A review of online social networking profiles by adolescents: implications for future research and intervention

Adolescence, Summer, 2008 by Amanda L. Williams, Michael J. Merten

Future studies must address the concept of "freely available" information and clear lines must be drawn regarding how ethical it is to observe controversial and disturbing material posted by minors. Prior to embarking on a study of this kind, researchers must outline what information they will collect, and what they will report to site administrators or authorities as inappropriate or dangerous. Though social network participants must waive any rights to the content, one cannot assume users--specifically adolescents--thoroughly review hosting sites' terms of use, privacy policies, or register with sites using accurate demographic information.

Identity Exploration

Through observation of adolescents' online interactions and behaviors, it is evident that identity exploration is facilitated by online social networking. Topics that have been associated with adolescence and individuation were present in online profiles--especially in the areas of self-disclosure, peer relations, risk behaviors, and sexual exploration. The content posted to adolescent blogs followed expected paths of identity and role experimentation as originally understood by Erikson's developmental stages (1968). It is an advantage to understand that adolescents use social networking sites to quasi-publicly experiment with their identity, trying out different roles. However, it is much more beneficial for researchers, parents, and educators to have firsthand knowledge of the specific ways adolescents communicate with their peers and social networks and to view blogging as a relatively safe method of role exploration. Understanding how teenagers communicate with one another potentially facilitates better communication between authority figures and adolescents and enables adults to be more aware of adolescent emotional health and well-being.

School Environment

Through the lens of school environment, results did not highlight any demonstrative trends associated with attendance at any type of school but provided enough interesting data to warrant additional research. Faith, or attendance at a faith-based school, was not observed either as a risk or protective factor. However, in light of the expectations that accompany parochial school attendance, it is possible that a lack of difference between public and private-religious school is, in itself, a significant finding--especially considering the provocative topics that were equally present among all students.

INTERVENTION

Findings from this review highlight several areas where adolescent social networking profiles could be useful in educating parents about adolescents' attitudes and behaviors, as well as indicate several areas where intervention may be needed, primarily in the areas of risk-taking behavior and personal identity disclosure. Based on results from this study, adolescents are blogging about a considerable amount of risk behaviors such as substance use, crime, and promiscuity. The infinite and unguarded nature of the Internet may require parents to revisit their philosophy on adolescent privacy expectations and parent-child communication about such behaviors. Not only can parents benefit from observing their child's uncensored disclosure and behavior by gaining a greater understanding of their attitudes and motivations, they can also learn more about the Internet world, their child's level of participation within it, and how their parental role as monitor fits into the scheme of virtual reality.