Clara (18) and Nora (17) are first-year university roommates excited to start a new chapter in their lives. One day, Nora notices that Clara uses napkins instead of pads during her menstrual cycle. Curious, Nora asks about it…Clara explains that she’s always used napkins because she heard that pads cause cancer. Surprised, Nora takes the time to gently educate Clara on pads and other forms of sanitary wear, while dispelling the myths Clara had picked up along the way.
This scenario reflects a reality for many young people. Our backgrounds shape how we view everyday norms, often without realising it. The media, from social trends to news stories, plays a huge role in influencing what we believe. But how aware are we of this impact?
At Zikoko, we’re exploring how the media shapes our understanding of the world, and we want to hear from you.
We’re looking for young women aged 15-25 to participate in a study that examines:
- How the media shapes social norms
- The influence of news presentation on public opinion
- The role of trends in decision-making
Our ultimate goal? To contribute to developing media literacy interventions that can help young women critically evaluate media messages and make informed choices about their lives. Interested? Join us in this important research at bit.ly/ZikokoGNLA
