Perceptions of social educators about digital leisure for the inclusion of socially disadvantaged young people

Abstract

Online leisure in social disadvantaged groups of young people is, from the standpoint of socio-educational intervention, a current concern for the potential reach of inclusive processes. The objective of the present research is to explore the digital leisure practices implemented by socially disadvantaged young people in order to identify valid options for personal development and social inclusion from an educational perspective. Data were collected through open interviews which were conducted with a sample of nineteen social educators with accredited experience of working with socially disadvantaged young people. Data analysis through the technique of content analysis permitted three main categories to be established which comprised twenty-two codes. The categories described the meaning of digital leisure experiences in contexts of social difficulty, digital leisure and values in contexts of social difficulty, and the educational perspective and action strategies for digital leisure with vulnerable young people. Following analysis and interpretation a number of significant results were uncovered. These included current trends for this group to develop immediate and sustained leisure experiences online, easy entertainment, and the imitation of scarcely educational fashion trends and stereotypes. In consideration of these results, it is necessary to find alternatives for developing online activities. These should make it possible disadvantaged groups to enjoy a type of digital leisure which has educational value, enabling personal and social development as a vehicle for inclusion in the millennial society.