Abstract
There is a lack of research on the role that new media play in the life of young children
under the age of 13 years. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship
between distinct media user types and social displacement among children under
the age of 13. A sample of 1,117 Norwegian schoolchildren from the age of 7 to 12 years
responded to a questionnaire about their computer game-playing habits and their use of
computers, the Internet, mobile phones and television. The results indicate four specific
user types reflecting children’s various uses of new media: a) Advanced Users, b) Offline
Gamers, c) Instrumental Users, and d) Low Users. Some indications of displacement were
found between TV, reading and drawing and between new media usage and participation in
organized sports activities. At the same time, clear indications support the “more is more”
hypothesis, which predicts that active media users will be active children.
under the age of 13 years. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship
between distinct media user types and social displacement among children under
the age of 13. A sample of 1,117 Norwegian schoolchildren from the age of 7 to 12 years
responded to a questionnaire about their computer game-playing habits and their use of
computers, the Internet, mobile phones and television. The results indicate four specific
user types reflecting children’s various uses of new media: a) Advanced Users, b) Offline
Gamers, c) Instrumental Users, and d) Low Users. Some indications of displacement were
found between TV, reading and drawing and between new media usage and participation in
organized sports activities. At the same time, clear indications support the “more is more”
hypothesis, which predicts that active media users will be active children.
