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20 sep '23

concepts to be made sensitive:

𖦹 online communities + digital intimacy + network theory

𖦹 group dynamics + mutual aid + social support

𖦹 user-centred design + death of social media (rip)

𖦹 inner work as redefinition of "self-help" in relation to spiritual, social and mental well being

questions i have so far:

𖦹 how did people (other than me) experience growing up on online communities on social media?

𖦹 how did they experience these communities, what kind of dynamics affected them in that context?

𖦹 how was their own inner work of spiritual, social and mental well being affected by their belonging in these communities?

𖦹 how was their identity formation influenced by being a part of these groups?

focus-group guide

1. Welcome and Introduction

   - Welcome participants and thank them for their participation.

   - Briefly introduce yourself

   - Explain the purpose of the focus group: to explore experiences of growing up on the internet and finding growth and community on social media.

2. Icebreaker (5 minutes)

   - To build rapport, start with a simple icebreaker question: "Can you share a memorable internet-related experience from your childhood or adolescence?"

**Segment 1: Early Internet Experiences (15 minutes)**

3. Online Beginnings

   - Ask participants to recall their earliest internet experiences. What platforms or websites did they first engage with?

   - How did they navigate the online world as children or teenagers?

   - Did they encounter any challenges or surprising discoveries?

4. Role of the Internet in Development

   - Explore how the internet influenced their personal growth and development during adolescence.

   - Did it shape their interests, skills, or perspectives in any significant way?

   - Were there specific online communities or mentors that played a role in their development?

**Segment 2: Social Media and Community (20 minutes)**

5. Social Media Adoption

   - Discuss when and how participants first started using social media platforms.

   - What drew them to these platforms, and how did they perceive their role in fostering connections and community?

6. Community Building

   - Ask participants to share their experiences of building or participating in online communities through social media.

   - What types of communities have they been a part of, and what motivated them to join?

   - Have they encountered any challenges or negative aspects related to online communities?

7. Growth and Learning

   - Inquire about personal growth and learning experiences facilitated by social media.

   - Did they acquire new skills, knowledge, or perspectives through their online interactions?

   - Can they provide examples of positive personal development outcomes?

**Segment 3: Challenges and Reflections (15 minutes)**

8. Challenges and Downsides

   - Explore any challenges or negative experiences participants have had while growing up on the internet or engaging with social media.

   - How have they dealt with issues like online harassment, misinformation, or addiction?

9. Balancing Online and Offline Life

   - Discuss the balance between their online and offline lives. Have there been moments when they felt they needed to disconnect or set boundaries?

10. Future Outlook

    - Ask participants to reflect on their future relationship with the internet and social media.

    - How do they envision their online activities evolving as they continue to grow and mature?

**Closing (5 minutes)**

11. Thank You and Next Steps

    - Thank participants for their time and valuable insights.

    - Provide information on the next steps in your research, including how their input will be used.

12. Additional Comments

    - Give participants an opportunity to share any additional thoughts or comments they may have regarding the study.