Decision Making and Behaviour Patterns in Network Relations

Abstract

The present study offers an insight into a specific tendency emerging in the young generations, that is, development of specific characteristics of relations and self-images in the world of interrelatedness by being connected via internet. Individuals as social beings need to develop new characteristic features due to living in a world of network systems and hubs. Thus, they feel a kind of force on themselves of contacting to prevent themselves from being deprived of information vital to being visible in the society. Their purpose is to be familiar with the context of the network by adapting existing behaviour patterns, often ignoring their negative effects and consequences. The study tries to find proper answers to the following questions: What are individuals involved in networks really interested in when checking others’ profiles? What behaviour patterns do they acquire and imitate? How does the network system motivate, honour or sanction the involved individuals? The research method is based on semi-structured interviews involving university students who attempt to reveal what images young people living in the world of internet have about themselves and their special world. The research results can contribute both to making everyday communication and education in academic institutions more efficient. The present cross-sectional study presents current state of a long-term research into the drafted topic.

 Key words: network, hubs, self-esteem, interviews, values