Ritual use of screens among young university students a digital diet experience

Abstract:

150 students of Communication we asked to abstain from using screens (mobile phone, tablet, computer, consoles) or individual listening devices for 24 hours. After the experience, the students wrote a report of at least 300 words. The purpose was to provoke the reflection on the uses and gratifications they look for in the digital communication. A ritual use of screens has been detected, especially centered around sleeping time. The most missed activity is the interpersonal communication through texting and social networks, especially Instagram. The most missed device is the phone. In their conclusions, the participants become aware of their unconscious use of the tools instead of an instrumental use. They question the need for ubiquitous technological tools and show discomfort for the lack of freedom they perceive in themselves when it comes to using them, a freedom they recover at least as an intention although it does not manifest in changes of consumption habits in all the participants. It seems that the reflection on digital tools cooperates in digital literacy although it would be necessary ongoing mentoring actions to recover a more instrumental use.

Año de publicación:

2018

Keywords:

• youth
• Critical reflection
• Media ecology
• Multi-screen society
• Media Literacy
• Media and education
• Uses and gratifications

Fuente:

scopus