Experience of Online Communication from the Perspective of Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Experience of Online Communication from the Perspective of Adolescents: A Qualitative Study   R. Masoudifar , Ph.D. [1] B. Shalchi, Ph.D. [2] S. Kolahi Hamed  [3]   In the past decades, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in the number of teenagers using the Internet, especially for the purpose of communicating with others. The problematic use of the Internet contradicts with the normal daily life activities and has caused concerns about lack of experience in real relationships and face to face interactions. Hence, this study aimed to examine the real experiences of adolescents in communicating with others in cyberspace. In this qualitative phenomenological study, the statistical population comprised senior high school girls in Tabriz in academic year 2016-2017 from among them 14 students were selected via purposive sampling method. The main method of data collection was in-depth and semi-structured interviews. For the purpose of data analysis, Moustakas empirical, transcendental phenomenology was utilized. This method is based on Hursselian phenomenology as well as Van Kaam (1966) and Colaizzi (1978) methods. In general, two main contents were derived from the results: 1) Cyberspace is a place for easy communication with friends and acquaintances; 2) Cyberspace is a place for experiencing communication with strangers. Accordingly, it is suggested that educational authorities and policy makers promote appropriate use of the Internet through taking necessary measures. Keywords: experience of online relationships, perspective of adolescents, qualitative study   Date received: Feb.  8, 2018                    Date accepted: Nov. 27, 2018 [1]. Faculty member at the Department of Law, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch. [email protected] [2]. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. (Corresponding Author) [email protected] [3]. M.A. in General Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. [email protected]