A Phenomenological Study of Cyberspace from the Adolescents’ Perspective

Abstract

Although cyberspace has brought enormous benefits, it has also ushered in a host of new problems. It can lead to many problems especially for adolescents and its long-term use can cause dependence and addiction. This qualitative study aimed at assessing and explaining the experiences of female adolescents using the Internet. In this study, Moustakas empirical phenomenological approach (transcendental phenomenology of Husserl) was utilized. For the purpose of data collection, in-depth semi-structured interviews with the participants were used. The statistical population of the study was comprised of senior high school students in Tabriz in 2016-17 school year from among whom 26 students were selected via purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using Moustakas empirical phenomenology data analysis procedures. In general, eight main content areas were extracted based on the results of this study: 1. Reasons why individuals use cyberspace, 2. Positive effects of cyberspace, 3. Negative effects of cyberspace, 4. Cyberspace susceptibility, 5. Communication with strangers via cyberspace, 6. Affective and behavioral symptoms of cyber addiction, 7. Withdrawal from the real world and being submerged in cyberspace, 8. Feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction with the lack of self-control over the use of cyberspace. Based on the findings, building a strong culture of appropriate use of cyberspace in the society is recommended.

Keywords

• phenomenology
• cyberspace
• adolescents