Social networking
Online; web; social; myspace; facebook; gig; band; festival; event; youtube;
video; music; share;
Content
Many young people find that creating is really great for:
- feeling good
- getting stuff off their chest
- feeling connected to their community
- gaining self-esteem
- making friends
People do this in different ways, such as:
- writing
- singing
- music
- photography
- painting/drawing
- making music
- being in a band
- DJ-ing
- organising gigs or parties
- story-telling
- dancing
- woodwork or metalwork
- lots of other activities
Sharing in the creativity is an important part of it - doing things together with friends and family, or having an event in your local community.
Putting on an event
Not having enough to do or places to go is one issue many young people face, especially in rural areas. One way some creative young people solve this is by organising gigs, dance parties or festivals.
This is no small task however, and there are some things you need to do to make sure it all goes well.
You need to find a venue, get insurance, get money, organise artists, the list goes on. Luckily others have done this before, so you can follow their advice and avoid common mistakes
Indent is one place to find this information. It has a great fact sheet called - A young persons guide to the gig galaxy.
Online sharing
There are places to share your creativity with others online, and social networking sites for you to get connected to people and communities.
Note! There are dangers with sharing things online, particularly your personal information. Before you decide to do this, you should read the topic – Internet safety.
- Youtube is a place to share and watch videos.
- Born is a site for undiscovered musical talent. Simply upload your tracks and see who listens.
- Vibewire is an e-zine for young Australians to publish creative works and reviews of art, film and music.
- The Scream it, Dream it section of the Reachout! site lets you write things down just to 'get it off your chest'.
- MySpace, Bebo and Facebook are popular sites where you can share things like music and photos.
- Read hot is a site where young people can discuss books and writing. You can check out the top 10 list, new books, read reviews, and actually submit your own reviews.
- The Program is a website that hopes to connect young people with the arts community. They are interested in hearing from young people and providing a space for you to be creative.
- Nice shorts is a short film, cartoon and music clip website.
If you would like information about turning your creativity into funds or work, check out our topic Employment.
Other resources
References
Boyd, D. Identity Production in a Networked Culture: Why Youth Heart MySpace. American Association for the Advancement of Science, St. Louis, MO. February 19 2006. Online (cited 19/3/07):
http://www.danah.org/papers/AAAS2006.html
Lenhart, A., Madden, M. Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview. PEW Internet and American Life Project, 2007. Online (cited 19/3/07):
http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_SNS_Data_Memo_Jan_2007.pdf
Marginalised young people's use of Information and communion technology. Inspire Foundation, 2007. Online (cited 17/12/07):
http://www.inspire.org.au/news/report-challenges...
Ybarra, M. and Mitchell, K. How Risky Are Social Networking Sites? A Comparison of Places Online Where Youth Sexual Solicitation and Harassment Occurs. Pediatrics, 2008; 121: 350-357.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/2/e350 (2nd February 2008).
Baker, J., Moore, S. Distress, Coping, and Blogging: Comparing New Myspace Users by Their Intention to Blog. CyberPsychology & Behavior. February 2008: 81-85.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).