Meet Dai Time, the 18-year-old powerhouse who’s taking the world by storm. A multi-talented talk show host, celebrity correspondent, full-time college student, and social media sensation with over 1.5 million followers, Dai has earned the title “The Voice of Gen Z” for her unapologetically honest views on culture, mental health, and society. As the CEO of DT Entertainment, she’s making waves in the entertainment world.
Want to know more about Dai and her inspiring journey? Read on and enjoy our exclusive interview as this teen CEO and content creator talks exclusively with BCKOnline about career and more!
BCKONLINE: You’re managing both a career and a full-time college schedule at just 18. How do you stay organized and prioritize your time?
DAI TIME: Although I need one, I wouldn’t say there is a specific routine that helps me stay organized because at the end of the day I am just a girl!! I do tend to get side tracked often, and I do always love to spend time working on myself too which is also time consuming… But I will say the key to me making sure I complete the tasks in every aspect of my life, is me prioritizing my own mental and physical health along with the more time-sensitive tasks. I also LOVE being in school, because I feel like that structure also helps me stay on task with other things too.
BCKONLINE: How has your college experience influenced your personal growth and the way you approach your career?
DAI TIME: Being a college student is so fun, honestly. It allows me to continue thriving as myself and it’s also rewarding in a way… getting to learn, meet new friends and participate with different organizations on campus. I would also like to mention that I think the experiences I have on campus as a college student often shape how I approach my socials because I have access to see what my target audience is doing, and going through on a daily basis.
BCKONLINE: How do you ensure that you’re getting enough time for yourself, especially with such a busy schedule?
DAI TIME: I love to work on my mental and physical health because not only is self care important, but I find it fun. Getting facials, doing hot yoga and playing the Sims 4, are my favorite ways to wind down and get myself together. While I do love self-care, I do think sometimes it is hard for me to wind down just because I always have tasks to complete, and goals to achieve… In other times though, I find that when I do step away from my work or school, even for a few minutes, I am ready to hop back in and complete what I need much more efficiently.
BCKONLINE: Mental health is a major topic for Gen Z. How do you prioritize your mental health while balancing your career and school?
DAI TIME: I think a big problem that my generation faces in the light of mental health is not accepting help, and I believe that Gen Z should normalize getting help if you need it. When I am getting caught up in work and school, I am so grateful to have friends and family who will lead me and help me to prioritize my mental health by suggesting breaks and time out.
BCKONLINE: What advice would you give to other young people who may be feeling overwhelmed by the constant comparison that social media can cause?
DAI TIME: Social media can sometimes feel like a curated world. Why do you believe it’s so important to be authentic and transparent with your audience, particularly when it comes to personal challenges like your acne journey? Believing in yourself is the solution to many problems faced by Gen Z. In this particular scenario I believe that if you’re confident in yourself and who you are, no one should be able to dim your light.
However, I do know through personal experience, how deteriorating it can be to start comparing yourself to others on social media. I think the majority of that problem comes from social media creatives not sharing realistic ideas of what everyday looks like. Creating that false reality on social media is such a demotivator for Gen Z. I experienced a situation in regard to this when I was dealing with my acne. Although acne is common for teenagers, it was such a jab to myself to see no one online who I could relate to and share that commonality with. Ever since that journey I have made it a priority to use my platform in more authentic ways to show my peers they are not alone.
BCKONLINE: How do you deal with negative comments or criticism online, especially being in the public eye at such a young age?
DAI TIME: In terms of dealing with online hate, sometimes it’s helpful for me to just not read comments for a little while. I actually featured an episode about online-hate in my Snapchat Show It’s Dai Time to spread awareness about online hate and its impact on our generation.
BCKONLINE: What advice would you give to others, especially young people, who feel pressured to present a “perfect” version of themselves online?
DAI TIME: I would say to my Gen Z peers that there is no such thing as “perfect.” As long as you are happy with yourself, and what you are doing, there’s no need to try upholding an unrealistic nor inauthentic version of yourself online. I also think it’s important to remember that there are hundreds and thousands of people out there going through the same problems as you, so it’s okay to share those problems sometimes because other people understand the same feelings you are feeling.
BCKONLINE: What is next for you?
DAI TIME: I’m constantly exploring new opportunities and ways to connect with my peers while making a meaningful impact, so it’s hard to say what’s next for me. However, you can stay up-to-date with all my latest ventures and activities by following me on my social media platforms. Additionally, make sure to check out my Snapchat Show, It’s Dai Time, every week for the latest Gen Z news, trending topics, and all the inside scoop.
Make sure you are following Dai Time on all of her social media platforms. We definitely feel that this is one journey that you don’t want to miss out on!
Photo: Dave Bailey IV
