Capstone Project Highlight Series: Julianna Banfe ’23
For Generation Z, the Internet has always existed. They haven’t known a world without the likes of Google, Twitter, Instagram, and more, and, as such, have felt the impacts of the web in a more significant way than what older generations might experience. Julianna Banfe ’23 aimed to find the true implications of the Internet – both personally and collectively – by posing a series of questions to fellow students about Internet usage, information exposure, online bullying, and personal demographics. Her research, however, came back inconclusive given that each person’s experience with and opinion on Internet usage varied so greatly. As a result, she used her findings to have a broader conversation. Julianna interviewed a number of students about their experiences, as well as psychologist Vanessa Parry Zoog on the impact she’s seen from a psychological perspective. Following these conversations, she compiled her initial findings, information from books and other readings, and her interviews into a 30-minute documentary.
Each year, a number of junior and senior class members choose to participate in the MFS Capstone Program. Designed to challenge students who wish to pursue advanced study in a particular field, the program asks participants to produce scholarly work by engaging in independent research and/or creative development under the guidance of an MFS faculty member. Enjoy a sampling of recently completed projects from the Class of 2023.