Mapiranje ponašanja adolescenata u Srbiji na društvenim mrežama: Obrasci korišćenja, afektivni doživljaji i komunikacione preferencije
Mapping the Social Media Behaviour of Serbian Adolescents: Usage Patterns, Affective Experiences, and Communication Preferences

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the dynamics of social media usage among adolescents in Serbia, focusing on their usage habits, affective experiences and communication preferences. The data were obtained by an online survey of 391 adolescents (63.9% girls; Mage = 16.09, SD = 1.36) at the beginning of 2023. Through questionnaire data analysis and qualitative content analysis, we explore the adolescents’ engagement with various social media platforms, highlighting Instagram as their predominant choice. Through the investigation of the nuanced perspectives on online versus faceto-face communication, the study reveals that, while online communication offers practicality and efficiency, face-to-face interaction is valued for its emotional depth and transparency. The results on the frequency of use and the activities on Social Network Sites (SNSs), as well as on the accompanying affective experiences, indicate that, among the adolescents in our sample, we can distinguish among three groups of SNSs users: “SNS Balancers”, “SNS Enthusiasts” and “SNS Ambivalents”. Each cluster exhibits unique patterns of SNSs usage and affective experiences, highlighting the diverse ways in which adolescents interact with online platforms. The research thus underscores the need for nuanced longitudinal investigations into adolescent online behaviour, suggesting potential avenues for future exploration.

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