PHONE TIME is a publication about internet culture, technology, media, and everything in between.
It’s written by me, Kristin Merrilees. Over the past few years, I’ve written and created content (see my Twitter/X, TikTok, and Instagram) about online subcultures and niches, memes, and more. With PHONE TIME, I hope to continue this work and deliver robust writing and original reporting about the online world.
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The best way to contact me is merrileeskristin@gmail.com.
Check out some of my recent past work to see what I’m about:
Still fit to print: The evolution and future of print media at and around Columbia
From blogging to Sidechat: A short history of social networking at Columbia
We Went To The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest And Didn’t See Timothée Chalamet
‘Media Party’ explores the intersection of journalism and artificial intelligence
NYC Feminist Zinefest offers feminist camaraderie and activism
For Columbia clubs, Instagram is key in building brands and connecting with students
Ethics/source information
I’ve seen many journalists—both independent and from mainstream publications—share their ethical and editorial guidelines, as well as information for sources. I think it’s helpful to do the same.
I have experience in both traditional journalism and social media work, and I think my approach generally reflects a mix of the two. I am currently a student at the Columbia Journalism School. Outside of PHONE TIME and my other social media work, I occasionally work with brands and companies to consult, create content, or collaborate on projects. On my social channels, I always disclose when I’m being paid, gifted a product, or otherwise compensated. Currently, PHONE TIME does not work with any advertisers or sponsors. If that changes, I will clearly indicate it.
The integrity, independence, and transparency of my reporting—whether for PHONE TIME or other publications—is paramount to me. I do not pay sources to speak to me, nor do I accept payment (or gifts, even coffee) from sources. I will accept press passes or galley copies for events or releases I’m covering. I will disclose any personal or professional connections I have (past or present) to individuals, companies, or products I write about.
I typically record interviews to ensure I quote accurately. I will always ask for permission before recording. Unless we otherwise agree, these conversations can be considered on the record—meaning your statements may be quoted and attributed to you (I use my discretion when sources say things that seem reasonably private or offhanded). I don’t allow sources to preview drafts or approve quotes prior to publication.
That said, I understand that speaking with journalists can feel intimidating, and that the language and reporting process may sometimes seem opaque. I’m always happy to talk with sources ahead of an on-the-record conversation to clarify any concerns or questions.
My Signal username is @kristin.261.
If I get something wrong, I’ll correct it in the story and leave a note.
Update August 2026: I don’t use AI in my writing process, although I sometimes test out different features to see how news and knowledge items show up differently across them (for example, in this newsletter I wrote about how AI summaries can spread incorrect information). I use transcription tools but always work from the actual audio.
Members of my family now work on a news automation product involving the use of LLMs in a small-scale startup context, so I don’t cover anything I consider in the realm of a conflict of interest. This includes but isn’t limited to direct reporting on AI news products or companies that develop these products (for example, OpenAI, Perplexity, Anthropic, Particle News). Besides occasional commentary about the utility of these products in relation to research or creative processes, I haven’t covered these topics in the past and don’t consider them within my beat now, with the following paragraph in consideration.
As a journalist and writer, these products directly affect the industry I work in, so I will sometimes talk about my own experience and opinions relating to topics like the impacts of AI on the journalism industry, media and news literacy, and the information ecosystem. I also interview creators of all types who have a variety of different experiences with AI tools. I may also link out to other reporting touching these topics.
Because these technologies, their usage, and their impacts on creative industries are rapidly evolving, I’ll come back to update this section as I see fit.
I know this section doesn’t cover everything, and I welcome any questions. I’ll look back at this section periodically and update as I see fit. (Last updated 04/22/2025 — info about press passes; 04/18/2025 — added Signal username & more info about my journalism philosophy; 08/05/2026 — AI information)
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