A Story of Healing and Empowerment: A Personal Journey
In 2007, she joined MySpace, one of the leading social networks of the time. It became a way for her to feel worthy, liked, and beautiful, helping her temporarily curb the feelings of depression and insecurity. But as she grew, her digital and in-person social connections were often based on this need for validation, leaving her vulnerable to cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and harmful online interactions. This girl was me. I became a victim of the very things I sought to escape, influenced by the media's impact on my identity and self-worth.
It wasn’t until 2013, when I started working with Media Done Responsibly (MDR), that I found the healing and empowerment I needed. What began as a college leadership assignment evolved into my life's purpose and career. MDR gave me the space to dismantle harmful beliefs about myself and others, helping me to heal from the traumas of cyberbullying, self-objectification, and toxic online environments. Through MDR, I learned to critically examine my relationship with media and how it was shaping my identity. I developed the skills to discern false information, restore healthy relationships, and rebuild my sense of self and purpose.
MDR provided me with a lifelong community, united by the mission to empower and support each other. Through media arts, conversation, and a shared cultural history, we help one another heal and grow. This is Media Done Responsibly—where youth, like myself, are given a platform, a voice, and the tools to take charge of their own stories.
Your Support Makes a Difference
By donating to MDR, you are helping to empower more young people like me—youth who need the guidance, education, and community to heal, grow, and thrive in the digital world. Your contribution supports critical programs in media literacy, mentorship, and advocacy, ensuring that youth from marginalized communities receive the resources they need to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and confidently. Together, we can help more youth reclaim their voices and their stories, just as MDR helped me reclaim mine.
Thank you for your support.
Anaïs Maseda
Director of Programs & Communications
Media Done Responsibly
Our Commitment to Marginalized Communities
MDR serves low-income, under-resourced, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, immigrant, and other marginalized youth who face the compounded challenges of toxic online environments. These communities are disproportionately impacted by digital media, and our work aims to give them the tools to navigate and thrive in the digital world. We are committed to amplifying the voices and lived experiences of these communities, ensuring that they are heard, valued, and empowered.
How Your Donation Will Make a Difference
- $50 supports media literacy training for a child, helping young people understand the dangers of misinformation and how to protect themselves online.
- $100 supports digital safety and media literacy training for a parent, equipping them with the tools to support their child’s online wellbeing.
- $250 supports media literacy workshops for a teacher or practitioner, enhancing their ability to guide students in creating positive online experiences.
- $500 enables us to place a college mentor in a classroom, offering invaluable support to young students and building bridges between generations.
- $1,000 covers the cost of training a mentor who will help students develop leadership skills, resilience, and digital literacy.
Your tax deductible donation ensures that more young people, parents, and educators gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Together, we can help prevent cyberbullying, reduce polarization, and give young people the confidence to make responsible choices online.
Make a Difference Today.
Every donation counts, and your support helps create a lasting impact. Join us in our mission to empower youth, protect their digital wellbeing, and create a more connected and compassionate world. Thank you for being part of this journey.