Instrument development
Some focus group questions aimed at understanding what digital technology the participants possessed, used or wanted to own. Others asked specifically about various devices such as game systems, computers, cameras and cellular telephones, to develop an understanding of participants’ familiarity with each piece of technology. Questions also inquired about how teenagers spent their time with various digital media devices and what they liked to do with them. For instance, in the case of game systems, we wanted to know if they liked to play video games by themselves, with others, or online. For cell phones, we wanted to know if they preferred talking on the phone, sending text messages, taking photos or emailing. We also asked about the amount of time they thought they spent with each device compared with the amount of time they spent doing other things like homework or other after-school activities.
Typically, the conversations were dominated by talk about the internet, specifically social networking sites. Hence, questions arose regarding what they do on social networking sites, how many people are on their ‘friends’ list, and how they control information on these sites. Interview sessions concluded by asking the participants if they had any questions or comments they wanted to add.