How Digital Storytelling Changed the Way I See Media
Becoming a Media-Literate Consumer
Before this class, I didn’t think much about where the content came from. If something looked professional or had a lot of views, I just assumed it was reliable. But through class discussions and projects, I learned to slow down and think more carefully.
Howard Rheingold’s “crap detection” was a big one for me. He said we should ask better questions when we see something online: “Who made this? Why? What’s their angle?” That helped a lot when I was doing research for my PSA on Hitting The Reset Button. I came across an infographic that had gone viral for this project, but when I looked closer, the source wasn’t legit. It reminded me how easy it is to get misled by good design. (Rheingold, 2012).
Dan Gillmor also said “we’re not just media consumers, we’re contributors” (Gillmor, 2010). Every time we repost or share, we’re adding to the flow of information. That really changed how I act on social media. I’m a lot more careful now about what I share, and I make sure to check sources before reposting. That’s what it means to really think before you share.
These lessons made me more thoughtful and intentional. I still enjoy the content, but now I look at it differently. I try to figure out what’s really going on behind the post.
Creating with Intention
Creating content is harder than it looks. Every sound, every cut, every image affects how people feel when they watch.
My mini-documentary about David, a young fashion designer at Furman, showed me that storytelling takes more than a camera and a script. I had to plan how to open, where to place voiceovers, and how to mix in B-roll and music. I used techniques like J-cuts, L-cuts, and background sounds to help people connect emotionally. Every detail was part of the story.
In my nonfiction podcast, I used real interviews, ambient sound, and narration to tell a story that felt grounded but personal. I carefully planned out the podcast, thinking about how each part would sound and flow. It wasn’t just about facts, but a feeling. Good storytelling isn’t about flashy edits. It’s about getting the audience to care. And that takes time, patience, and intention.
Finding My Voice
At the start of this class, I didn’t really know what my creative voice was. I worried about doing too much or not doing it right. But just trying things out helped me learn that my voice was there the whole time.
I found that I care about stories with real emotion, especially ones tied to identity, creativity, or people who don’t usually get a spotlight. I also learned how to show those things visually and with sound, without overdoing it. I started to notice that I had a certain style. I got more confident in how I edit and make decisions. I didn’t feel like I had to over explain. I learned to use things like pace, flow, and quiet moments to let stories breathe. I feel better about sharing my work now because it feels more like me.
Taking These Skills Into the Future
This class didn’t just teach me to make content. I learned how to think like a storyteller, something I can use no matter what career I end up in.
For example, I now understand project management for creative work. I can plan timelines, set goals, and figure things out when something goes wrong. That’s going to help in jobs where I’m balancing multiple tasks or working with a team.
I also learned strategic communication. Different platforms need different styles. I know how to shape a message depending on whether it’s a short Instagram video, a podcast episode, or a longer article. That kind of flexibility is important in marketing, PR, or anything involving content.
Another big thing is critical thinking. I don’t just take things at face value anymore. I ask questions like, “Who’s the audience? What’s the message? What’s missing?” That mindset helps in research, branding, or even just working through everyday problems.
Maybe most of all, I’ve learned how to share ideas with purpose. I know how to turn a concept into something people can understand and care about. I also feel better about working with other creatives, giving and getting feedback, and seeing the big picture in a project.
These skills
organizing ideas
using visuals
being thoughtful with tone and pacing
aren’t just about videos and podcasts. They’re about communicating well in general, and I know they’ll help me wherever I go next.
A Storyteller in Progress
This class showed me that storytelling isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of thinking. It’s how we make sense of the world, connect with others, and move people to care.
Whether I’m building a fashion campaign, running a brand’s social media, or working on a creative team, I’ll be using everything I learned here. I’ve learned how to be clear, how to lead with empathy, and how to make ideas feel real and grounded.
But more than anything, I feel confident.
Confident in how I make decisions
How I create
How I think
I know there’s still more to learn, but I’m leaving this class with tools I didn’t have before, and that’s something I’m proud of.
Webster, R. (n.d.). Crap Detection 101 – Get Net Smart with Rheingold. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.russellwebster.com/crap-detection-101/
Gillmor, D. (n.d.). About Dan. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://dangillmor.com/about/
