Usage Practices On The Social Web Impulses for the Discussion on Media Education

Abstract

In recent years, the possibilities and practices of using the internet have changed significantly. This development was mainly triggered by the progressive diffusion of powerful broadband connections and innovative software applications. As a collective term for these changes, the term 'Web 2.0' has become established and has found its way into the public discussion (cf. e.g. Spiegel 2007). However, there is sometimes uncertainty about what is actually new about Web 2.0 and whether there is a need for social action - not least from the perspective of media education - to react to the changes. Compared to other topics (such as the recent debate on computer games), it can be observed in connection with Web 2.0 that public reporting seems to be divided as to whether the potential for danger or for participation is more important and how the development on the Net should be evaluated overall. The high socio-technical dynamics make it difficult to get an overview of the range of offers and lead to the fact that despite the seemingly confident handling of the new possibilities by adolescents, there is still comparatively little discussion about the challenges Web 2.0 poses to children and adolescents and thus also to media education.