At Shadow Ridge High School, students are finding new ways to connect with each other, and one of the most popular outlets has become video vlogging. What started as a trend among influencers has quickly become a creative form of communication for teenagers who want to share their lives with friends and on social media.
A senior at the Ridge, Valeria Lira Magana stated, “My opinion on vlogging is that it is a great way to express yourself to others and communicate with your friends and family. In vlogs, it is a way to share your feelings as well as getting to talk about what you did that day or interesting news, at least that is what I do in mine.”
For many, vlogging is more than just recording a video. It has become a way for students to tell their stories. Students capture everything from a day in the life of a high schooler to behind-the-scenes moments at practice or weekend adventures. Unlike traditional posts, vlogs allow for longer, more authentic glimpses into everyday life, and that authenticity is what makes them appealing.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have made it easier than ever to share videos instantly. Vlogs help students stay connected with friends who may not be in the same classes or activities. A quick video update feels more personal than a text message, and it allows peers to see and hear the emotions behind the story.
The appeal of vlogging comes from several factors. It gives students a chance to be creative, experimenting with editing, music, and storytelling. It builds community, sparking conversations and helping them feel part of something bigger. It also serves as a digital scrapbook, preserving high school moments that might otherwise fade. Most importantly, it allows teens to explore their identity and decide how they want to be seen by others.
A sophomore at Shadow Ridge, Kristen Pallagao, mentioned, “I like vlogging because it gives me more memories and things I can look back on. It’s something I can revisit if I want to rewatch the videos. It’s also fun because you’re documenting parts of your life that you feel like you can’t relive.”
At Shadow Ridge, vlogging has become part of the school culture. Some students create content purely for fun, while others hope to build a following or even pursue careers in media. Teachers have noticed the trend as well, pointing out that it reflects a shift in how young people communicate, blending entertainment with self-expression.
While some adults may see vlogging as a distraction, students argue it is a valuable way to share their voices. In a world where digital communication dominates, vlogs give teens the chance to be heard, to connect, and to leave behind a record of their high school years.
