About the Project

Who is leading this project?

The “Youth Well-Being in the Creator Economy” project is led by Dr. Rebecca Ortiz, an associate professor of advertising and the current Endowed Chair of Public Communications in The Newhouse School at Syracuse University, with assistance from graduate student researchers Nicole Travis and Maggie DiPatri. Read more about them here.

What is this project about?

This project includes research via in-depth interviews and survey data collected with creators to explore the unique challenges and opportunities they face in today's creator economy.

Why are we doing this project?

While significant attention is given to young people as media consumers, this project shifts focus to them as independent media producers (i.e., creators and influencers). In recent years, the desire to become an online creator or influencer has captivated many young people, drawn by the promise of self-expression, creative autonomy, and financial rewards. However, this trend is unfolding amid growing concerns about the health, safety, and well-being of young people online, particularly on social media platforms.

What will we do with what we learn?

Insights from this project will fill a significant knowledge gap about how young creators navigate challenges related to their safety, health, and well-being, addressing critical issues such as harassment, exploitation, identity development, and overall well-being.

Meet our Research Team

  • Headshot of smiling female tutor with short blonde hair wearing a lanyard.

    Rebecca Ortiz, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor, Advertising Endowed Chair of Public Communications

    Dr. Ortiz’s research explores how media and communication can improve public health and well-being, specifically among teens and young adults. As the Newhouse Endowed Chair of Public Communications, she is the principal investigator on the "Youth Well-Being in the Creator Economy” research project.

  • Headshot of smiling female tutor with long braids wearing a lanyard.

    Nicole Travis, M.A.

    Ph.D. Student, Media Studies

    Nicole studies media communication, specifically parasocial relationships and content creator well-being. She aims to better undertand how the creator-follower relationship impacts the creator experience.

  • Maggie DiPatri

    Graduate Student, Media Studies

    Maggie researches the perceived credibility and authenticity of influencers and creators, audiences’ expectations of them, and how these aspects impact audiences' feelings toward sociopolitical issues.