Art Institute of Chicago Teen Lab Focus Group

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Approximately 27 teen participants

I. Internet
How often do you use the Internet?
• About 75% report using the Internet every day
• Estimate that they use the Internet 20, 25, or 50 hours a week (most 25 hours a week)

What do you use the Internet for?
• Homework
• Google
• Facebook

II. Cell Phones
Do you and your friends have cell phones?
• All but two own a cell phone
• Majority of their friends have cell phones
• Over 80% have Internet on their cell phones

III. Social Networks
Do you use social networks like MySpace or Facebook?
• 100% use Facebook
• About 30% use MySpace
• Majority prefers Facebook to MySpace
o Facebook is more organized; it’s easier to find people and more conducive to marketing themselves to colleges through their profile, pictures, and the groups with which they’re affiliated
o MySpace is overcrowded and messy, though they like the ability to customize

What about other social networks like Twitter or media-sharing networks like YouTube?
• 1/3 use Twitter
• 100% access YouTube regularly (many have accounts
• Familiar with Ning, which is required by Teen Lab
• Unfamiliar with Flickr

IV. Blogs
Do you blog?
• Only a few (4-6) like to blog
• Most familiar with Blogger
• Do not enjoy blogging about required topics for homework, but like the idea of posting freely about subjects of interest to them
• Expressed interest in posting artworks and videos



V. AIC Teen Programs Facebook Page
If Teen Lab (or AIC Teen Programs) had a Facebook page would you be a fan? Why?
• Over 85% would be a fan
• Would like to find out about events and parties through the page
• Being a fan of the museum is impressive to colleges and employers; being part of the teen page shows active involvement
• Fan pages are cool

Are any of you fans of the museum wide Facebook page?
• 4 are fans of AIC’s museum-wide page
o Would be more comfortable posting to a teen page
o Would like the teen page to link to the museum wide page
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VI. Misc.
How did you learn about Teen Programs at the Art Institute?
• After School Matters, teachers, friends, TV (local access events listing)

Would you like to receive emails about special events and workshops?
• 50% are interested in an email newsletter

General requests
• Art Parties: slinging clay and paintballs, Now & Later party, fashion shows, masquerade/costume parties, events that feature local bands and artists, fieldtrips, Kaleidoscope
• More free events
• Would like to receive more information about teen programs and events via email