Vulnerabilidade e adolescência: uma análise da imersão dos jovens nas redes sociais

Abstract

This study, which was developed as part of the line of research culture, technology and learning , focuses on teenagers and their vulnerability when using social networks. It analyzes situations of vulnerability that emerge from the relationships established by teenagers based on their experience with social networking on the Internet, and seeks to answer the following question: "What situations of personal and social vulnerability emerge from the social relations established by teenagers on the social networks?" The study also discusses teenagers views on the risks and benefits of using social networks, in order to characterize the links that teenagers establish with people engaged in social networking, and to examine the preventive actions and guidelines offered by educational institutions. The theoretical framework seeks to articulate the discussions in the scope of the Internet and social networks (CASTELLS, 2003; 2010; LÉVY, 1999; SIMONDON, 2007; KASTRUP, 2007), adolescence and vulnerability (AYRES, 2003; ABERASTURY and KNOBEL, 1981; BECKER, 2003; PESSALACIA, 2010; CASTEL, 2006; and ERIKSON, 1972), the risks of the Internet (PINE, 2008; 2010; NEJM, 2011) and digital education as a space for reflection (DEMO, 2002; PINE, 2009). The methodology used is qualitative. The procedures of data collection were based on semi-structured interviews, developed using the technique of content analysis with ten students in the first year of high school, aged 13-17 years. The interviewees responses were categorized according to content analysis supported by Bardin (2002). The categories were subdivided into: the exposure of teenagers in the social network; the implications of the risks of using the social networks on the Internet; the links established by the teenagers in the social network; and the process of guidance on the use of Facebook. This study showed that students believe the opportunities offered by social networking outweigh the risks. Teenagers feel comfortable expressing their feelings and indignations in the virtual world, however, they are placing themselves in situations of personal and social vulnerability by exposing themselves to such a high degree because they are unaware of the rights and duties that pervade the digital space, and due to a lack of a specific guidance in schools on the precautions to be taken when using social networks.