The use of interactive media among today's youth: Results of a survey

  • Authors:
  • Antoine Van den Beemt;Sanne Akkerman;Robert-Jan Simons

  • Affiliations:
  • Fontys Hogeschool ICT, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands;IVLOS Institute of Education, P.O. Box 80127, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands;IVLOS Institute of Education, P.O. Box 80127, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Human Behavior
  • Year:
  • 2010

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Abstract

The intensive use of interactive media has led to assertions about the effect of these media on youth. This paper presents a quantitative study on the position of interactive media in young people's lives. Rather than following the assumption of a homogeneous generation, we investigate the existence of a diversity of user patterns. The research question for this paper: Can patterns be found in the use of interactive media among youth? We answer this question by a survey among Dutch youngsters aged 10-23. Four clusters of interactive media users, namely Traditionalists, Gamers, Networkers and Producers were identified using cluster analysis. Behind these straightforward clusters, a complex whole of user activities can be found. Each cluster shows specific use of and opinions about interactive media. This provides a contextualized understanding of the position of interactive media in the lives of contemporary youth, and a nuanced conceptualization of the 'Net generation'. This allows for studying the intricate relationship between youth culture, interactive media and learning.