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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

(paper to write down notes for them, candles, cozy vibes, little desserts& snacks, coffee and tea)

• start by introducing myself and thanking them for coming.
• then I tell them the purpose of the focus group: to explore experiences of growing up on the internet and finding growth and community on social media.
• describe what is going to happen: i will ask some questions, if you don't understand feel free to ask for clarification.
• this is not meant to be formal, please interrupt, go off-topic and especially try to talk to each other just be kind.

2. Icebreaker (5 minutes)

• to start out i'd like to ask you to please share one memorable internet-relate experience from your childhood or adolescence. depending on the group i might share one.

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

3. Online Beginnings

• try to remember your earliest internet experiences. What platforms or websites did you first engage with?
• How did you navigate the online world as children or teenagers?
• follow up on any answers.

4. Role of the Internet in Development

• Explore how the internet influenced their personal growth and development during adolescence.
• How did the internet factor in to your interests, skills, or perspectives growing up?
• Were there any specific online communities or people that played a role in their development?

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

5. Social Media Adoption

• what about social media specifically? when and how did you start using it? try to recall what feelings it used to bring up.

• what drew you to these platforms, and how did you perceive their role in relation to connections and community?

6. Community Building

• did you have any experiences of building or participating in online communities through social media?

• what types of communities have you been a part of, and what motivated them to join?

• have you encountered any challenges or negative aspects related to online communities?

**Closing (5 minutes)**

11. Thank You and Next Steps

• thank you for your time and insight. I will use this information as part of my graduation project. your names, unless you wish for it, will not be shared but your experiences might be. please come to me before leaving if there is anything that you wouldn't like to see printed or if you'd like to be credited.