This study introduces StreetTalk, a novel qualitative research methodology inspired by social media influencers, to investigate perceptions and experiences of energy insecurity among New York City (NYC) residents. Employing dynamic short-form interviews with 34 participants from diverse backgrounds, thematic analysis revealed six major energy insecurity-related categories: (1) conservation and trade-offs, (2) physical inefficiencies, (3) thermal agency, (4) response to the bill, (5) disappointment and distrust in energy-related authorities, and (6) desire for and barriers to clean energy adoption. StreetTalk, emphasizing rapid data collection and social media dissemination (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), achieved substantial engagement (almost 200,000 views and impressions within the first year).

Nadav L. Sprague, Isabel B. Fan, Michelle Dandeneau, Jorge Fabian Hernandez Perez, Jordyn Birmingham, Daritza De Los Santos, Milan I. Riddick, Gabriella Y. Meltzer, Eva L. Siegel, Diana Hernández