I read this posting about a study that came out at the turn of the year on Internet use. Do you agree with the author? Do you think that children's internet use could be compared to adults?
Source site: Misinterpreting the Pew Data from pcmag.com
Response:
My first impression of the article was that Dvorak did not really analyze the graph, he simply gave his opinion about social networking sites.
I have to separate Dvorak's conclusions about the graph and his personal beliefs about social networking sites. His interpretations of the chart are ill-stated and invalid. (An "ignorance graph"? Really? I didn't see that in the data.) In his thoughts on social networking sites, on the other hand, I can understand from where his arguments are coming. Younger users of social networking sites tend to be more open, post more questionable pictures, and have less concern about privacy. Even so, Dvorak's statements are over-generalizations based on his own personal experiences, not on the results of this graph.
He starts by saying, "The chart (shown [above]) clearly reflect an age bias that on the surface appears to be age biased in such a way that you'd come away from it thinking to yourself: 'these kids are getting more out of their computer than the older users.'" I'm sorry, Mr. Dvorak, but you're putting words in my mouth. That's not how I interpreted the graph at all. All the chart shows us is that there is a general trend for a larger percentage of younger Internet users to use social networking sites. The chart claims nothing about whether this is good or bad, just that it is.He then goes on to say, "The simple fact is that anytime you see a graph that is lock step with age, it's a maturity chart, nothing more." Again, I disagree. One of the difficulties with longitudinal/cross-sectional research is that it runs the risk of having data influenced by certain cohorts, but this is not a cut-and-dry answer. More research is necessary before conclusions should be made. Dvorak should not make interpretations like this simply by analyzing one graph. The chart was not intended to be interpreted in this way, so his statement is not valid.
He says, "Test scores, lack of ambition, falling IQ's, addiction to pop culture and Lady Gaga, are all indicators [of a dumber age group]." These are apparent effects of young adults' overuse of social networking sites. However, younger generations will supposedly be burned and wise up. Will that change how much they use social networking sites, or will that just change how they use them?
To summarize: Let me see your data, Dvorak.
