Abstract:

The "Coming of Age on Screens" projects looked to achieve an authentic view of the lives of 13-to-24 years olds across 11 markets. To produce a rounded and credible account, we needed to blend our global online questionnaire with innovative quantitative research methods. It was important that we avoided the bias of having researchers in attendance where possible. Hence we used wearable cameras, worn by our carefully recruited participants, to allow us remotely capture a vivid in-the-moment record of the devices and platforms they use, when they use them and for reasons. Another method that allowed us to avoid the bias of having moderators in attendance was 'citizen journalism'. This approach entails working with particularly proactive and empowered participants, tasking them to report back on their world via mobile diaires.