The aim of this study was to understand the motives for using the Internet, and its associations with users' attitudes, social values, and relational involvement. Also, this study attempted to crossculturally compare the difference in the pattern of motives and the associations among three countries ' the US, the Netherlands, and S. Korea. The design of methods was based on examination and revision of uses and gratification approach toward Internet users. Findings from factor analysis revealed that information seeking and Self-Improvement were the dominant and common reasons for using the Internet across three countries. The differences in the composition of motives in each country were also reported. Strong correlations across countries were found between all the motives and satisfaction of the Internet. Expectation and positive evaluation of the Internet were also important attitudes associated with Internet use motives. Postmaterialist value showed strong association with motives of information seeking and Self-Improvement. Community involvement was significantly associated with Internet use motives in Korean users.
Hoe kan het onderwijs worden vormgegeven zodat mbo-jongeren worden gestimuleerd om te gaan stemmen? In dit onderzoek laten we de resultaten zien van een exploratieve evaluatie van drie sets met evidence-informed leermiddelen met als doel de stemintentie van jongeren te verhogen. De leermiddelen richten zich op (1) informatie over het stemproces, (2) in gesprek gaan over wel of niet stemmen en (3) gesprekken over maatschappelijke onderwerpen in combinatie met het invullen van een stemadviesapplicatie. De leermiddelen zijn gegeven door negen docenten en geëvalueerd door middel van docentinterviews en studentvragenlijsten (N = 172). Uit de resultaten kan worden opgemaakt dat docenten en studenten positief zijn over de praktische benadering in de leermiddelen. Tevens blijkt uit de resultaten dat de leermiddelen studenten inzicht geven in hun politieke voorkeur en dat zij leren het gesprek over stemmen met elkaar aan te gaan. Dit stimuleert mogelijk politiek zelfvertrouwen. Deze resultaten scheppen positieve verwachtingen voor de mogelijke effectiviteit van de lessen die kan worden getoetst in vervolgonderzoek.--How can education be designed to encourage students in vocational education to vote? We present the results of an explorative evaluation of three evidence-informed lessons aimed at increasing young people’s intention to vote. The three lessons focus on (1) information about the voting process, (2) engaging in discussions about whether or not to vote, and (3) discussions about socio-political issues combined with the use of a voting advice application. The lessons were taught by nine teachers and evaluated through teacher interviews and student questionnaires (N = 172). The results indicate that both teachers and students responded positively to the practical approach of the teaching materials. Additionally, the materials provided students with insight into their political preferences and helped them engage in discussions about voting. This potentially fosters political self-efficacy. These findings create positive expectations regarding the lessons’ potential effectiveness, which can be examined in follow-up research.
The research paper analyses the ongoing conflict between the residents of the Northern Netherlands and the central government regarding the compensation of damage caused by induced earthquakes and the gas-mining through the theoretical framework explaining relations between the periphery and the centre. The Groningen gas debate is an interesting case, as it shows the potential of change in the established power relationship between the periphery and the centre. the paper analyses the factors that led for this change and explains the change mechanism that is associated with the persuasive power of the local social movement. The paper contributes to the literature on environmental governance, energy transition, communication and political science.
