Search

Most youths use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for socialising, but there is a discussion about whether using ICT promotes social participation for youths with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Employing the concepts of social participation and self-determination together with the youths’ perspectives, as conveyed by staff, we examine how social participation might be promoted for youths with ID in institutional settings in Sweden. The findings revealed three overarching themes. The first theme, Developing skills, self-determination and becoming less reliant, illustrates the basic use of ICT. The second theme, Sharing events, socialising and participating with others, draws attention to how youths take technology a step further to interact with others. The third theme, Resources and attitudes, concerns the youths’ need and desires for adequate support and equipment and the mindset of surrounding communities concerning ICT. Our conclusion is that ICT has the potential to promote social participation if the youths have access to personalised equipment and supportive staff. © The Author(s) 2022.

Most youths use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for socialising, but there is a discussion about whether using ICT promotes social participation for youths with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Employing the concepts of social participation and self-determination together with the youths’ perspectives, as conveyed by staff, we examine how social participation might be promoted for youths with ID in institutional settings in Sweden. The findings revealed three overarching themes. The first theme, Developing skills, self-determination and becoming less reliant, illustrates the basic use of ICT. The second theme, Sharing events, socialising and participating with others, draws attention to how youths take technology a step further to interact with others. The third theme, Resources and attitudes, concerns the youths’ need and desires for adequate support and equipment and the mindset of surrounding communities concerning ICT. Our conclusion is that ICT has the potential to promote social participation if the youths have access to personalised equipment and supportive staff. © The Author(s) 2022.

Most youths use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for socialising, but there is a discussion about whether using ICT promotes social participation for youths with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Employing the concepts of social participation and self-determination together with the youths’ perspectives, as conveyed by staff, we examine how social participation might be promoted for youths with ID in institutional settings in Sweden. The findings revealed three overarching themes. The first theme, Developing skills, self-determination and becoming less reliant, illustrates the basic use of ICT. The second theme, Sharing events, socialising and participating with others, draws attention to how youths take technology a step further to interact with others. The third theme, Resources and attitudes, concerns the youths’ need and desires for adequate support and equipment and the mindset of surrounding communities concerning ICT. Our conclusion is that ICT has the potential to promote social participation if the youths have access to personalised equipment and supportive staff. © The Author(s) 2022.

Most youths use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for socialising, but there is a discussion about whether using ICT promotes social participation for youths with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Employing the concepts of social participation and self-determination together with the youths’ perspectives, as conveyed by staff, we examine how social participation might be promoted for youths with ID in institutional settings in Sweden. The findings revealed three overarching themes. The first theme, Developing skills, self-determination and becoming less reliant, illustrates the basic use of ICT. The second theme, Sharing events, socialising and participating with others, draws attention to how youths take technology a step further to interact with others. The third theme, Resources and attitudes, concerns the youths’ need and desires for adequate support and equipment and the mindset of surrounding communities concerning ICT. Our conclusion is that ICT has the potential to promote social participation if the youths have access to personalised equipment and supportive staff. © The Author(s) 2022.

Most youths use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for socialising, but there is a discussion about whether using ICT promotes social participation for youths with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Employing the concepts of social participation and self-determination together with the youths’ perspectives, as conveyed by staff, we examine how social participation might be promoted for youths with ID in institutional settings in Sweden. The findings revealed three overarching themes. The first theme, Developing skills, self-determination and becoming less reliant, illustrates the basic use of ICT. The second theme, Sharing events, socialising and participating with others, draws attention to how youths take technology a step further to interact with others. The third theme, Resources and attitudes, concerns the youths’ need and desires for adequate support and equipment and the mindset of surrounding communities concerning ICT. Our conclusion is that ICT has the potential to promote social participation if the youths have access to personalised equipment and supportive staff. © The Author(s) 2022.

Background: The aim of this review is to identify and analyse the research findings in the field of young people with intellectual disabilities and social media.Method: Twelve peer-reviewed papers published in well-established and recognized journals between 2001 and 2017 were identified from electronic database searches (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), the Internet (Facebook) and correspondence with experts.Results: Six topics were identified through thematic analysis of the texts: opportunities, risk and vulnerability, sexuality, identity, barriers and support.Conclusion: The latest research on young people with intellectual disabilities is characterized by issues of risk, vulnerability and support. The concept of positive risk-taking is suggested for the development of methodological approaches in practice and research. Furthermore, vulnerability, online and offline activities and identity formation should be examined more closely, and there is a call for new research methods in this area, for example observations and netnography.

Background: The aim of this review is to identify and analyse the research findings in the field of young people with intellectual disabilities and social media.Method: Twelve peer-reviewed papers published in well-established and recognized journals between 2001 and 2017 were identified from electronic database searches (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), the Internet (Facebook) and correspondence with experts.Results: Six topics were identified through thematic analysis of the texts: opportunities, risk and vulnerability, sexuality, identity, barriers and support.Conclusion: The latest research on young people with intellectual disabilities is characterized by issues of risk, vulnerability and support. The concept of positive risk-taking is suggested for the development of methodological approaches in practice and research. Furthermore, vulnerability, online and offline activities and identity formation should be examined more closely, and there is a call for new research methods in this area, for example observations and netnography.

Background: The aim of this review is to identify and analyse the research findings in the field of young people with intellectual disabilities and social media.Method: Twelve peer-reviewed papers published in well-established and recognized journals between 2001 and 2017 were identified from electronic database searches (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), the Internet (Facebook) and correspondence with experts.Results: Six topics were identified through thematic analysis of the texts: opportunities, risk and vulnerability, sexuality, identity, barriers and support.Conclusion: The latest research on young people with intellectual disabilities is characterized by issues of risk, vulnerability and support. The concept of positive risk-taking is suggested for the development of methodological approaches in practice and research. Furthermore, vulnerability, online and offline activities and identity formation should be examined more closely, and there is a call for new research methods in this area, for example observations and netnography.

Background: The aim of this review is to identify and analyse the research findings in the field of young people with intellectual disabilities and social media.Method: Twelve peer-reviewed papers published in well-established and recognized journals between 2001 and 2017 were identified from electronic database searches (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), the Internet (Facebook) and correspondence with experts.Results: Six topics were identified through thematic analysis of the texts: opportunities, risk and vulnerability, sexuality, identity, barriers and support.Conclusion: The latest research on young people with intellectual disabilities is characterized by issues of risk, vulnerability and support. The concept of positive risk-taking is suggested for the development of methodological approaches in practice and research. Furthermore, vulnerability, online and offline activities and identity formation should be examined more closely, and there is a call for new research methods in this area, for example observations and netnography.

Background: The aim of this review is to identify and analyse the research findings in the field of young people with intellectual disabilities and social media.Method: Twelve peer-reviewed papers published in well-established and recognized journals between 2001 and 2017 were identified from electronic database searches (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), the Internet (Facebook) and correspondence with experts.Results: Six topics were identified through thematic analysis of the texts: opportunities, risk and vulnerability, sexuality, identity, barriers and support.Conclusion: The latest research on young people with intellectual disabilities is characterized by issues of risk, vulnerability and support. The concept of positive risk-taking is suggested for the development of methodological approaches in practice and research. Furthermore, vulnerability, online and offline activities and identity formation should be examined more closely, and there is a call for new research methods in this area, for example observations and netnography.

Although research on young people's identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. Scandinavian research has shown that a new generation of young people with ID is emerging who have developed somewhat new ways of relating to issues of participation and identity. Mainly these strategies concern the possibilities of expressing alternative self-presentations, which are not necessarily connected to a specific functional impairment or a certain welfare institutional belonging (e.g., special need student or care user). One such strategy can concern attempts to, in an online setting, present a preferred identity (e.g. that of a hockey fan or a musician), which may differ from their disabled identity, which would be apparent in an offline setting. A Swedish research project—Particip@tion on Internet? Pupils with intellectual disabilities and identification processes on Internet—aims to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interacts and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents and school staff, we want to study self-presentations, social relations and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Therefore, the goal of the project is to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the nearest surrounding of adults in order to support and help young people with ID with their Internet use. The project comprises qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22) and professionals in special s

Previous research has studied internet use in youth and adults in general, but little is known about how young people with intellectual disabilities use the Internet and social media. The available research indicates that there are risks and barriers but also opportunities to be found. While there are risks for victimization and bullying and barriers in terms of difficulties caused by literacy and communication skills, cyber-language, cyber-etiquette and accessibility, there are also opportunities such as friendships, development of social identity and self-esteem and enjoyment. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review of the research field, with special focus on young people with intellectual disabilities and social activities on the Internet. A search strategy was designed in collaboration with the Gothenburg University library. The databases Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar was chosen due to their multi-disciplinary character. The search was limited to scientific journal articles and brief reports published in English. Search terms were chosen and combined with Boolean operators. Search was concluded in May 2017. After articles off topic and cross references were removed, 12 of 452 publications remained. The preliminary analysis showed that most research was conducted in Europe and North America. The studies were primary from psychology, education, medicine and social science. More than half of the studies were published after 2015 indicating a rapidly growing field. Most of the studies were qualitative. The studies were grouped thematically based on content: opportunities, risks, vulnerability, barriers, sexuality, identity and support.

Although research on young people's identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, few studies illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with 27 young people with ID in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. A prominent finding concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. These circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and less participation on Social Networking Sites. The experiences of the informants are discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation, and emancipation. We recommend that social work practitioners reflect upon the ways that support can be arranged in order to empower young people with ID to participate on the Internet.

Although research on young people's identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, few studies illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with 27 young people with ID in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. A prominent finding concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. These circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and less participation on Social Networking Sites. The experiences of the informants are discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation, and emancipation. We recommend that social work practitioners reflect upon the ways that support can be arranged in order to empower young people with ID to participate on the Internet.

Although research on young people's identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, few studies illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with 27 young people with ID in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. A prominent finding concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. These circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and less participation on Social Networking Sites. The experiences of the informants are discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation, and emancipation. We recommend that social work practitioners reflect upon the ways that support can be arranged in order to empower young people with ID to participate on the Internet.

Although research on young people's identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, few studies illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with 27 young people with ID in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. A prominent finding concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. These circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and less participation on Social Networking Sites. The experiences of the informants are discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation, and emancipation. We recommend that social work practitioners reflect upon the ways that support can be arranged in order to empower young people with ID to participate on the Internet.

In general, the Internet is an arena where parents (as well as other adults) have limited insight and possibilities to support the young person. However, several studies indicate that parents are one of the most important facilitators in the every-day life of young persons with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, the aim of the current article is to highlight parents' perceptions and actions in relation to opportunities and barriers for these young people when using the Internet. The empirical material consists of interviews with 22 parents of intellectually challenged young people in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis, which is a method of identifying, analysing and reporting patterns within data sets. The results show that parents' views are double-edged; on the one hand, they see great possibilities for their children, thanks to the Internet, but on the other hand, they are afraid that due to their disability, their children are more sensitive to different contents and interactions on the Internet. Furthermore, the results indicate that parents believe that the Internet can facilitate participation in social life, but that it precludes young people with intellectual disabilities from being part of society in general when it comes to community functions and services. This article will discuss barriers and support in relation to the individual and her or his support system, which brings into focus the parent's responsibility and support for young people, helping them to surmount barriers – instead of avoiding or ignoring them – and find ways to take action to do so., The article is part of Special Issue "Internet use and disability – Risks, opportunities and challenges" guest edited by Emma Sorbring and Martin Molin

Although research on young people's identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, few studies illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with 27 young people with ID in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. A prominent finding concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. These circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and less participation on Social Networking Sites. The experiences of the informants are discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation, and emancipation. We recommend that social work practitioners reflect upon the ways that support can be arranged in order to empower young people with ID to participate on the Internet.

The article problematizes the way late modern society has contributed to discursive tensions in the welfare state services for people with intellectual disabilities in Sweden. We illustrate how disability practices, such as educational systems and work-life arrangements for people with intellectual disabilities, are characterized by an institutional ambiguity following the institutional logic of the welfare state. By relating to a broader societal perspective, it is argued that the choices of lifestyle among young people with intellectual disabilities are closely linked to the notion of late modern society and its demands for flexibility and constant re-creation of identities. This paradox highlights a challenge for special programme schools as well as disability care organizations, since the dual identity of belonging to both the client category and to an identity constructed through belonging to the civil society characterizes the young generation of persons with intellectual disabilities.

The use of smartphones and tablet devices in activities is believed to have great potential for enhancing the participation of people with intellectual disabilities. However, these technologies, in themselves, do not contribute to participation. What matters is how they are used. Employing the concept of domestication and insights gained from interviews with staff, this article examines conditions for the enhanced participation of youths with intellectual disability and how tablet devices are being integrated into social care settings, in particular. The findings reveal two approaches to tablet integration. In one approach, tablet use is an organized practice focused on technology acquisition, skills improvement and entertainment. In the other, it is integrated into existing practices as an aid to interpersonal communication. The organized digital activities create conditions for the youths to participate like non-disabled peers. The greatest potential for enabling participation with each other is when the youths themselves initiate the use of tablets.

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner, Although research on young people and the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This project aimed to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interact and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents, and school staff, we have studied self-presentations, social relations, and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Hence, the goal of the project was to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the involved adults, who support and help young people with ID in their Internet use. The project comprised qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22), and professionals in special schools (n=17). The transcribed interviews were analysed, using a thematic content analysis. The project has been granted ethical approval by the Ethical Board of West Sweden (Dnr 048-15). A prominent finding in the study concerned the young informants being well aware of both the risks and opportunities in using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. One conclusion was that these circumstances lead to downsizing rather than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Although the Internet can be a 'free-zone' where the young person can develop social bonds and construct their identity away from adult oversight, parents and professionals are highly present. Young peop

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner, Although research on young people and the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This project aimed to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interact and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents, and school staff, we have studied self-presentations, social relations, and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Hence, the goal of the project was to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the involved adults, who support and help young people with ID in their Internet use. The project comprised qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22), and professionals in special schools (n=17). The transcribed interviews were analysed, using a thematic content analysis. The project has been granted ethical approval by the Ethical Board of West Sweden (Dnr 048-15). A prominent finding in the study concerned the young informants being well aware of both the risks and opportunities in using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. One conclusion was that these circumstances lead to downsizing rather than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Although the Internet can be a 'free-zone' where the young person can develop social bonds and construct their identity away from adult oversight, parents and professionals are highly present. Young peop

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner, Although research on young people and the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This project aimed to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interact and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents, and school staff, we have studied self-presentations, social relations, and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Hence, the goal of the project was to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the involved adults, who support and help young people with ID in their Internet use. The project comprised qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22), and professionals in special schools (n=17). The transcribed interviews were analysed, using a thematic content analysis. The project has been granted ethical approval by the Ethical Board of West Sweden (Dnr 048-15). A prominent finding in the study concerned the young informants being well aware of both the risks and opportunities in using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. One conclusion was that these circumstances lead to downsizing rather than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Although the Internet can be a 'free-zone' where the young person can develop social bonds and construct their identity away from adult oversight, parents and professionals are highly present. Young peop

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner, Although research on young people and the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This project aimed to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interact and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents, and school staff, we have studied self-presentations, social relations, and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Hence, the goal of the project was to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the involved adults, who support and help young people with ID in their Internet use. The project comprised qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22), and professionals in special schools (n=17). The transcribed interviews were analysed, using a thematic content analysis. The project has been granted ethical approval by the Ethical Board of West Sweden (Dnr 048-15). A prominent finding in the study concerned the young informants being well aware of both the risks and opportunities in using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. One conclusion was that these circumstances lead to downsizing rather than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Although the Internet can be a 'free-zone' where the young person can develop social bonds and construct their identity away from adult oversight, parents and professionals are highly present. Young peop

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner, Although research on young people and the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This project aimed to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interact and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents, and school staff, we have studied self-presentations, social relations, and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Hence, the goal of the project was to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the involved adults, who support and help young people with ID in their Internet use. The project comprised qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22), and professionals in special schools (n=17). The transcribed interviews were analysed, using a thematic content analysis. The project has been granted ethical approval by the Ethical Board of West Sweden (Dnr 048-15). A prominent finding in the study concerned the young informants being well aware of both the risks and opportunities in using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. One conclusion was that these circumstances lead to downsizing rather than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Although the Internet can be a 'free-zone' where the young person can develop social bonds and construct their identity away from adult oversight, parents and professionals are highly present. Young peop

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner, Although research on young people and the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This project aimed to describe and analyse how young people (age 16-20) with a mild ID interact and participate on the Internet. More precisely, drawing upon the perspectives of young people with ID, parents, and school staff, we have studied self-presentations, social relations, and participation within different kinds of Internet communities. Hence, the goal of the project was to generate knowledge concerning these complex processes, which could be useful for the involved adults, who support and help young people with ID in their Internet use. The project comprised qualitative interviews with young people with ID (n=27), parents of young people with ID (n=22), and professionals in special schools (n=17). The transcribed interviews were analysed, using a thematic content analysis. The project has been granted ethical approval by the Ethical Board of West Sweden (Dnr 048-15). A prominent finding in the study concerned the young informants being well aware of both the risks and opportunities in using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. One conclusion was that these circumstances lead to downsizing rather than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Although the Internet can be a 'free-zone' where the young person can develop social bonds and construct their identity away from adult oversight, parents and professionals are highly present. Young peop