Adolescent Perceptions of the Risks and Benefits of Social Networking Site Use

Abstract

At present, 87% of adolescents (aged 12-15 years) report using social networking sites (SNS; Ofcom, 2021). Research predominantly highlights the risks of SNS use (e.g., cyberbullying); yet SNS also presents potential benefits (e.g., enhancing social relationships). This study aims to explore adolescent perceptions of the benefits of SNS use and whether risk concern may predict these. Adolescents (N= 342; 53.3% female; M= 13.92, SD=1.35) completed two measures: sorting items about positive SNS use and an adapted SNS risk concern scale (Buchanan et al., 2007). Findings suggest females’ SNS risk concern positively predicted perceptions of disclosing to family online, whilst older females viewed this less favourably. Also, both males and females who viewed social capital positively viewed social comparison positively, and vice versa.