An exploratory study of internet use amongst youth

Abstract

The complex link between the Internet and its young users is examined in this dissertation. Rather than emphasising on one specific activity or platform, this study focuses on the virtual realm as a whole. To gain a profound insight into this, the experiences of youth are explored through a qualitative methodology. Eight participants, all between the ages of 18 and 22, took part in a focus group that was structured into three main sections. The first section explored Internet use in general, the second asked about the participants’ own reflections with regard to their Internet use, and the third focused on the impediments that such use may yield. The resulting data was thematically analysed for a comprehensive presentation of the participants’ views and experiences. Findings from the focus group suggest that (a) Internet use has nowadays become pervasive; (b) the virtual world can provide opportunities which the real world may not; (c) today’s youth is enticed to go online mainly due to their need to be instantly gratified; and (d) the Internet’s pervasiveness could be easily turned into intrusion if one lacks self-regulation. All of the themes were found to be in congruence with existing literature.