The aim of the qualitative study was to explore the phenomenon of social networking and the possible influences it could have on adolescents‟ way of interacting socially. The study was conducted from a gestalt perspective and also incorporated aspects of developmental theory. Learners (12-18 years old) from a high school in the northern suburbs of Cape Town participated in semi-structured interviews voluntarily. Parents and teachers also participated in the study by forming part of focus groups. The study indicated that although social networking is a beneficial social tool for adolescents, it could become an obstacle during social interaction which is not mediated through an electronic or mobile network. From the study it can be concluded that social networking is a positive social tool, which could become dangerous for adolescents‟ social interaction abilities when used inappropriately. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

The aim of the qualitative study was to explore the phenomenon of social networking and the possible influences it could have on adolescents‟ way of interacting socially. The study was conducted from a gestalt perspective and also incorporated aspects of developmental theory. Learners (12-18 years old) from a high school in the northern suburbs of Cape Town participated in semi-structured interviews voluntarily. Parents and teachers also participated in the study by forming part of focus groups. The study indicated that although social networking is a beneficial social tool for adolescents, it could become an obstacle during social interaction which is not mediated through an electronic or mobile network. From the study it can be concluded that social networking is a positive social tool, which could become dangerous for adolescents‟ social interaction abilities when used inappropriately. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

Online adolescent friendships and social networking among adolescents are current phenomena that have emerged, and exploded, as part of the digital age and the vast development of communication technologies. The primary aim of this study was to gain knowledge and understanding regarding the nature and quality of online friendships and social networking among adolescents. A sequential explanatory mixed method design, was put to use for the purpose of this study. The quantitative data was collected first in the form of a short survey, by utilising a self-developed questionnaire to obtain a general overview of the social network practices and the forming and maintaining of online friendships among adolescents. Twenty five participants took part in the survey. This study was followed by a qualitative study in the form of interviews, to clarify, elaborate and explain the quantitative findings. Five information rich participants were interviewed. The findings of the empirical investigation revealed that adolescents, being part of the Net Generation, base their concept of socialising with friends on digital and communication technology, especially cell phones. They are connected to their friends 24 hours a day. The sense of safety and support they experience through this constant connectedness strengthens their self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth and contributes to their identity formation. It is therefore recommended that parents and educators should accept that adolescents live in a virtual world and their new way of socialising, needs to be acknowledged. Parents and educators should adjust accordingly, by getting educated in this field themselves. The Net Generation is a generation who focuses on relationships and collaboration through technology and this should be exploited by anybody who has contact or interacts with the adolescent of today. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Text in English / Born at a time of abundance of technology, including new media, e-teens have their lives woven around the use of new media technologies to the extent that they virtually do everything with the aid of these technologies, including learning, playing, socialising and communicating. E-teens, besides, demonstrate marked expertise in the use of these technologies. Although there have been various studies done on this group of users supported by models and theories on the use, gratifications and appropriation of new media technologies, the premise of this study was on two assumptions. First, there are limited studies that have been conducted in the sub-Saharan African context, especially, Ghana. Second, most available theories and models that guide the study of e-teens’ use, appropriation and the use of new media technologies are generalized and do not sufficiently highlight the unique attributes and gratification needs that are tied to their developmental stage. In light of these assumptions, the study was undertaken to provide empirical evidence on the types of new media e-teens have access to; the types of new media used by e-teens in their scheme of things and e-teens’ purposes for using new media. It also sought to find out the gratifications sought and obtained from the use of new media technologies by e-teens; the key features of new media appropriation and experience among e-teens and to identify the features of new media technologies which are most appealing to e-teens. The other objective, which serves as the main contribution of this study, was to develop a conceptual model representing new media use and appropriation among e-teens, thereby filling the theoretical or conceptual gap that exists in this context. The study adopted a quantitative approach whereby data was collected using close-5ended questionnaires. The target population were teens from age 13 to 19 in senior high schools in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, selected using a simple random sampling. The results of the study show that, overall, the most popular new media technology that e-teens had access to and owned was the smartphone. Leading among the apps that e-teens found to be appealing were educational, entertainment and information/news, with communicative and participatory features of new media technologies appealing to e-teens highly. Also, educational, sociability and social inclusion, respectively, were the most popular gratifications sought and obtained by e-teens. It is submitted that social inclusion, educational and sociability gratifications are considered to be directly in line with the unique developmental needs of e-teens. However, it is recommended, among other things, that educational use of new media, which was one of the strong points for new media use, should be further encouraged as new media provides borderless opportunities forlearning. The researcher believes that the conceptual model for e-teen use and appropriation of new media technologies provide a firm ground for further research on topics related to this subject matter. To provide support and substance to the e-teen model, other researchers are encouraged to test and extend it where necessary. In conclusion, the findings provide evidence that new media technologies are highly appropriated by e-teens because the technologies help them meet their unique gratification needs. Therefore, the study recommends that, although new media use among e-teens can be encouraged, it is important to ensure proper usage, which will not be detrimental to them. / Communication Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Communication)

CAPES; Fundação Araucária / Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo geral levantar os possíveis efeitos pelo uso dos dispositivos móveis por adolescentes principalmente no convívio familiar e no aprendizado. Foi desenvolvida em um grupo de alunos, de pais e de professores de dois colégios, sendo um público, localizado em Curitiba, estado do Paraná, e outro privado, localizado na cidade de São Bento do Sul, estado de Santa Catarina. Para a realização do estudo, considerou-se os objetivos específicos: i) levantar os prováveis benefícios e os prováveis riscos oriundos da utilização dos dispositivos móveis; ii) investigar as variáveis com potencial de alterar o convívio do adolescente na família e na escola; e iii) analisar o possível efeito dos dispositivos móveis nos adolescentes, considerando seu convívio familiar e seu rendimento escolar. A pesquisa, quanto à natureza e a finalidade prática, foi descritiva, e no ponto de vista de seu propósito, foi predominantemente explicativa; o estudo empregou a concepção do levantamento na forma de abordagem do problema, e a metodologia empregada para o tratamento dos dados foi de métodos mistos. A pesquisa empregou a amostragem estratificada e a amostragem intencional; e para cada estrato utilizou-se a amostragem aleatória simples. A aplicação dos questionários no colégio público foi para 85 alunos, 24 pais e 9 professores; e no colégio privado foi para 76, 26 e 11 respectivamente. O estudo indicou que os efeitos da mediação dos dispositivos móveis convergem maiormente para determinados aspectos negativos do que para aspectos positivos. Os principais benefícios apontados foram: uso para pesquisas; lazer; comunicação; aprendizagem por videoaulas; acesso à informação e compartilhamento de conteúdo educacional. Especialmente no que tangem aos riscos provenientes da intensidade e da forma na utilização dos dispositivos móveis, como a tendência dos dispositivos em despertar o sedentarismo e os riscos ligados à saúde sobretudo dos adolescentes, ligados à postura, à visão, à audição e ao sono. Além disso, existem os riscos com a radiação emitida pelos dispositivos móveis e com o descarte incorreto dos dispositivos móveis em desuso. Ainda, o estudo apontou que um maior uso dos dispositivos móveis, refletiu em uma ligeira redução na nota, motivado pelo pouco aproveitamento dos dispositivos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. / This research had as general objective to raise the possible effects using the mobile devices by adolescents mainly in family life and learning. It was developed in a group of students, parents and teachers of two high schools, one public, located in Curitiba, Paraná state, and another private, located in the city of São Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina state. To carry out the study, the specific objectives were: i) to get up the probable benefits and the probable risks arising from the use of mobile devices; ii) investigate the variables with the potential to alter the adolescents' life in the family and school; and iii) analyze the possible effect of mobile devices on adolescents, considering their family life and school performance. The research, as to the nature and the practical purpose, was descriptive, and from the point of view of its purpose, was predominantly explanatory; the study used the conception of the survey in the form of approach of the problem, and the methodology used for the Treatment was of mixed methods. The research employed stratified sampling and intentional sampling; and for each stratum the simple random sampling was used. The application of the questionnaires in the public high school was for 85 students, 24 parents and 9 teachers; and the private high school went to 76, 26 and 11 respectively. The study indicated that the effects of mediation of mobile devices largely converge on certain negative aspects rather than on positive aspects. The main benefits were: use for research; leisure; communication; video lesson learning; access to information and sharing of educational content. Particularly about the risks arising from the intensity and the way in which mobile devices are used, such as the tendency of the devices to arouse the sedentary lifestyle and the risks related to health especially of adolescents, related to posture, vision, hearing and sleep. In addition, there are risks with the radiation emitted by the mobile devices and with the incorrect discard of the mobile devices in disuse. Still, the study pointed out that a greater use of mobile devices, it was reflected in a slight reduction in the grade, motivated by the poor use of devices in the teaching-learning process.

O uso da internet e jogos eletrônicos online, em desarmonia com as demais atividades humanas, independentemente do dispositivo tecnológico para acesso, pode se tornar um vício e produzir efeitos nocivos em vários aspectos da vida dos usuários, potencializados quando os usuários são crianças e adolescentes, pessoas em fase especial de desenvolvimento biopsicossocial. O foco da investigação em pauta foi a análise dos riscos e danos do vício em internet, pressupondo a proteção integral das crianças e dos adolescentes nos aspectos de educação, saúde e segurança. Para tanto, buscou-se referências teóricas em artigos científicos no âmbito mundial, evidências empíricas em pesquisas de campo com adolescentes e no Programa de Pais de Dependentes de Internet do Ambulatório de Transtorno de Impulso do Instituto de Psiquiatria da Universidade de São Paulo. Como as crianças e os adolescentes são sujeitos de direito, com prioridade absoluta de proteção, sentiu-se a necessidade de haver uma intervenção e, para isso, foram propostos conteúdos e metodologias de planejamento de políticas de prevenção a esses riscos e danos, elaborados de forma interinstitucional e interdisciplinar. O método científico utilizado foi o de pesquisa-ação política, socialmente crítica e intervencionista. Para fundamentação teórica, buscaram-se subsídios na análise crítica do determinismo tecnológico e dos riscos envolvidos com a concepção e uso das tecnologias de Feenberg (1991), Giddens (1991), Marcuse (1999), Lima Filho (2005), Setzer (2002), Armstrong e Casement (2001), Smith (2009), entre outros. O trabalho de pesquisa utilizou documentos de base legal, com amparo na Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos (1948), na Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil (1988) e no Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (1990), os quais priorizam, em termos absolutos, as crianças e os adolescentes na formulação e na gestão de políticas públicas para todas as esferas de execução. Nas fases de observação, diagnose e primeiros registros, a pesquisa partiu da preocupação sobre a fala dos adolescentes de duas escolas públicas de Curitiba, em 2009, quando o problema dessa tese foi delineado riscos e efeitos nocivos da adição à internet e em jogos eletrônicos online. Para a fase de intervenção da pesquisa foi elaborado um plano de ação com foco no eixo de “Tecnologia e Dignidade Humana”, desenvolvido durante as onze audiências públicas no Estado do Paraná, coordenadas pela autora, articuladas ao Projeto UFPR Unindo Talentos com apoio da CAPES, contemplando conteúdos estruturantes para elaboração de uma política pública de prevenção ao vício na internet e, sobretudo, da internet gaming disorder, distúrbio mental previsto pela Associação Americana de Psiquiatria na quinta edição do Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Disorder (DSM V), de maio de 2013. Desse trabalho resultaram contribuições à elaboração do eixo “Tecnologia e Dignidade Humana” da primeira edição do Plano Estadual de Educação em Direitos Humanos do Paraná (PEEDH/PR). / The use of internet and on-line video games, in harmony with other human activities, irrespective of the technological device to access, can be addictive and cause adverse effects in various aspects of life of users, potentiated when the users are children and adolescents people in particular phase of biopsychosocial development. The focus of research on the agenda was the analysis of the risks and vice damage, assuming the full protection of children and adolescents in the aspects of education, health and security. Therefore, we sought theoretical references in scientific papers at the global level, empirical evidence on field research with adolescents, and internet Dependent Parent Program Dependence Center for the Impulse Disorder Clinic at the Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo. As children and adolescents are subjects of rights, with priority protection, felt the need for an intervention, and for this have been proposed content and planning methodologies prevention policies to such risks and damage, prepared in inter-institutional and interdisciplinary way. The scientific method used was the policy action research, socially critical and interventionist. For theoretical foundation sought to subsidies in the critical analysis of technological determinism and the risks involved with the design and use of technologies Feenberg (1991), Giddens (1991), Marcuse (1999), Lima Filho (2004, 2005), Andrade (2004) Setzer (2002, 2009), Armstrong and Casement (2001), Smith (2009), among others. The research used a legal basis documents, with support in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil (1988) and the Statute of Children and Adolescents (1990), who prioritize in terms absolute, children and adolescents in the design and management of public policies for all enforcement spheres. In phases of observation, diagnosis and first records research came from concern about the speech of adolescents from two public schools in Curitiba, in 2009, when the problem of this thesis was designed, the risks and harmful effects of adding internet and electronic games on-line. For the research intervention phase was prepared an action plan in inter-institutional focused on the “Technology and Human Dignity” axis developed in the eleven public hearings in the State of Paraná, coordinated by the author, contemplating structuring content for development of policy public prevention addiction on the Internet, and especially the internet gaming disorder, mental disorder provided by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Disorder (DSM V), May 2013. This work resulted in important contributions to the development axis “Technology and Human Dignity” of the first edition of the State Plan for Education in Human Rights of Paraná (PEEDH / PR).

Text in English / Born at a time of abundance of technology, including new media, e-teens have their lives woven around the use of new media technologies to the extent that they virtually do everything with the aid of these technologies, including learning, playing, socialising and communicating. E-teens, besides, demonstrate marked expertise in the use of these technologies. Although there have been various studies done on this group of users supported by models and theories on the use, gratifications and appropriation of new media technologies, the premise of this study was on two assumptions. First, there are limited studies that have been conducted in the sub-Saharan African context, especially, Ghana. Second, most available theories and models that guide the study of e-teens’ use, appropriation and the use of new media technologies are generalized and do not sufficiently highlight the unique attributes and gratification needs that are tied to their developmental stage. In light of these assumptions, the study was undertaken to provide empirical evidence on the types of new media e-teens have access to; the types of new media used by e-teens in their scheme of things and e-teens’ purposes for using new media. It also sought to find out the gratifications sought and obtained from the use of new media technologies by e-teens; the key features of new media appropriation and experience among e-teens and to identify the features of new media technologies which are most appealing to e-teens. The other objective, which serves as the main contribution of this study, was to develop a conceptual model representing new media use and appropriation among e-teens, thereby filling the theoretical or conceptual gap that exists in this context. The study adopted a quantitative approach whereby data was collected using close-5ended questionnaires. The target population were teens from age 13 to 19 in senior high schools in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, selected using a simple random sampling. The results of the study show that, overall, the most popular new media technology that e-teens had access to and owned was the smartphone. Leading among the apps that e-teens found to be appealing were educational, entertainment and information/news, with communicative and participatory features of new media technologies appealing to e-teens highly. Also, educational, sociability and social inclusion, respectively, were the most popular gratifications sought and obtained by e-teens. It is submitted that social inclusion, educational and sociability gratifications are considered to be directly in line with the unique developmental needs of e-teens. However, it is recommended, among other things, that educational use of new media, which was one of the strong points for new media use, should be further encouraged as new media provides borderless opportunities for learning. The researcher believes that the conceptual model for e-teen use and appropriation of new media technologies provide a firm ground for further research on topics related to this subject matter. To provide support and substance to the e-teen model, other researchers are encouraged to test and extend it where necessary. In conclusion, the findings provide evidence that new media technologies are highly appropriated by e-teens because the technologies help them meet their unique gratification needs. Therefore, the study recommends that, although new media use among e-teens can be encouraged, it is important to ensure proper usage, which will not be detrimental to them. / Communication Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Communication)

Online adolescent friendships and social networking among adolescents are current phenomena that have emerged, and exploded, as part of the digital age and the vast development of communication technologies. The primary aim of this study was to gain knowledge and understanding regarding the nature and quality of online friendships and social networking among adolescents. A sequential explanatory mixed method design, was put to use for the purpose of this study. The quantitative data was collected first in the form of a short survey, by utilising a self-developed questionnaire to obtain a general overview of the social network practices and the forming and maintaining of online friendships among adolescents. Twenty five participants took part in the survey. This study was followed by a qualitative study in the form of interviews, to clarify, elaborate and explain the quantitative findings. Five information rich participants were interviewed. The findings of the empirical investigation revealed that adolescents, being part of the Net Generation, base their concept of socialising with friends on digital and communication technology, especially cell phones. They are connected to their friends 24 hours a day. The sense of safety and support they experience through this constant connectedness strengthens their self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth and contributes to their identity formation. It is therefore recommended that parents and educators should accept that adolescents live in a virtual world and their new way of socialising, needs to be acknowledged. Parents and educators should adjust accordingly, by getting educated in this field themselves. The Net Generation is a generation who focuses on relationships and collaboration through technology and this should be exploited by anybody who has contact or interacts with the adolescent of today. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

This study centres on the psychological effects new digital media, like the internet and cellphones, have on adolescents. Although the internet has enormous benefits, it also poses a host of risks that can make adolescents vulnerable to victimisation and/or developing associated psychosocial problems. Characterisations of adolescents’ social relationships in the internet medium, as well as the investigation of the continuity between digital media literacy and online social behaviours, carry high relevance for developmental psychology. It is during the adolescent period that peer interactions arguably hold the greatest importance for individuals’ social and behavioural functioning. Using a logic model for evaluation, the researcher conducted an exploratory research study on digital media use among adolescent learners aged 13 to 15 years to determine whether schools could guide them to think critically for themselves about the entire realm of these new media. The data were gathered from school principals, teachers, parents and learners from three secondary schools in Gauteng Province, which were purposely selected to represent different socio-economic circumstances. A total of 230 people (n=230) participated in the research. Mixed research methods were employed in this study. The quantitative research methods supported the qualitative research methods. The literature review suggested that current media literacy education, which forms part of the Life Orientation curriculum, does not enable learners to think critically or make informed choices about their behaviour in the digital world – because it incorporates neither ethics nor responsibility. One of the main aims of the study therefore was to investigate the importance of expanding existing media literacy education, namely by incorporating two additional learning categories in the curriculum: Digital Safety and Security, and Digital Citizenship. These additional learning categories were introduced in the form of lessons by the teachers participating in the study. A think aloud strategy was used whereby learners verbalise what they were doing and learning while engaging in the digital media literacy lesson activities. The learners’ verbalisations were used to ascertain what learning was occurring in the classroom. The experimental group demonstrated an increase in critical thinking from pre- to post-evaluation. This research therefore proposes that the signature element of intervention strategies for inappropriate online behaviour be to create a “culture of critical thinking”. This implies greatly reducing the risks cyberspace pose, and at the same time enhancing adolescents’ abilities to use it in ways that create and deepen healthy relationships – in the digital as well as the real world. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

This study centres on the psychological effects new digital media, like the internet and cellphones, have on adolescents. Although the internet has enormous benefits, it also poses a host of risks that can make adolescents vulnerable to victimisation and/or developing associated psychosocial problems. Characterisations of adolescents’ social relationships in the internet medium, as well as the investigation of the continuity between digital media literacy and online social behaviours, carry high relevance for developmental psychology. It is during the adolescent period that peer interactions arguably hold the greatest importance for individuals’ social and behavioural functioning. Using a logic model for evaluation, the researcher conducted an exploratory research study on digital media use among adolescent learners aged 13 to 15 years to determine whether schools could guide them to think critically for themselves about the entire realm of these new media. The data were gathered from school principals, teachers, parents and learners from three secondary schools in Gauteng Province, which were purposely selected to represent different socio-economic circumstances. A total of 230 people (n=230) participated in the research. Mixed research methods were employed in this study. The quantitative research methods supported the qualitative research methods. The literature review suggested that current media literacy education, which forms part of the Life Orientation curriculum, does not enable learners to think critically or make informed choices about their behaviour in the digital world – because it incorporates neither ethics nor responsibility. One of the main aims of the study therefore was to investigate the importance of expanding existing media literacy education, namely by incorporating two additional learning categories in the curriculum: Digital Safety and Security, and Digital Citizenship. These additional learning categories were introduced in the form of lessons by the teachers participating in the study. A think aloud strategy was used whereby learners verbalise what they were doing and learning while engaging in the digital media literacy lesson activities. The learners’ verbalisations were used to ascertain what learning was occurring in the classroom. The experimental group demonstrated an increase in critical thinking from pre- to post-evaluation. This research therefore proposes that the signature element of intervention strategies for inappropriate online behaviour be to create a “culture of critical thinking”. This implies greatly reducing the risks cyberspace pose, and at the same time enhancing adolescents’ abilities to use it in ways that create and deepen healthy relationships – in the digital as well as the real world. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)