AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

groundedness (having a referent group that one belongs to). Milner and
Kelly (2009) refer to this as a recognised social identity built up over time
within community settings.
reciprocity (connectedness to a group, a sense of shared history, feelings
of social acceptance). Milner and Kelly (2009) suggest reciprocity and a
sense of belonging is important to counteract feelings of dependence.
dynamism (the dynamic interplay between physical and social
environments that either support or undermine a sense of belonging).
Milner and Kelly’s (2009) participatory expectations show how being
undermined or encouraged are important elements of perceptions of social
inclusion.
subjectivity (individual psychological perceptions of value and fit).
Milner and Kelly (2009) call this psychological safety and describe it as
feeling reassured that individual views can be expressed freely within a
trusted community.
I suggest that these outcome antecedents or measures can be mapped into the
grounded theory of internet and online social media use by young people who use
AAC through the consequences area. I am posing this as evidence that using the
internet and online social media can support perceptions of social inclusion.
Self-determination: I suggest this emerged from the data through evidence of:
an ability to self-author activities, seek information, follow own interests,
participate in academic studies, employment opportunities, voluntary charity
work and being able to support others.
Social identity/groundedness: I propose these are seen in descriptions of
improved opportunities for self-representation. Being able to build up a
narrative history of identity within a Facebook community of friends I would
suggest helps to build a sense of belonging in the sense suggested by Milner
and Kelly (2009) of belonging within a local church movement.
Reciprocity and valued contribution/reciprocity: I would suggest is also
achieved through using online social media groups to maintain close social
ties with families and friends in home and college settings and having a sense
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