Using discussion forums to explore attitudes toward cars and licensing among young Australians

Young people are becoming increasingly less likely to acquire a car license in North America, Australia and much of Europe. Emerging research is beginning to explore the structural and demographic explanations for these trends. However little research explains how attitudes may be shaping the decisions young people make about cars and driving. Popular hypotheses are the (i) changing social status of the car, (ii) role of electronic communications and (iii) environmental awareness, but little academic research has directly explored these issues. This paper uses innovative online research tools to explore these issues with young people. Three discussion forums were run with participants from across the state of Victoria, Australia. 33 People aged 17–23 contributed across the course of one week's discussion. Discussions suggest that among young Australians the car itself may not be a symbol of status and luxury, but instead a symbol of adulthood and maturity. Electronic communications were seen as a supplement to face-to-face contact, not a replacement for car travel. Not one person in the sample spontaneously mentioned that environmental concerns shaped their travel choices; even when prompted these concerns were far removed from travel decisions. The paper follows with a commentary on the use of discussion forums for qualitative research. It closes with a discussion of the new hypotheses that these findings generate and uncovers many areas for future research. •Young adults in many countries are less likely to get a license than in past.•To young Australians, a car is a symbol of freedom and adulthood but not status.•E-communications are not likely to be replacing the need to travel.•Environmental concerns do not appear to be a major influence on youth licensing decisions.