The Dark Side of Participatory Culture: A Contrast in Digital Composition Practices of Early Adolescents

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Contours of Adolescents' Online Authoring and Audiences

Abstract

Although participatory culture promotes productive engagement in online spaces, members may respond in ways that constrain digital composition practices. In this paper, I present findings from a case study focused on early adolescents as they engaged in digital media composition within an online programming community called Scratch. Specifically, I discuss the contrast in digital composition experiences of two participants as they leveraged participatory culture in the creation of digital media. This case study contributes a complex perspective of how participatory culture within an online programming community influenced digital composition practices.

Author

• Julia Hagge, The Ohio State University