Att vara både här och där : En kvalitativ studie av hur unga vuxna upplever en växlande närvaro mellan en digital och analog värld

Smartphones and social media are a central part of everyday life for many young adults in the modern digital society. The development of digital devices has created opportunities for young adults to be present in a digital world through social media while at the same with people they meet face-to-face. Smartphones make the digital world portable, which give us access to a virtual network no matter where we are or what we are doing. This study aims to answer the question: How do young adults perceive a constant accessibility to a virtual world through social media in face-to-face meetings? The empirical data is based on interviews in focus groups along with hidden observations. Results from the study indicate that technology has become an essential part of young adults as they are never separated from their smartphones and regularly need to check new activities; whether they are alone or in the company of others. Social media is perceived as disruptive in face-to-face meetings, although still used frequently. It appears as though young adults are struggling to find a balance between a digital and analogue presence in a world where they can be both here and there simultaneously.