Abstract (eng)
The Master thesis „Das Bedürfnis nie die Konnektivität zu verlieren: Der Wunsch einer jungen Generation“ is placed in the thematic area of Generation's Y use of new media. The focuses of the paper are mobile communication apps and their role in the lives of users.
The research questions of this paper focused on discussions held in the online medium, on the maintenance of relationships through the online medium, the correlation of social capital with the usage of Social Networinkg Sites and the power of internet communication services to promote an active social life for their users.
Four theoretical points are presented in the master thesis, in order to bring the use of new media and communication apps in a communication science context. The Uses & Gratification Theory, social capital, Social Network Sites and Generation Y are the concepts that support the theoretic foundation. The empirical part consists of the evaluation of the group discussions based on the method of summarizing content analysis from Phillip Mayring.
Through a wide range of multimedia content communication apps can inspire a variety of different users. The users of communication apps are also aware of some disadvantages of the app usage. In some cases, the wish never to lose connectivity and the constant flow of information may lead to the development of forms of addiction. As the boundaries between the public and private life fade, many users feel as if they no longer live for themselves, but for sharing their experiences in the online world.