Abstract
Along with the developments in mass media, communication tools are increasingly in our lives. Especially with the developing technology, children's interest in these tools is increasing day by day. Children use digital media tools not only in leisure activities, but also in school and homework. This study aims to determine the habits of digital media usage in leisure activities of children. As a basis for research, the authors determine the habits of digital media consumption during leisure time of children in the 6-14 age group. In-depth interviewing method with 31 children will be applied in the research.
TopIntroduction
The place of communication tools in our lives has been wider with the developments of the mass communication. According to Ulusoy and Bostancı (2014) our habits of communicating with other people, connecting, learning, working and spending free hours have changed a lot since some digital Technologies took part in our lives fast. New communication Technologies and media with social media strengthen and wide their place in our lives gradually. While our necessity of what kind of place does our connection with media have to be is a very big question, television, internet, social media, computer games etc. catch the children’s attention and the necessity for the parents to manage the relation of their children with media is a very important situation (Ulusoy & Bostancı, 2014: 560). Especially the interest of the children to this developing technology has been becoming wide gradually. Children use digital media devices not only in their free time but also they use them at school and at home while they are doing their homework.
This study is to determine the habits of using digital media of the children on their free time. As a basis for the study the children between 6 and 14 years old in Istanbul, Turkey have been studied about their digital media consuming habits. As method the parents of 31 children have been deeply interviewed verbally.
Research questions have been tried to be answered in the study.
The study has been restricted with 31 children between 6 and 14 years old living in Istanbul, Turkey (the children who are still going to elementary school and middle school). Because the subject of the book children's consumption of digital media, students studying in primary schools in Turkey was preferred. The age range of these students is 6-14.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Technology: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
Communication: The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. Means of sending or receiving information, such as telephone lines or computers.
Digital Media: Digitized content (text, graphics, audio and video) that can be transmitted over internet or computer networks.
Mass Media: Any of means communications, as television or newspapers, that reach very large number of people.
Children: A person between birth and full growth; a boy or girl.
Media: The main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the Internet) regarded collectively.
Consumption: The action of using up a resource. The purchase of goods and services by the public.
Leisure Time: Time when one is not working or occupied; free time.