AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

good online social connections to their peers. Lenhart, Purcell, Smith and Zickuhr
(2010) reported 93% of young people in America had access to the internet and 73%
used social networks. Figures are similar in the UK, 93% of 12-15 year olds are
reported to have access to the internet with 75% having an active social networking
profile (Ofcom, 2011). Survey data collected from 25 European countries (n=25,142
children and parents) shows on average 50% of children (9-16 years), have access to
the internet in their bedroom and 40% via a mobile device and these figures are higher
for Northern European countries (Livingstone, Haddon, Gorzig & Olafsson, 2011).
Opportunities for online entertainment and social communication are strong
motivators for digital engagement among young people (Livingstone & Helsper,
2007). Mesch and Talmud (2010) conclude young people evaluate a wide range of
options when considering keeping in contact with their peers and online and offline
communication converges with choices made over
“face-to-face, email, instant messaging, chat rooms, phones, SMSs – according to
their communicative needs” (p.95).
The issue to bear in mind according to Livingstone and Helsper (2007) is that simply
using the internet is not a goal in itself and research must try to understand how using
the internet links to the broader social inclusion/exclusion agenda. They warn of the
risks of a digital divide developing amongst young people that threatens opportunities
for inclusion as most young people expect their peers to be online and social media
use is integral to their relationships.
2.4.4. Social capital and internet-based research
The concept of social capital has been utilised by researchers when looking at the
value of the internet and social media in regard to social ties (Valenzuela, Park &
Kee, 2009). Social capital is an influential concept that has gained ground over the
latter half of the last century and emphasises the reciprocal nature of social
relationships and the importance this has for achieving mutual goals. Schuller, Baron
and Field (2000) discuss how the concept has a broad appeal although it is not without
critics. They discuss how in terms of origin there are texts that: mention the term
directly, others which use the key concepts of trust and networks, and those that are
related to social capital but do not explicitly refer to it by name. MacGillivray and
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