The Mobile Generation: Youth and Adolescent Ownership and Use of New Media

Abstract

The relatively recent invention of mobile tablets has changed the way children and adolescents use media technologies. Given that children and adolescents differ developmentally, we use Uses and Gratifications theory to explore ownership of mobile devices by young people and how children and adolescents use newer media technologies, including the Internet and mobile devices. Results from a national study of 909 children and adolescents, 8 to 17 years old, demonstrate that even younger children are avid users of new mobile devices, although ownership and use of mobile phones and tablets increases with age. Further, Internet use varies as a function of age, suggesting that children and adolescents may have different interests in and motivations to use new media technology, which play a role in their media use behavior.

Keywords:

• Adolescents
• Children
• Internet
• Media Use
• Mobile Technology
• Tablets

Notes

Panel members are engaged in surveys no more than once every four days and are provided noncash incentives in terms of points, which could be redeemed for prizes.

A copy of the New Mobile Media Ownership and Use survey can be obtained from the first author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexis R. Lauricella

Alexis R. Lauricella (PhD, Georgetown University, 2010) is an Associate Director of the Center on Media and Human Development in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

Drew P. Cingel

Drew P. Cingel (MA, Wake Forest University, 2012) is a Graduate Student in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

Courtney Blackwell

Courtney Blackwell (EdM, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2011) is a Graduate Student in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

Ellen Wartella

Ellen Wartella (PhD, University of Minnesota, 1977) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University.

Annie Conway

Annie Conway (MA, New York University, 2008) is Director of Digital Learning and Engagement at the Chicago Architecture Foundation.