AI Insight
A survey-based study of 363 Hong Kong tertiary students found that different types of media consumption are differentially associated with youth work-readiness competencies, including workplace soft skills, reflection and learning, and career aspiration. Structured and feedback-rich media such as newspapers and purposeful social media use showed positive associations with these competencies, whereas unstructured or entertainment-driven media such as online forums and content-creator channels showed negative associations. The findings suggest that the quality and structure of media engagement, not merely the quantity of hours consumed, play a meaningful role in competency development.
Why it matters
These results have practical implications for educators and youth development practitioners, suggesting that guiding young people toward structured, purposeful media engagement may support the acquisition of work-relevant skills. It also raises questions for curriculum designers about how media literacy programs could be integrated into tertiary education.
by Boris Lok-Fai Pun, Jeremy Ko, Anthony Ying-Him Fung, Janice Ka-Yee Wong
This study examines how the number of hours spent on different types of media consumption is associated with youth work‑readiness competencies in Hong Kong. Using survey data from 363 tertiary students across six institutions (October to December 2024), the analysis investigates relationships between weekly hours of exposure to six media forms—newspapers, online media, television, social media, content‑creator channels, and online forums—and three dimensions of work readiness: workplace soft skills, reflection and learning, and career aspiration/planning. Results show that structured and feedback‑rich media, such as newspapers and purposeful social media use, are positively associated with work‑readiness competencies, while unstructured or entertainment‑driven media, including online forums and content‑creator channels, are negatively associated. These findings suggest that not only the quantity but also the quality and structure of media engagement influence the development of key competencies. The study highlights that structured media environments serve as important contexts for learning and skill formation among Hong Kong youth.
Source: Media consumption and youth work competencies: Evidence from the Hong Kong youth survey