Chuying Huo/YJI
The quarantine phenomenon of “glowing up” – improving yourself – took parts of the internet by storm as the covid-19 pandemic raged.
Making the most of your time within the quarantine is important and reinventing yourself is a way to enjoy life, said Jonas Roi B. Amparo, 18, of Tagbilaran City in the Philippines.
In interviews with Youth Journalism International, some young people embraced the idea of enhancing their appearance through exercise, new hairstyles and makeup, while others called it unnecessary and even toxic.
Mental health professionals interviewed by YJI were also split on the issue, with some of them warning about possibly unhealthy habits developing from the glowing up trend while others said they thought it important for people to focus on themselves during difficult times.
Social media is crucial when social distancing
December 31, 2020
Salma Amrou/YJI
As the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world, young people adapted the ways they stay in touch with their friends and family.
In interviews with Youth Journalism International reporters, more than 50
youth on six continents talked about using social media to maintain relationships in the era of social distancing.
In Bojnurd, Iran, Sanya Zardkanlu, 21, said she is spending more time with her family and staying in touch with relatives and friends using social media. The whole experience makes her appreciate things more than she used to, Zardkanlu said.
Many youth following news of covid, others carefully avoid it
December 31, 2020
Few things shape a young person’s view of the covid-19 pandemic more than the media.
While news coverage causes stress and anxiety in some, others said they found it beneficial to stay up to date.
In wide ranging interviews with Youth Journalism International, young people from around the globe shared their approach to keeping up with news about the coronavirus pandemic.
While some said they are not staying up to date with the news due to the detrimental effect it has on their mental health, others sought to stay informed.