AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

limitations, the interaction/action, the context and the strategies. Research objectives
(3) online self-representation and (4) offline/online social ties are predominantly
addressed within the consequences part of the theory although elements of research
objectives (1) and (2) come into play here as well.
Within the following discussion, the names of specific VOCAs and their
manufacturers have been omitted. The purpose of this research is not to favour or
critique particular types of VOCAs. It has been necessary however, to name
companies such as Apple and Google in order to explain certain phenomena. Due to
the enormous size and global reach of these companies, the issues of naming them are
not considered comparable with the concerns of naming specific VOCA
manufacturers within a small specialised field.
5.2 Central phenomenon
The central phenomenon of the proposed grounded theory identified was that young
people who use AAC have a desire to use internet and online social media due to
perceived positive benefits but many challenges exist for achieving access and use,
especially independently. Research has shown that the current generation of young
people have a strong interest in online activities and using the internet is thoroughly
embedded within their lives (Livingstone et al. 2011). Sociological theories report
adolescence is a time when bonds to parents weaken and peer relationships become
more significant (Mesch & Talmud, 2010). The internet and online social media are
playing an increasingly important role in the lives of adolescents (Subrahmanyam &
Greenfield, 2008) with many claiming they could not live without the internet and
love how new technology helps them communicate with people (Hulme, 2009).
Helseth and Misvaer (2010) found that psychosocial elements, in particular peer
relationships, were how adolescents evaluated their quality of life rather than through
traditional health related concepts.
Within the current study, the desire to use the internet and online social media
(especially Facebook) was unanimously expressed which supports previous findings
within the AAC literature base. McNaughton and Bryen (2007) stated
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