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Identification and Characterization of Adolescent Internet User's Profiles
Antonio Rial1, Patricia Gómez1, Eduardo Picón1
1Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
The Spanish Journal of Psychology
|July 15, 2015
Summary
This study identified four distinct adolescent online behavior profiles: first steppers, trainees, sensible users, and heavy users. Understanding these internet use patterns can help tailor prevention programs for risky online behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Media Studies
Background:
- Adolescent internet use is widespread, but individual online behaviors vary significantly.
- Previous research has not fully characterized distinct adolescent user profiles.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize different profiles of adolescent internet users.
- To analyze these profiles based on attitudes, behaviors, and socio-demographics.
- To inform the development of effective prevention programs for problematic internet use.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 2,339 secondary school students in Galicia, Spain.
- A two-stage cluster analysis was performed based on internet attitudes.
- Adolescent participants had an average age of 13.77 years.
Main Results:
- Four distinct adolescent internet user segments were identified: 'first steppers,' 'trainees,' 'sensible users,' and 'heavy users.'
- Each segment exhibited unique attitudinal, behavioral, and socio-demographic characteristics.
- The study provides a detailed description of these user profiles.
Conclusions:
- The identified adolescent internet user profiles offer valuable insights for applied research.
- These findings can guide the creation of more effective programs to prevent risky online behaviors and problematic internet use.
- Tailoring interventions to specific user profiles is recommended for greater impact.
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