Youth and the new media: constructing meaning and identity in networked spaces

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Title Youth and the new media: constructing meaning and identity in networked spaces
Publication Type dissertation
School or College College of Humanities
Department Communication
Author Zemmels, David R.
Date 2011-08
Description This project is an activity-based study of American teens (13-17 years of age) and their material engagement with new media. This study documents the participants' engagement with new media in networked spaces and the everyday practices that surround their participation. Study participants were asked to orally report what they are experiencing as they experience it. Reports and on-screen activities are recorded by a laptop computer. Theoretical findings emerged from the axial coding across four code categories and suggested a leitmotiv pattern of a complex but stable relationship between interpersonal communication channels, the relative immediacy and intimacy of the channel, and the social relationship between participants. This pattern appeared to have a structuring influence on communication practices of youth in networked publics, and led to some tensions, concerns, and strategies relating to controlling the flow of information in those spaces. Overall, 10 code patterns and themes emerged to provide insight into the everyday practices of young people as they negotiate and construct meaning and identity in networked publics. The implications of the findings are discussed in the context; of the research questions. To my wife, Esther, for her love and unwavering support. To my children, who have never known a father who was not in working on a PhD. To my mother and father, who never lost confidence. My family was and is my inspiration.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Identity; Meaning; Media; Morae; Social; Youth
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Dissertation Name Doctor of Philosophy
Language eng
Rights Management Copyright © David R. Zemmels 2011
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 3,272,841 bytes
Identifier us-etd3,52382
Source original in Marriott Library Special Collections ; P27.5 2011 .Z55
ARK ark:/87278/s6tq6g8v
Setname ir_etd
ID 194548
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6tq6g8v
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