Second year of the ASAP Collaborative Editorial Board in Bresso, Milan
As part of the ASAP project, the Collaborative Editorial Board (CEB) had the unique opportunity to conduct a collective interview with Felice Manti, an experienced journalist. This wasn’t just an interview – it was an invaluable learning experience for all of us involved, where we not only explored important topics about youth and social media but also learned how to ask the right questions to get the most insightful answers.
The experience of asking the right questions
As young reporters, it was both exciting and challenging to be in the position of asking the questions. We quickly realized that asking the right questions can make all the difference in the outcome of an interview. It’s not just about asking what comes to mind – it’s about being curious and thoughtful. As we sat down with Manti, we were able to reflect on how the right question could open a new avenue of understanding, whether it was about the impact of social media on pre-adolescents or how adults can better guide youth in the digital age.
Manti himself emphasized the importance of dialogue, and this resonated deeply with us. He said, “If I learn Italian to talk with you, we are speaking the same language.” Similarly, when we, as young people, engage with adults about the internet, it’s crucial to speak the same language, understand their experiences, and find common ground. This idea of mutual learning became a central theme of the interview and highlighted how both adults and youth have much to share and learn from one another in today’s digital world.
Lessons learned from Manti
As part of the interview, Manti was asked about the role of adults—whether parents, teachers, or mentors—in guiding young people’s relationship with social media and technology. Manti emphasised that adults and young people need to “speak the same language” when it comes to technology. “Adults’ experiences are very different from yours,” he noted. This gap in experience can sometimes create a disconnect, but it also presents an opportunity for mutual learning.
Manti stressed that it’s important for adults to not just set rules but also involve young people in discussions about responsible internet use. By engaging with youth, adults can help them understand the potential risks of social media, such as exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, and the invasion of privacy, while also teaching them how to benefit from the positive aspects of digital connectivity..
Working with and for people as a passion
When asked how he became involved in the ASAP project, Manti shared that his involvement stemmed from his passion for working with young people and helping them make the most of the opportunities the internet offers while remaining protected from its risks.
According to Manti, projects like ASAP are vital because they encourage active participation from youth, allowing them to learn the importance of digital responsibility in a safe, supportive environment.
Empowering youth to speak up and ask questions
The interview with Felice Manti wasn’t just about getting answers to our questions; it was about learning how to ask the right questions. This experience has empowered CEB’s students, as young reporters, to engage more deeply with the issues affecting us – especially the intersection of social media and youth.
As Manti aptly put it,
“To make sure that you use the internet but at the same time you can be protected, and learn from that, it’s really important to involve you in everything.”
Through interviews like this, and by asking thoughtful, challenging questions, we can all become part of the solution, navigating the digital world safely and responsibly.
