Perception and Use of Video by Today\u2019s Youth

With the success of Skype, YouTube, Google and Yahoo Video, videoconferencing and online video are becoming ubiquitous means of communication. Youth are often perceived as the \u201cdigital generation\u201d; as a result scholars pay greater attention to technology use in adult populations (Jenkins, 2004; Livingston & Helsper, 2007). Few studies examine how youth actually engage with video technology in everyday life to communicate with friends and family. This study examines how youth (ages 15-18) currently perceive and use video as a communication tool. Method: This study analyzes the results of surveys and focus groups conducted with Canadian high school students taking part in two separate Virtual Classroom sessions. Data related to their perception and use of video communication technologies in everyday life were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: The analyses indicate that although video and videoconferencing were not frequently used in everyday communications, youth perceived video as a useful means of communication. In the focus groups, participants discussed watching online video and selectively using videoconferencing to communicate with close friends and family members located at a distance.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye