Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and young Thai digital natives: Exploring emotional effects through in-depth interviews and pictorial ethnography

Abstract

Technology seeps into every aspect of our lives and inevitably affects our emotional wellbeing. Among the most exposed to information and communications technology (ICT) are ‘young digital natives.’ This research aims to discover how Thai digital natives, ages 13–18, feel that online interaction impacted their emotional wellbeing. The researchers were able to recruit 204 young digital natives from Bangkok and Chiang Mai province for a survey questionnaire and out of this group, 96 students were selected for in-depth interview and 48 students joined in the pictorial ethnography activity. From the pictorial ethnography, the researchers showcase selected pictures drawn by junior high school students to visually deepen our understanding of how they experience emotions associated with the technological impacts on their lives. By analysis of in-depth interviews and eliciting stories through the use of these drawings, we assessed the impacts of technology on emotion, while aggregating these experiences into common themes. These include (1) a tension between a feeling of relaxation and anxiety from a feeling of time lost; (2) a fear of thinking or being perceived as different; (3) heightened feelings of satisfaction and frustration; (4) a yearning for friendship while enjoying being alone; (5) connectivity and emotional crowd mentality; and (6) a fear of initiating in-person interactions with the courage to initiate interactions online. These themes highlight how Thai digital natives who heavily use ICT technologies have changed their behaviors and their senses of ‘collectivity’ and ‘individuality’. The researchers argue that being aware of the sources of emotional changes as derived from the humantechnological interface can help them better manage their physical, social, and emotional health and well-being, balancing a quality life both on-and-off screen.