New media for networking

Mobile and internet technology have revolutionised young people’s social interactions, bringing independence to, and empowering, their communications. Young people today are less likely to be found sat watching TV or reading magazines than previous generations, but chances are they will be sitting in front of a computer, chatting online to friends or sharing videos. In fact, online communications form an essential part of many young people’s social life.

According to the Ofcom Communications Market 2006 report, 70 per cent of young people aged 16 to 24 use networking sites to make friends, share information and have fun; a study by the Independent on Sunday found that 6 in 10 young people aged 13 - 17 have personal profiles on social networking sites.

We are embracing these modern methods of interacting with young people and have set up profiles within some of the world’s most popular community sites: MySpace, YouTube and flickr. Through these sites we are promoting the work of Summer Unis to young people directly, marketing our events to them and exhibiting their work.

We are now encouraging all Summer Unis to set up profiles on these sites and become a part of our user groups. Videos of your events, courses, student works can be uploaded to YouTube, and you can archive photos in flickr with options to let them be viewed by the general public or members of your closed group only.

Social networking site MySpace is a good opportunity to learn more about young people and their interests. You can build your own social group, upload photos and videos, send bulletins to your ‘friends’ to notify them of your programmes and events, write and share blogs, let young people comment on your activities and get feedback from them in their own way.

You can also send us articles, photos and videos from Summer Uni students and tutors to help us build a great library of student and alumni works.

For training in achieving an online presence check out our seminar programme.