Internet as information source for the everyday life of Spanish young people

Abstract

This article reports and discusses quantitative data obtained from a survey of the Spanish population ages 12 to 18, as well as qualitative observations obtained from various discussion groups on the use of the internet as a means of obtaining useful information for everyday life, particularly in two spheres: leisure and formal education. The data show that young people use the internet mainly in informal and private spaces and, to a lesser extent, in formal educational environments. For this population group, the internet is used and is worth exploring to the extent that the information found is useful for social and leisure purposes, while educational benefits are taken for granted. Lastly, we point out that the young develop their own skills for evaluating information.