device, it was a symbol of his faith in me. He knew I was eager to dive into the digital world, to learn, create, and connect, and he wanted to equip me for that journey. The moment I held that sleek laptop, I felt a surge of excitement because I knew it would be my partner in conquering schoolworks from research projects to dazzling PowerPoint presentations.