Social networking online
computer; social; networking; MySpace; Facebook;
Contents
Young people often spend a lot of time on their computer playing games, emailing or using social networking sites such as MySpace, Bebo and Facebook.
Parents often worry about how much time young people spend in front of a computer.
Social networking online
On social networking sites you can create and publish a profile of yourself, and can connect to others by becoming 'friends' or sending messages. You can also watch videos and listen to audio on these sites, including many music performances.
The good things
- The 'friends' network allows you to link to your friends, and you can browse through the network looking at your friends' profiles.
- Bands, movie stars, events, shows, and other media creators have profiles within the system and fans can 'friend' them as well.
- You can comment on each others' profiles or photos and read the comments that others say about you.
Who uses social networking sites?
Lots of young people use these sites because their friends do and they can hang together online.
But they are not for everyone and some young people find them boring, or have such active lives that they may only glance at them now and then to keep up friends or with trends in music, bands or the 'doings' of their favourite movie star.
Some social networking sites include:
Worries about social networking
Parents tend to worry about social networking on the Internet. The media spread the fear that these sites can lead to bullying or that sexual predators use them to look for victims. It is natural that parents should want to protect their families. You will feel the same when you become parents.
It is true that:
- Some young people have been subjected to bullying.
- Some have found themselves talked about in blogs or comments on their profile.
- Some have even found that ‘friends’ have posted pictures taken without their consent. How embarrassing and humiliating!
- Some young people spend so much time on the Internet that they miss out on hanging out and making friends in the ‘real’ world.
- Some have discovered that the ‘friend’ on the internet is really not who he or she pretended to be.
Yes, there are dangers with sharing online - read the topic Internet safety to get some ideas about how to keep safe. While the dangers do exist you can block any communication that is unwanted, or report anything dodgy if you are worried.
On the computer 'too much'?
Parents often worry about the amount of time that young people spend online, arguing that the digital world should not replace the physical world.
You might agree that you would prefer to be where your friends really are, but your parents might be afraid that if you are out around the neighbourhood or at the beach you might be at risk of accidents, predators, drug dealers and abductors.
Parents do not choose to put limits on just because they are 'mean'. They live in a culture where they bombarded by messages about how unsafe the world is.
- Talk with them about what the risks really are if you go off and spend time out with friends.
- Try to work out some ways you can reduce their worry, such as carrying money for a taxi (it really is very rare for a taxi driver to be a danger), and sticking to curfews, or ringing them to let them know about any changes to plans.
What you could do
- Make sure that you know how to keep safe online. Have a look at the topic Internet safety for more ideas about this.
- Talk with your parents and show them what sites you use and how you keep yourself safe.
References
Boyd, D. Identity Production in a Networked Culture: Why Youth Heart MySpace. American Association for the Advancement of Science, St. Louis, MO. February 19 2006. Online (cited 19/3/07):
http://www.danah.org/papers/AAAS2006.html
Lenhart, A., Madden, M. Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview. PEW Internet and American Life Project, 2007. Online (cited 19/3/07):
http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_SNS_Data_Memo_Jan_2007.pdf
Ybarra ML, Mitchell KJ 'How risky are social networking sites? A comparison of places online where youth sexual solicitation and harassment occurs' Pediatrics 2008; 121: e350-e357
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/2/e350
Baker, J., Moore, S. Distress, Coping, and Blogging: Comparing New Myspace Users by Their Intention to Blog. CyberPsychology & Behavior. February 2008: 81-85.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).