It’s All About Connection

My stepdaughter spends so much time on her laptop/ phone/ tablet that I’m not sure whether I would recognise her without a bluish glow across her face. I often find myself asking: What is the lure? What is the hook that pulls her down into this online world and keeps her so engrossed that she rarely surfaces for food or air? I am sure that there are a broad range of platform features that are intentionally designed to keep her on the line (is any one else thinking about The Social Dilemma on Netflix? A must watch!). But what is in it for her?

I have a theory….. and it is all about connection!

Self-determination theory posits that relatedness is a basic psychological need that must be fulfilled in order for individuals to thrive (Ryan & Deci, 2017). The human need for connection and involvement with others is satisfied when concern and sensitivity is shown reciprocally, building trust, caring, recognition and interpersonal connection (MacCormack et al., 2021).

Teenagers are not exempt from this need, and actively seek experiences that provide social connectedness with peers and friends. Research shows that connecting with friends through social media is the primary reason teenagers use the Internet, and that peer networking online can strengthen, validate and create quality friendships (Davis, 2013; Prescott, 2020).

However, it is widely reported that the online social practices of adolescent boys and girls are different. A study conducted by Thompson (2016) found that Australian girls are more likely to use the internet for social activities such as instant messaging, online chatting and emailing, and are more engaged with social websites.  In the same study, girls reported that social media applications and online networks, such as Facebook, enabled them to stay well connected with their peers and close friends by extending their everyday interactions beyond the schoolyard (Thompson, 2016).

It is clear that social media platforms provide adolescents with the digital tools they need to make valuable connections with their peers and to satisfy their psychological need for relatedness. That somewhat explains the addiction to the screen, however does not explain the dance outbursts in the middle of the grocery store….more on TikTok next week!

References:

Davis, K. (2013). Young people’s digital lives: The impact of interpersonal relationships and digital media use on adolescents’ sense of identity. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(6), 2281–2293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.05.022

MacCormack, J. W. H., Sider, S., Maich, K., & Specht, J. A. (2021). Self-determination and  inclusion: The role of Canadian principals in catalysing inclusive-positive practices. International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, 17(2).  https://doi.org/10.22230/ijepl.2021v17n2a969

Prescott, C. (2020). “I Wish I was Wearing a Filter Right Now”: An Exploration of Identity Formation and Subjectivity of 10- and 11-Year Olds’ Social Media Use. Social Media + Society, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120965155

Ryan, R., & Deci, E. (2017). Self-determination theory: basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. The Guilford Press

Thompson, R. (2016).Teen Girls’ Online Practices with Peers and Close Friends: Implications for Cybersafety Policy. Australian Educational Computing.