Learning to/from Play in Social Media

The ongoings in digital play spaces come to depict how adults approach, bond with and manipulate contemporary playthings. Photographic play seems to be one of the most popular activities in new media, but functions of e.g. doll fans such as collecting, customizing, creative play, communication and channelling sales exemplify forms of playful behavior. This development means that a growing number of adults have found toys as recreational objects, but also as tools for learning which enhance creativity and expand the toy hobby into further areas. The study thus challenges the conception from theory, that playing with toys first and foremost means solitary play by pointing out adults as active and social players, whose playful behaviour, seen especially in social media, results in development of different skills and forms of self-expression.

Biography

The ongoings in digital play spaces come to depict how adults approach, bond with and manipulate contemporary playthings. Photographic play seems to be one of the most popular activities in new media, but functions of e.g. doll fans such as collecting, customizing, creative play, communication and channelling sales exemplify forms of playful behaviour. This development means that a growing number of adults have found toys as recreational objects, but also as tools for learning which enhance creativity and expand the toy hobby into further areas. The study thus challenges the conception from theory, that playing with toys first and foremost means solitary play by pointing out adults as active and social players, whose playful behaviour, seen especially in social media, results in development of different skills and forms of self-expression.

Personal Website

www.katiheljakka.com