Online Activities, Digital Media Literacy, and Networked Individualism of Korean Youth

Abstract

Networked individualism enables Internet users to connect and socialize via their loose and transient multiple networks, whereas digital media literacy is a precondition of effective Internet use. In this study, an attempt has been made to find the link between networked individualism, digital media literacy, and young people’s perception of their social capital. A nationally representative face-to-face survey was conducted with Korean adolescents in 2013. Networked individualism was higher in adolescents who frequently engaged in online activities and who demonstrated greater digital media literacy. Belonging to multiple, diverse networks and having many connections was positively correlated to adolescents’ online social capital. Findings indicate that online activities and skills influence the ways adolescents connect to others and perceive of their social connectedness.

Story Sharing in a Digital Space to Counter Othering and Foster Belonging and Curiosity among College Students

“…Findings related to story and counter-story sharing are also consistent with DML in engagement (Park et al, 2014). Enabling students to move past stereotypes can help them connect with more nuanced and diverse information and others (Junco & Cole-Avent, 2008), rather than remain in filter bubbles and echo chambers (Kahne & Bowyer, 2016;Enter the Electome, 2016).…”

“…However, though today's college students are considered digital natives who have grown up engaging with digital media, many do not have well developed DML skills, including networked individualism, the ability to develop and maintain relationships in digital spaces (Park et al, 2014), a necessary skill set for a vibrant participatory democracy (Simsek & Simsek, 2013). Research finds that guidance is necessary to help students hone their DML skills (Hargittai, Fullerton, Menchen-Trevino, & Thomas, 2010;Kahne & Bowyer, 2016;McGrew et al, 2018).…”

“…This is particularly true at community colleges (CC), where students may be attending remotely or commuting. However, research has indicated that students have not been taught the digital media literacy (DML) skills to navigate these spaces, assess and decipher messages (Kahne & Bowyer, 2016;Kim & Yang, 2016;McGrew, Breakstone, Ortega, Smith, & Wineburg, 2018;Simsek & Simsek, 2013); and communicate and engage in ways that are productive, respectful, and empathetic (Park, Kim, & Na, 2014).…”

Building Bridges

“…Recent studies highlight a positive association between young people’s frequency in use of SNS as an information source and higher levels of confidence to engage in civic action (Chan & Guo, 2013; Lenzi et al, 2015). In addition, young people’s use of SNS enhances their skills in communication (DeAndrea, Ellison, LaRose, Steinfield, & Fiore, 2012) and their social capital (Park et al, 2014).…”

“…Eight in 10 adolescents use some form of SNS and are more strongly associated with engaging in civic action as compared with non-SNS users (Smith, 2013). SNS offer an assets-based approach for supporting youth who have been historically isolated from institutionalized offline spaces of civic discourse, providing opportunity for sociopolitical development and engagement in civic action (Park, Kim, & Na, 2014).…”