They aren't paying full attention. They are scrolling Pinterest or doing algebra. But the second a major character gets hurt, the phone drops. This is called "ambient familiarity." It’s comfort noise.
The most successful media for this demographic does not try to lecture them or "save" them. It meets them where they are—on the bus, in their bedroom, in the liminal space between childhood and adulthood. It respects their intelligence, moves at their speed (which is very, very fast), and provides value in less than 15 seconds. xxx teen 16
While 97% of teens go online daily, the way they use major platforms has evolved toward deeper engagement. They aren't paying full attention
To her delight, the collaborations were a success. Alex worked with a popular gaming company to promote their new game, and she even got to attend an exclusive movie screening with a well-known actress. This is called "ambient familiarity
