TY - JOUR
T1 - Technology supports me
T2 - Perceptions of the benefits of digital technology in adolescents
AU - Bitto Urbanova, Laura
AU - Madarasova Geckova, Andrea
AU - Dankulincova Veselska, Zuzana
AU - Capikova, Silvia
AU - Holubcikova, Jana
AU - van Dijk, Jitse P.
AU - Reijneveld, Sijmen A.
N1 - Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency under Contract No. APVV-18-0070.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2023 Bitto Urbanova, Madarasova Geckova, Dankulincova Veselska, Capikova, Holubcikova, van Dijk and Reijneveld.
PY - 2023/1/30
Y1 - 2023/1/30
N2 - Background: Technology plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. Our knowledge is predominantly based on research exploring the risks associated with it, but adolescents also feel that technology supports their lives. This has received less consideration. Therefore, we aim to examine how adolescents perceive the benefits of digital technology. Methods: We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We conducted online, semi-structured interviews with 15 Slovak adolescents who came from three different types of secondary schools based on their graduation systems (mean age: 15.33; 20% boys). The data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. Results: We identified five main themes based on the comments of adolescents: 1. I know (source of information, formal and non-formal education); 2. I can (smart device, helpful tool); 3. I am connected/included (social interactions); 4. I have my comfortable place (leisure time, creating my alternative world); and 5. I work on my future (self-development). Conclusion: Adolescents perceived digital technology as mostly supportive and a helpful tool in their lives. The potential benefits of digital technology should be better reflected in public perception and policy, as the societal debate is mostly dominated by perceived disadvantages and risks.
AB - Background: Technology plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. Our knowledge is predominantly based on research exploring the risks associated with it, but adolescents also feel that technology supports their lives. This has received less consideration. Therefore, we aim to examine how adolescents perceive the benefits of digital technology. Methods: We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We conducted online, semi-structured interviews with 15 Slovak adolescents who came from three different types of secondary schools based on their graduation systems (mean age: 15.33; 20% boys). The data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. Results: We identified five main themes based on the comments of adolescents: 1. I know (source of information, formal and non-formal education); 2. I can (smart device, helpful tool); 3. I am connected/included (social interactions); 4. I have my comfortable place (leisure time, creating my alternative world); and 5. I work on my future (self-development). Conclusion: Adolescents perceived digital technology as mostly supportive and a helpful tool in their lives. The potential benefits of digital technology should be better reflected in public perception and policy, as the societal debate is mostly dominated by perceived disadvantages and risks.
KW - adolescents
KW - benefits
KW - digital technology
KW - qualitative study
KW - subjective perceptions
U2 - 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970395
DO - 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970395
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85148348314
SN - 1664-1078
VL - 13
JO - Frontiers in Psychology
JF - Frontiers in Psychology
M1 - 970395
ER -