R u online?

Abstract

This study aims to understand better the characteristics which are making Computer Mediated Communication the most popular medium amongst young people. Through familiarization of this medium a deeper insight will be acquired on the dynamics which take place between young people through the use of Computer Mediated Communication. This research will also look at Computer Mediated Communication vis-à-vis real life communication by comparing the online and offline persona of the young people. The effectiveness of the study is that both the perspectives of young people and youth workers are presented so that multiple perspectives of the same this phenomenon are identified. Through an ethnographic approach, questionnaires and online interviews, arguments were provided to challenge or reinforce existent literature. By this multiple approach new insights are backed by evidence obtained through data analysis. This study will present youth workers and youth leaders with a challenge to over look the stereo typical approach of CMC and mould it as a tool for their youth work practice