Next Generation Society. Technological and Legal Issues. Third International Conference, e-Democracy 2009, Athens, Greece, September 23-25, 2009, Revised Selected Papers

Research Article

Techno Generation: Social Networking amongst Youth in South Africa

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-642-11631-5_35,
        author={Antoinette Basson and Yoliswa Makhasi and Daan Vuuren},
        title={Techno Generation: Social Networking amongst Youth in South Africa},
        proceedings={Next Generation Society. Technological and Legal Issues. Third International Conference, e-Democracy 2009, Athens, Greece, September 23-25, 2009, Revised Selected Papers},
        proceedings_a={E-DEMOCRACY},
        year={2012},
        month={5},
        keywords={New media social networks child protection},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-642-11631-5_35}
    }
    
  • Antoinette Basson
    Yoliswa Makhasi
    Daan Vuuren
    Year: 2012
    Techno Generation: Social Networking amongst Youth in South Africa
    E-DEMOCRACY
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-11631-5_35
Antoinette Basson1,*, Yoliswa Makhasi1,*, Daan Vuuren1,*
  • 1: Film and Publication Board
*Contact email: antoinette@fpb.gov.za, makhasiy@fpb.gov.za, bmr@unisa.ac.za

Abstract

Internet and cell phones can be considered as new media compared to traditional media types and have become a fundamental part of the lives of many young people across the globe. The exploratory research study investigated the diffusion and adoption of new media innovations among adolescents. It was found that new media have diffused at a high rate among South African adolescents who are not only the innovators in this area, but also changing their life styles to adapt to the new media. Social networking grew to prominence in South Africa especially among the youth. The protection of children from potential harmful exposure and other risks remain a concern and adequate measures need to be initiated and implemented for children to enjoy social networks and other forms of new media. The exploratory research study provided worthwhile and interesting insights into the role of the new media, in the lives of adolescents in South Africa.