Teens & Technology/Social Networking

Adolescents are active users and early adopters of new technologies, including internet, cell phones, and video games.  Technology and social media provide new ways for teens to create and navigate their social environments.  For example, 73% of teens have used an online social networking site, 75% of all teens own a cell phone and 61% of teens use online games.  Use of and access to technology differs across groups of youth (1).  White and upper income youth report the greatest access to internet, while Latino and African American youth report the greatest use of cell phone technology (2).

Social media use is associated with benefits for adolescent health and development, such as connecting with friends or community. However, there are risks associated with use of technology and social media in particular.  While the risks that teens face through social media are similar to those faced in all aspects of their lives, teens who are the heaviest media users report being less content and are more likely to report behavioral health issues (3).  In addition, social media can be used as a platform for conflict or cyberbullying.  LGBT youth and girls are the most likely to be cyberbullied (4).  Cell phones can also be used for bullying or controlling and abusive behaviors associated with adolescent relationship abuse.

There is increasing interest and attention to understanding how new technologies and social media affect the health of young people.   In addition,  there are new interventions and strategies to connect with young people in cyberspace or via cell phones, providing new opportunities to provide youth with information and resources to promote their health.

Learn More

Data and research are essential tools for raising awareness of adolescent health issues, to plan programs and service delivery, and to formulate policy at the state and local levels.  CAHC is committed to maintaining a website that serves as a gateway to a wide array of resources, and regularly updating our site to include the most up-to-date research.  Direct links are provided when possible, and abstracts are provided for journal articles.

Navigate to the upper right hand corner of this page for a more in-depth look at this health topic.  Sections include research, resources, youth voices, and briefs & fact sheets.

Please contact us if you have additional information you think should be included.

Sources

(1) Lenhart A, Purcell K, Smith A., & Zickuhr K. (2010). Social media & mobile internet use among teens and young adults. Retrieved May 30, 2011 from Pew Internet & American Life Project.

(2) Purcell, K. (2011). Trends in Teen Communication and Social Media Use. Retrieved May 30, 2011 from Pew Internet & American Life Project.

(3) Rideout, V.J., Foehr, U.G., & Roberts, D.F. (2010). Generation M2: Media in the lives of 8-18 year   olds.   Retrieved   on   May   15,   2011   from   Kaiser   Family   Foundation.

(4)Blumenfeld, W.J. and Cooper, R.M. (2010). LGBT and Allied Youth Responses to Cyberbullying: Policy Implications. The International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, 3(1), 114-133.