Interactive Media

In grade-school, if I misbehaved, I was taken out of the group and forced to sit alone, usually facing the wall or corner.  Now that I've grown up and have a computer, where do I find myself? - Out of the group, sitting alone, usually facing the wall or a corner but with the whole world in my hands.

Interactive Media has changed the world around me and it has been a tree of knowledge to me. Interactive and communication technologies are transforming the way we communicate, work, learn, and play. As today's society grows, we develop an understanding of our self in relationship with other people. Our increasing cognitive abilities allow us to take the perspective of others and to understand how our actions produce consequences that can be harmful or beneficial to others. Specifically young people grow in an ever-expanding social environment that includes family, school, and other community organizations. As they interact with others within their social environment, young people gain an understanding of the expectations that are expected for their behaviour.

Parents, teachers, and other important adults are actively involved in the moulding of norms and values that are considered acceptable in the social environment today. Through this process, young people develop a sense of personal identity and values that guide their decision-making and behaviour.

Parents, educators, policy-makers, technology designers, and others require greater understanding of the social dimensions of the use of interactive technologies by people. This understanding will allow for the establishment of policies, strategies, and technology-based environments that will foster the safe, responsible, and beneficial use of interactive technologies by today's society.