The upcoming generation of teens is full of kids who are stars to each other, but inhabit practically a different social universe from adults. They're building their own social media followings on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, you name it -- but to what end? For the olds among us: who are these teens, and how can we be as cool as them? Get to know the most fascinating teens on the internet in our new feature, Yasss Teen.
"I never rely on anyone else. I never count on anyone else, and I don't really trust anyone else. I do what I want, I do what I please, I do what makes me happy. I'm gonna have my fun," says Josie Canseco in her biography for the YouTube reality show @SummerBreak. And judging from her 2015, it seems like Canseco is set on keeping her promise to have her fun. From having some of the most popular Instagrams of Coachella (to the point where a wide-eyed BuzzFeed post singled out Canseco and a friend, at a festival already designed to produce mountains of indistinguishable social coverage) to vying for a spot in Sports Illustrated's 2016 Swimsuit Edition, she's been enjoying herself -- in public, for 152,000 Instagram followers and @SummerBreak's over 380,000 subscribers.
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"I never rely on anyone else. I never count on anyone else, and I don't really trust anyone else. I do what I want, I do what I please, I do what makes me happy. I'm gonna have my fun," says Josie Canseco in her biography for the YouTube reality show @SummerBreak. And judging from her 2015, it seems like Canseco is set on keeping her promise to have her fun. From having some of the most popular Instagrams of Coachella (to the point where a wide-eyed BuzzFeed post singled out Canseco and a friend, at a festival already designed to produce mountains of indistinguishable social coverage) to vying for a spot in Sports Illustrated's 2016 Swimsuit Edition, she's been enjoying herself -- in public, for 152,000 Instagram followers and @SummerBreak's over 380,000 subscribers.
The daughter of former Oakland A José Canseco, who himself has the distinction of possessing one of the best, most insane early celebrity Twitter accounts, Josie (who describes herself as "super independent") seems intent on making a career for herself as a model and actress, though she clearly has no intentions of distancing herself from her famous father.
I'm gonna make it for us daddy im gonna make our name powerful again and support us and change the way people talk @JoseCanseco I love you
-- Jos (@JosieCanseco) October 29, 2014We talked to the 18-year-old model, who has been in campaigns for Aeropostale and Urban Outfitters and featured in Teen Vogue and Town & Country, about her social media habits and online history.
When did you start using Instagram?
I started using Instagram when I was a freshman in high school. I remember at first I thought it was kind of dumb and didn't want to join the bandwagon of having one, but I gave in and now realize how important it is when spreading word of your image.
How much of your daily routine is spent on your social media presence?
I'm usually always checking through my social media feeds because it's something that keeps me busy, especially when I travel.
How has your social media presence helped (or hindered) your career?
My social media presence has definitely helped my career being that nowadays, a lot of clients like to work with people with bigger followings. Of course, everyone has their own opinion and I'm sure some people have seen an account of mine and said, "I don't want to work with her," for whatever reason, but at the end of the day, from what I'm aware of, it's only helped with getting jobs.
Do you have a goal for what you want to accomplish with it?
Not exactly... My social media accounts aren't too focused on work and gaining a following. I usually post whatever I feel like posting, whether I think people will like it or not. Of course, the more followers the better, but I don't base my posts around gaining followers. I want to inspire people to live a fun life with good people.
What kind of relationships have you formed over the internet? Friendships? More?
I've definitely made some interesting friends through Instagram and Twitter! It's a funny story, but the way I met one of my ex-boyfriends through a "man crush Monday" on Twitter! I thought he was the most handsome guy, and posted him as my #mcm. He saw it and followed me and eventually we hung out and really grew to like each other. It's crazy the way the Internet works nowadays.
Who are your favorite teens online?
I'd have to say my top favorite social media star is Christian Delgrosso. He has the funniest vines and the most relatable tweets. His personality is probably one of the best I've ever seen, at least from what's shown through his work.
Be happy.
Be loving.
Be spontaneous.
Be expressive.
Be weird.
Be carefree.
Be generous.
Be grateful.
Be open.
Be alive.
-- Christian Delgrosso (@christiand) July 6, 2015How would you describe your brand online?
I'd describe my brand as very free-spirited and candid. I love capturing moments that remind you of images from back in the '90s, but I also mix in some of my work, with some of my vacations and experiences I've had. It's hard to really say what my brand exactly is, because I don't focus on one certain idea.
How do you feel about your father's social media presence?
It's very controversial. I love my dad and support him forever, but sometimes he gets a little wild and carefree and posts the most random stuff. I respect him because whether people love it or hate it, he doesn't care. He taught me that people are always gonna talk and have their own opinion, so just do your own thing.
What's the coolest thing that's happened to you because of the internet?
I'd say the coolest thing to happen thus far is being contacted for a big music video coming out soon.
Do you think you'll ever stop using these networks?
Yes, absolutely. Social media is big to me right now, but everything dies down eventually, and I'm the type of person that loves change.
What are the most popular apps within your friend circle?
I'd say the most popular apps that my friends and I all use are Instagram, Postmates, Soundcloud, Twitter, and Snapchat.
Do you prefer using social media for work (like the @SummerBreak YouTube show) or for personal use?
I prefer using it for personal use, but of course I mix in a good amount of work as well. If I have work coming out that I really like and want to be represented by, I'll post it. For the most part, I like having an adventurous "theme" to my Instagram.