Locking onto a moving target: AEye for orientation in digital social spaces

Background: Digital social spaces and their forms of communication are becoming intertwined with "analog" lifeworlds and can only be separated in theory. This creates challenges in various areas of counseling, one of which is the accessibility of target groups that no longer make use of traditional services. Some individuals can no longer be reached in public spaces because they spend most of their time on social media, in online games or interest forums. This includes people who consciously choose this lifestyle (gamers), but also those who (involuntarily) end up in social isolation.
Aim: The two-year research project "Artificial Eye", funded by the FFG, wanted to design a process “AEye” for outreach counseling in digital social space that dynamically adapts to changing digital environments and guides counselors in their contact work.
Method: Using a circular development approach following grounded theory and a triangulated, multi-method approach, four orientation patterns were distinguished. The study comprised individual interviews and group discussions with a total of 49 experts and affected persons lasting around 27 hours. N = 485 online questionnaires were evaluated.
Results: These four orientation patterns - straightforward, searching, preserving, agile - form the basis for the contacting method "OO7 - Oscillating Orientation in 7 Steps". OO7 allows self-excluding patterns to be recognized, a view of feasible possibilities to be uncovered by means of measured oscillation and those affected to be constructively reconnected to the existing structures.
Concusion: This method can be applied both in digital space and in other (analog) settings.