𓆝 ⋆｡𖦹°‧🫧
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.