Q&A: How 17-year-old Akshay Lulla wins the game of social media
Much of what we at The Social Institute know about how children use social media comes directly from them. In fact, students even intern and volunteer with us (learn more about our Student Insider League)! Akshay Lulla was one of our first volunteers and a student at Ravenscroft, where The Social Institute is rolling out a new social media curriculum. After getting permission from his parents, we asked him a few questions about his, well, social life.
What’s your favorite way to use social media?
It’s how I get my news for the day — not celebrity gossip, but actual news. I used to read the paper but have been able to replace it with social. When I want to learn more, I click on the link and read the entire article.
I also get my motivation for the day because I follow influencers who post positive quotes and videos, like Gary Vaynerchuk and Ross Simmonds. If I like something a lot and I think my friends should know about it, I share it.
“I used to read the paper but have been able to replace it with social.”
What kinds of things do you like to share the most?
On Instagram, I like to share pictures of things I like, which is mostly soccer, since it’s what I’m most passionate about. Also, pictures of close friends and family, because they matter most to me. On Facebook and Twitter, I share mostly articles I like and stuff about my favorite sports teams.
Give an example of one of your biggest wins.
I once sent a message to Jaspreet Singh, who I really admire, and he replied with some good advice about business.
One of my friends at Ravenscroft started an Instagram page where he posted photos of NC State football players. The team recognized it and gave him free tickets to games.
Two other guys started a page called NCfreekicker, where they posted videos of themselves doing soccer trick shots cuz they’re really good at that. They got a small sponsorship from a camera company.
What’s the hardest thing to share on social?
I’d say it’s hardest to share is a failure. I mean, I don’t think you should share your failures on social unless they lead to something good. Also, when a friend posts [news] that someone has passed away — I’m not sure what to say in the comments. That’s tough.
“It’s OK for parents to follow kids on social media, but there should be some privacy.”
What do you wish your parents understood about social?
I wish they understood that it can be productive. You can do good things on social media! It’s not all a waste of time. And, it’s OK for parents to follow kids on social, but there should be some privacy. Like, giving them my passwords to everything? No. Unless your child is under 13, and then that’s different.
Give an example of a time you wish you’d handled a social situation differently.
A year or two ago at my last school, confession pages were really popular. That’s when you can send in an anonymous confession on Instagram or Facebook or sometimes a website. I wish I had responded to mean things people said about people I know. Even if I didn’t know them, I should’ve still commented. Most of the people on confession pages are my juniors, so I want to be a good role model.
Why do you think cyberbacking is important?
I think it’s the most effective way to counter cyberbullying. You can complain to a teacher about it, but you’ll probably just get bullied more by doing that. When I respond to it directly, it can make a difference. At least the person doing the bullying might feel like they did something wrong.
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What platform do you consider up and coming and why?
Houseparty. It’s the closest you can get to actually being with your friends in real life. It’s a video-focused social platform. And the biggest differentiator from Google Hangouts and FaceTime is that you don’t have to ask people to join you. You don’t have to invite them. If they’re online and they see you, they can automatically join you (unless you lock the room you’re in).
I used it last month for the first time. Before then, it was text or Snapchat. And Houseparty just takes it to a whole new level. Whenever you’re free, you can just pop into the app. That’s what’ll attract people to it in the future.
Who would you recommend for the Wall of Fame and why?
Jack Hemphill on Instagram — @rogjhemphill. He uses it to show his strengths, which is basketball. Sometimes he posts photos of his family and friends, too, like at his school’s Homecoming dance. Most of the pictures he posts show him in a good way. They show his strengths.
Have you ever managed a social media presence for a group or brand?
Yes, I manage MathNC on Instagram. It’s a nonprofit in Raleigh. I also manage the Instagram and Facebook accounts for Footpool and the Instagram page for Avxellence — both are small businesses in India.