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Research on methods of prevention among young people as users of social networks

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Title: Research on methods of prevention among young people as users of social networks
Authors: Dimitrova, Mila, Sabeva, Petya, Mahmud, Shadi, Sabeva, Valentina, Tsanova, Milena, Kitanovski, Vladimir, Hauser, Petra, Marzec-Balinow, Karolina
Publisher Information: Follow me Association, Bulgaria, 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Subject Terms: Suicide Prevention, social networks, Online Systems/trends, Social Media/organization & administration, young people at risk, Program Development/methods, Prevention measure, Young, Social Media/trends, Epidemics prevention, Online Systems, users of social media, Young Adult, Young Adult/physiology, Methods, digital safety, Program Development, Social Media/legislation & jurisprudence, Online Systems/ethics, Damage prevention, Research, Online Systems/statistics & numerical data, Social Media/statistics & numerical data, Social Media/classification, Social Media/ethics, Young Adult/psychology, Impact prevention, Online Social Networking, Research/classification, Young Adult/statistics & numerical data, Social Media, Social Media/standards, Social Network Analysis
Description: Growing up has never been an easy and straight-forward process. The list of problems and challenges children have to deal with or overcome seems to be endless. The puberty brings the rapid physical changes, which can cause concerns, worries and uneasiness. There are different psychological and emotional changes, as the youngsters try to form new social networks outside their family and assert their role in these new relationships. This process helps the young people to become independent and self-confident, but can also lead to conflicts, rejections, disappointments, distress. Inevitably, the path to independence and adulthood leads through a field of new experiences, some of which may be risky or even dangerous. Wanting to fit in with their peers, many young people experiment with alcohol, cigarettes or even narcotics. The sexualized media environment and pressure to have a certain look or appearance can lead to depression, low self-esteem, eating and sleeping disorders and other psycho-emotional problems. Next on the list are the challenges related to school performance, sexuality and sexual relations, inter- generational conflicts, bullying and other abuse among peers. Internet and digital technologies should not be seen as another challenge on this list. Rather, they are a tool through which old challenges can appear in a new form. The more time children spend online, the more risks they face. The need to develop a methodology for studying the methods for prevention of the risks, related to social networks is dictated by recent results from academic research and expert opinions about the positive and negative effect internet may have on young people’s development and health. A serious work is needed to prevent risks, related to social media and to be successful it requires a scientific approach. The study aims to investigate, analyze and systematize the methods for prevention of the risks and harms, associated to social networks and their possible negative impact on young people (age 14 – 29 years). To achieve the purpose of the study, the following tasks are set: 1. Study of best practices and methods for prevention of risks, associated to social networks from theoretical perspective worldwide. 2. Study of best practices and methods for prevention of risks, associated to social networks from theoretical perspective in partnering countries. 3. Study the methods for prevention of risks, associated to social networks from a survey perspective in partnering countries. 4. Propose a list of appropriate methods for prevention of risks, related to social networks among young people in the partner countries. The research on current methods for prevention of risks among young people using social networks is conducted by using a combination of desk research and a questionnaire-based approaches. Here the specific methods are listed in both categories: DESK RESEARCH: • Best practices & innovations – collecting data about successful examples and models of preventing risks and harms, associated to social media, designed to help experts and youth to expand their capabilities and exchange knowledge to reach European levels and standards. The focus is on the published data, analyses and research basically in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland and Austria, but not only. The research looks for social, civic, and intercultural competencies, media literacy and critical thinking methods for combating risks, associated to social networks. • Literature Review: An extensive review of existing studies, academic papers, articles, and reports on methods of prevention of the risks and harm for young people, related to social networks. This helps in understanding established methods, identifying gaps in knowledge, and determining the current state of research in the field. • Data Collection: Gathering data from reputable sources, such as official reports, surveys, and databases, to collect statistics and information regarding social media usage patterns, efficient methods for prevention of risks and harms and trends affecting young users. • Analysis of Platforms: Analyzing different social media platforms to understand their features, privacy settings, security measures, and policies related to young users. This helps in comprehending the platform- specific risks and vulnerabilities. • Analyses and synthesis for identifying trends and patterns: processing the collected data to identify emerging trends, patterns, and correlations in social media usage and associated risks among young individuals QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED APPROACH: • Questionnaire Design: Developing a structured questionnaire aimed at gathering insights directly from young individuals regarding their social media habits, experiences, awareness of risks, methods of protection, and encounters with online threats. Questions cover topics such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, etc. • Sampling: Defining the target demographic (e.g., age group, specific social media users) and employ appropriate sampling techniques to ensure representation and convenience sampling based on the research objectives. The sample of this study of methods for prevention of risks, related to social networks included 392 young people from all project partner countries:  Bulgaria – 275 respondents;  North Macedonia – 30 respondents;  Poland – 41 respondents;  Austria – 46 respondents. Distribution and Data Collection: Distribution of the questionnaire through online platforms, schools, community centers, or other relevant channels. Collecting responses anonymously to encourage candid and honest feedback. • Data Analysis: Collating and analyzing the questionnaire responses using statistical tools and qualitative analysis methods to derive meaningful insights and patterns regarding the perceived risks and experiences of young individuals on social networks. By combining desk research approach with a questionnaire-based approach and qualitative with quantitative data allows a comprehensive view of protection methods young people use in social networks and informing strategies to address online challenges. The specific methods include: • Induction, classification, specialization and generalization related to both theoretical and empirical data, related to the risks and protection methods, associated with social networks. This will allow to reveal the current situation and what can be improved in the area of online risk prevention methods. • Triangulation: Integrating findings from desk research and questionnaire responses to validate and complement each other, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current risk protection methods, used by young people on social networks. • Recommendations: Compiling the research findings into a comprehensive chapter with recommendations, highlighting key findings, trends, prevention methods and suggestions for policy interventions or educational initiatives. The current “Research on methods of prevention among young people as users of social networks” has been developed under the project "Prevention of youth risky viral trends" with number 2022-1-BG-01-KA220-YOU-000085174, Erasmus+ and as such product it is distributed for free. You can copy, download or print content for your personal use, and you can include excerpts from this book in your own documents, publications, presentations, blogs, websites and teaching materials, provided that suitable acknowledgement of the authors and publisher as source and copyright owners is given. All requests for public or commercial use and translation rights should be submitted to follow.me.association@gmail.com.
Document Type: Book
Language: English
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14844545
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14844546
Rights: CC BY
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....9ebdfee1b62bc84f7f03219ca3586b2c
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:Growing up has never been an easy and straight-forward process. The list of problems and challenges children have to deal with or overcome seems to be endless. The puberty brings the rapid physical changes, which can cause concerns, worries and uneasiness. There are different psychological and emotional changes, as the youngsters try to form new social networks outside their family and assert their role in these new relationships. This process helps the young people to become independent and self-confident, but can also lead to conflicts, rejections, disappointments, distress. Inevitably, the path to independence and adulthood leads through a field of new experiences, some of which may be risky or even dangerous. Wanting to fit in with their peers, many young people experiment with alcohol, cigarettes or even narcotics. The sexualized media environment and pressure to have a certain look or appearance can lead to depression, low self-esteem, eating and sleeping disorders and other psycho-emotional problems. Next on the list are the challenges related to school performance, sexuality and sexual relations, inter- generational conflicts, bullying and other abuse among peers. Internet and digital technologies should not be seen as another challenge on this list. Rather, they are a tool through which old challenges can appear in a new form. The more time children spend online, the more risks they face. The need to develop a methodology for studying the methods for prevention of the risks, related to social networks is dictated by recent results from academic research and expert opinions about the positive and negative effect internet may have on young people’s development and health. A serious work is needed to prevent risks, related to social media and to be successful it requires a scientific approach. The study aims to investigate, analyze and systematize the methods for prevention of the risks and harms, associated to social networks and their possible negative impact on young people (age 14 – 29 years). To achieve the purpose of the study, the following tasks are set: 1. Study of best practices and methods for prevention of risks, associated to social networks from theoretical perspective worldwide. 2. Study of best practices and methods for prevention of risks, associated to social networks from theoretical perspective in partnering countries. 3. Study the methods for prevention of risks, associated to social networks from a survey perspective in partnering countries. 4. Propose a list of appropriate methods for prevention of risks, related to social networks among young people in the partner countries. The research on current methods for prevention of risks among young people using social networks is conducted by using a combination of desk research and a questionnaire-based approaches. Here the specific methods are listed in both categories: DESK RESEARCH: • Best practices & innovations – collecting data about successful examples and models of preventing risks and harms, associated to social media, designed to help experts and youth to expand their capabilities and exchange knowledge to reach European levels and standards. The focus is on the published data, analyses and research basically in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland and Austria, but not only. The research looks for social, civic, and intercultural competencies, media literacy and critical thinking methods for combating risks, associated to social networks. • Literature Review: An extensive review of existing studies, academic papers, articles, and reports on methods of prevention of the risks and harm for young people, related to social networks. This helps in understanding established methods, identifying gaps in knowledge, and determining the current state of research in the field. • Data Collection: Gathering data from reputable sources, such as official reports, surveys, and databases, to collect statistics and information regarding social media usage patterns, efficient methods for prevention of risks and harms and trends affecting young users. • Analysis of Platforms: Analyzing different social media platforms to understand their features, privacy settings, security measures, and policies related to young users. This helps in comprehending the platform- specific risks and vulnerabilities. • Analyses and synthesis for identifying trends and patterns: processing the collected data to identify emerging trends, patterns, and correlations in social media usage and associated risks among young individuals QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED APPROACH: • Questionnaire Design: Developing a structured questionnaire aimed at gathering insights directly from young individuals regarding their social media habits, experiences, awareness of risks, methods of protection, and encounters with online threats. Questions cover topics such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, etc. • Sampling: Defining the target demographic (e.g., age group, specific social media users) and employ appropriate sampling techniques to ensure representation and convenience sampling based on the research objectives. The sample of this study of methods for prevention of risks, related to social networks included 392 young people from all project partner countries:  Bulgaria – 275 respondents;  North Macedonia – 30 respondents;  Poland – 41 respondents;  Austria – 46 respondents. Distribution and Data Collection: Distribution of the questionnaire through online platforms, schools, community centers, or other relevant channels. Collecting responses anonymously to encourage candid and honest feedback. • Data Analysis: Collating and analyzing the questionnaire responses using statistical tools and qualitative analysis methods to derive meaningful insights and patterns regarding the perceived risks and experiences of young individuals on social networks. By combining desk research approach with a questionnaire-based approach and qualitative with quantitative data allows a comprehensive view of protection methods young people use in social networks and informing strategies to address online challenges. The specific methods include: • Induction, classification, specialization and generalization related to both theoretical and empirical data, related to the risks and protection methods, associated with social networks. This will allow to reveal the current situation and what can be improved in the area of online risk prevention methods. • Triangulation: Integrating findings from desk research and questionnaire responses to validate and complement each other, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current risk protection methods, used by young people on social networks. • Recommendations: Compiling the research findings into a comprehensive chapter with recommendations, highlighting key findings, trends, prevention methods and suggestions for policy interventions or educational initiatives. The current “Research on methods of prevention among young people as users of social networks” has been developed under the project "Prevention of youth risky viral trends" with number 2022-1-BG-01-KA220-YOU-000085174, Erasmus+ and as such product it is distributed for free. You can copy, download or print content for your personal use, and you can include excerpts from this book in your own documents, publications, presentations, blogs, websites and teaching materials, provided that suitable acknowledgement of the authors and publisher as source and copyright owners is given. All requests for public or commercial use and translation rights should be submitted to follow.me.association@gmail.com.
DOI:10.5281/zenodo.14844545