Emerging Communication Practices and Immigrant Adolescents in their Developmental Process

This article analyses peer to peer digitally mediated communication among adolescents of foreign origins in Milan. Aims of the research was to highlight the role of new communication practices in shaping cultural integration/differentiation processes. The sample, collected in two high schools in Milan (Italy), consists of 20 subjects, male and female, aged between 15 and 19. All of them attended Italian school from the first year of secondary school at least. Data was gathered through individual interview, focus groups and virtual shadowing. Results are presented and discussed from the point of view of flow theory and acculturation processes. Results outline specific communication behaviours in which socialisation processes can bring about change in the traditional categorisation Italian/foreigner. The consequence is a new symbolic space for self-representation and construction of identity.