Information Behavior of Thai Adolescents in the Electronic Age

This study aimed to investigate the information behavior of Thai adolescents in the period of rapidly developing technology that affects the informational environment. This study involved qualitative research using theoretical sampling to select the study area and thirty secondary school students. Data collection was achieved by in-depth interviews. Data analysis was based on the grounded theory approach by interpreting and conceptualizing information and identifying relationships between concepts to acquire theoretical conclusions. Situations involved in the need for information included learning situations and online social networks as well as personal needs. The internet was the preferred media for information acquisition by the students, who also turned down the use of a library. Students also used Google as their preferred search engine. There were, however, negative aspects of the information behavior since students lacked the necessary analyzing skills, and there was a risk of plagiarism. Information technology and communications, as well as teachers and social conditions all affected the students' information behavior. The information behavior of the participants showed that electronic information, the Internet and Google were the main components of the participants' activities.