Social Consequences of the Internet for Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents are currently the defining users of the Internet. They spend more time online than adults do, and they use the Internet for social interaction more often than adults do. This article discusses the state of the literature on the consequences of online communication technologies (e.g., instant messaging) for adolescents' social connectedness and well-being. Whereas several studies in the 1990s suggested that Internet use is detrimental, recent studies tend to report opposite effects. We first explain why the results of more recent studies diverge from those of earlier studies. Then, we discuss a viable hypothesis to explain the recent findings: the Internetenhanced self-disclosure hypothesis. Finally, we discuss some contingent factors that may deserve special attention in future research.

The effect of social network sites on adolescents' social and academic development: Current theories and controversies

“…Valkenburg and Peter (2009a) observe two changes in Internet behavior that help explain recent, positive results of SNS. First, the authors contend that when prior studies occurred, ".…”

“…Scholars use a variety of scales that include measures of loneliness, depression, and overall life satisfaction (i.e., Kraut et al, 1998). A key debate among researchers considers whether higher use of the Internet affects one's self-esteem and psychological well-being (Kraut et al, 1998;Valkenburg & Peter, 2009a). Such Internet research informs how SNS researchers examine psychological well-being.…”

“…The results suggest that Internet use isolates individuals from their friends and family, and has a negative impact on one's psychological well-being. This effect is known as the reduction hypothesis (Valkenburg & Peter, 2009a).…”

“…The fact that youth frequently encounter known friends and family online underscores a second change in the Internet (Valkenburg & Peter, 2009a). Web 2.0 or social media applications are designed to facilitate interaction and communication through networks.…”

Brief Report: Examining the Link Between Autistic Traits and Compulsive Internet Use in a Non-Clinical Sample

“…To illustrate, research shows that the quality of adolescents' relationships profits from online communications with existing friends, but not from the use of Internet for entertainment purposes or in chatrooms (Valkenburg and Peter 2009). More research is needed to examine whether the link between autistic traits and compulsive Internet use is moderated by the type of Internet use people engage in.…”