Kid Technology Chat Series: Zephyr 9 Years

In my curiosity to learn more about how kids use and think of TV, the web and other technologies in their lives (i.e., games, mobile, etc.).  I decided to embark on a series of direct interviews with kids of all ages, backgrounds, regions, social and economic classes and so forth.

The following is a recent skype video chat I had with my good friend's son.  Zephyr 9 years.  To give you some context, Zephyr was born in the US, then lived in Indonesia for about 5 years (from 9 mos to 6 yrs old), currently goes to a private school and lives in a small town (under 5,000 residents) in New England/USA.

Alan: What grade are you in?

Zephyr: 4th grade

A: What do you think is more fun, television or the web?

Z: The web.

A: Why?

Z: Because you can do more stuff.  TV you can only watch TV, and the web you can see TV plus watch all types of videos and do other cool things.  The web can do so much more than television.

A: What kind of TV or videos do you watch on the web?

Z: I used to watch videos on youtube.  But don't any more because I'm banned right now by my parents.

A: Why are you banned?

Z: Because my parents say I'm lazy and they want me to do my work.  School work and chores around the house.  If I do this, prove to them, then I can get back some of the tech stuff again.

A: Okay when you're allowed to go back on the web and watching TV where will you go, what will you look at?

Z: I'll check out a shoe website like Nike.  Also go to Burton.com (snowboard company).  They have cool snowboarding videos.  

A: Do you snowboard?

Z: No

A: Do you skateboard?

Z: Yes

A: Do you learn something from those snowboarding websites.

Z: No, not really.  But they're really fun.

A: What video games did you play before getting banned?

Z:  The game "Street Sesh" on Addictinggames.com, and at my friends house we play Rock Band, we jam together and play drums and guitar at the same time.  I also like the "Need for Speed" game.

A: Do you learn from the technology you're using?

Z: From television I learn from watching National Geographic and Discovery Channel.  Like I watched a show recently on Colossal Squids, which was cool.

A: How can you convince your parents to bring technology back?

Z:  They said I can earn it back, if I do all my school and house work and all they ask of me.  My parents allowed me to use the internet, play video games etc. only on weekends.  I think they think it's better for my education.

A: Do you want to sometimes watch TV and videos that are not educational in nature?

Z: Yes I do.

A: If you had a crystal ball that sees into the future and were given the choice to be an executive working in TV or in a web company, what would you choose?

Z: Work for Yahoo or Google.  My 4 friends and I Google at lot.

A: Did you Google today?

Z: No.  Remember I'm banned.

A: Okay.  We'll make an exception for this interview and I'll take the heat from your parents. Will you open your browser and Google right now and tell us what you're searching for?

Z: Sure. (types for a few seconds) I typed in "Lego." And then clicked on their website and went in to see the latest star wars Legos.  Such cool stuff.

A:  Thanks for your time today Zephyr.  Good luck to you with that ban.  Hope you take on yourself, do your work and get your technology back.

Z:  Thanks.  Bye. Bye.