Online Social Networking Amongst Teens: Friend or Foe?
Abstract
The impact of Internet communication on adolescent social development is of considerable importance to health professionals, parents and teachers. Online social networking and instant messaging programs are popular utilities amongst a generation of techno-savvy youth. Although these utilities provide varied methods of communication, their social benefits are still in question. This study examined the relationship between online social interaction, perceived social support, self-esteem and psychological distress amongst teens. A total of 400 participants (M(age) = 14.31 years) completed an online survey consisting of parametric and non-parametric measures. No significant relationship was found between online interaction and social support. Time spent interacting online was negatively correlated with self-esteem and psychological distress. While previous research has focused on young adults, this study examines the impact of online social networking on emerging teens. It highlights the need for continued caution in the acceptance of these utilities.
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- Authors
- Bridianne, O., & Andrew, C.
- Venue
- Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
- Publisher
- IOS Press
- Published
- 2011
- Volume
- 167
- Pages
- 133-8
- ISSN
- 0926-9630 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W149900915
- Cited by
- 27
- References
- 16
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 7.16
- Type
- book chapter
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Studies in health technology and informatics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Social Sciences › Education › Child Development and Digital Technology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
- Keywords
- online social networking, adolescents, instant messaging, perceived social support, self-esteem, psychological distress, online social interaction, online time, emerging adulthood
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Communication, Female, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Mental Health, Psychometrics, Self Concept, Sex Factors, Social Support, Stress, Psychological, Time Factors, Internet
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