Page 29 - Global Youth Culture.indd

The Tech Effect There was a wide variety of responses from teens regarding their usage habits and time online, so we categorized respondents as light internet users (0-4 hours online daily); moderate internet users (4.1-9.9 hours daily); and heavy internet users (10+ hours online daily). The different viewpoints in heavy vs. light internet users were very interesting. Trends in the data show that connectedness maps to certain cultural viewpoints and opinions. For example, teens who are heavy internet users are more likely to say it is ok to have sex before marriage and that it is acceptable to change your body to become a different gender. Some of this is unsurprising, perhaps, given that teens who are spending a lot of time online may be exposed to a broader perspective of the world and of morality. INTERNET USAGE AND LIFE EXPERIENCE 29