From the need to socialise to digital fast-leisure: an infinite youth conversation on social networks

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to analyze to what extent the daily activity undertaken by young individuals on the most widely used social media platforms is directed towards fulfilling their socialization needs. As they connect with other young people, creating communities in the virtual space, this study also explores how their participation in these platforms typically occupies their leisure time. Methodology: A survey was conducted with 900 individuals aged between 18 and 25, enrolled in both university and compulsory secondary education or intermediate and higher-level vocational training programs. The survey results were complemented by several focus groups with university students. Results: While young individuals explicitly associate social media with entertainment, they acknowledge that their activity on these platforms is more driven by a need to socialize than a leisure experience. The majority admits that their engagement on social media is primarily linked to the obligation they feel to fulfill the digital feedback expected by their contacts, rather than the desire to enjoy social media as a leisure activity. Discussion and Conclusions: The perception among young individuals is that they exercise controlled use of social media, rarely engaging excessively. The obtained results highlight the limited interaction young individuals have with social media when these channels are not associated with entertainment. Given the significant value that social media holds in democratizing citizen participation and engagement in daily life, it becomes necessary to propose and implement educational initiatives that help younger individuals understand the true possibilities of social media. This way, as they grow, their usage of social media can evolve towards practices that go beyond entertainment, rather than diminishing their participation.