EVALUATION OF 1ST ARTEFACT

Name: Colin Bradley
Occupation: Director of Community Interest Company
Age: 30

The Interviewee is a 30 year old male that currently works educated disadvantaged young people in the community for a charity company. He stated that his average use of the Internet was 2-3hours a day, mainly to gather information regarding anything he is doing. He was asked what online community's and social networks he belonged, and besides the popular choices such as facebook and myspace, he participates in online forums that aim to give technical support to users regarding music and digital technology. It was expressed that the support gained from these forums was unlikely to be matched by “real-world” contact in the same area. The interviewee believes that the Internet allows him to gather or collate information a lot quicker than using traditional methods.
However this was the extent to his use. He went on to explain how he does not feel comfortable in trying to create a persona online and activley meet and engage new people. He beieves that the Internet is a tool that aids his social life by giving information and nothing more. He also describe keeping relationships through online social networking. On facebook, he believes, he has friends that he previoously knew and would not be able to communicate with if not for Facebook, but on the other hand also admitted that if Facebook were not there he would probably not miss the communication between those friends.
He also declared that he has quite an active social life in his community. Playing football, running a studio and of course the bulk of teaching children and young people from the community. It was because of this he felt that he did not need to use the Internet for further communication or social activity. He felt that it was “strange” to be so involved with relationships through the Internet and that real life interaction is more important.