Media and Technology: Influence on Vocational Aspirations, Identity and Motivation

A large strand of research attempts to measure the impact of media and technology on the development of individuals. However, little is known about this impact on students’ career choice. The present research aims at studying how new media and technology usage affects students’ career decision-making. Specifically, this study evaluates the influence of new media on occupational identity, academic motivation, and vocational interests. Participants were 109 students who were enrolled in the last grade of high school in public schools of the large city of Bogotá. It was administered a questionnaire containing four scales: The Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale, the Occupational Identity Scale, the Academic Motivation Scale, and the Oregon Vocational Interest Scale. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicate that Media and technology usage affects vocational decisions and career choice. Particularly, findings showed a relationship between Internet searching and lower organization, altruism, and analysis vocational interests. Results supported that online friendships influence occupational identity. In particular, achieved occupational identity is related to fewer online friendships. Findings also suggested that gaming is linked to lower levels of academic motivation and higher adventure vocational interests. Widespread Internet access, however, seemed to promote flexibility in students’ career interest.