Beyond the Selfie: Docathon's Call to Action for Gen Z Content Creators

Embarking on a ‘boys' trip’ to the South of Spain with my 14-year-old nephew, Harry, I thought I knew what to expect: scenic landscapes, cultural immersion, and quality bonding time.

And yet, as we settled into our adventure, Harry exhibited an unusual nervous twitch, prompting concerns about his well-being. Was it the unfamiliar terrain? The turbulence of our flight? The answer, as it turned out, lay within the confines of his smartphone: Snapchat. What I initially mistook for apprehension was, in fact, a series of rapid-fire updates to his digital audience, a virtual breadcrumb trail of his every move.

This anecdote might resonate with many of you. In today's digital age, where social media reigns supreme, it's not uncommon for teens like Harry to spend hours tethered to their screens, engrossed in a whirlwind of TikTok dances, Snapchat streaks, and YouTube binges. Recent statistics reveal that over half of teenagers spend four hours daily on their social media fix, with a significant portion of this time dedicated to content creation, much of which – as Harry demonstrates – is superficial at best, and otherwise harmful to their well-being and development.

So – presuming those clever (devious) algorithms are here to stay - what's the solution?

Enter Docathon. Docathon seeks to redirect their creative energies towards a more meaningful endeavor: impactful storytelling and film production. By empowering students to craft documentaries spotlighting local issues and impact organizations, Docathon not only nurtures essential 21st-century skills but also fosters genuine connections between students and purpose-driven organizations in their local communities.

The beauty of Docathon lies in its dual purpose: equipping young people with invaluable storytelling skills while amplifying the voices of organizations striving to make a difference. Through this immersive experience, students delve deep into pressing issues, forging tangible connections with the causes they champion. It is more than just content creation; it's a conduit for social change.

Moreover, Docathon taps into a burgeoning trend among Generation Z – a heightened awareness of environmental and societal issues. With a Deloitte global survey indicating that climate change tops their list of concerns, today's youth are eager to effect positive change, while often feeling like bystanders in today’s broken world.

Hundreds of teenagers worldwide have already joined a Docathon, and it’s not too late for your students to do so, too! How?

1. STUDENTS, we still have a few spots open for the Global Competition, register NOW : (insert link) Submit by May 12th and use this coupon for 10% off : MADSOLUTIONARIES
2. SCHOOL LEADERS, host your own DOCATHON: Reach out to [email protected] to organize a Docathon for your school
3. COMPANIES/NGOs, find out how to share your impact stories with the world by reaching out to [email protected]

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media, let's heed the call to action: by rechanneling creative energies towards impactful storytelling, and re-sharing narratives that inspire and uplift.

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