How the Internet is affecting teens' worlds
The Internet has found a place in the hearts of many over the last two decades despite initial concerns that teenagers in particular, were entering the 'unknown'. Past studies documented risks for teenagers, suggesting real relationships and friendships would be rejected for cyber relationships. A study by a group of Dutch researchers published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science shows that the psychological benefits of the Internet may now outweigh the detrimental effects. Professors Patti Valkenburg and Jochen Peter of the Amsterdam School of Communications Research (ASCoR) at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands investigated the decade-long research and found that two key changes have impacted the psychological landscape. According to the researchers, the Internet has become a social networking tool because of the growing number of teenagers using the technology that is available to them. Just around a decade ago, only 1 in 10 teenagers had access to the Internet. Therefore, adolescents were forced to choose between real and online relationships. The researchers said that due to the little overlap, the teenagers had a hard time maintaining 'flesh-and-blood relations while exploring cyberspace'. With the Internet now available to most teenagers residing in the West, the researchers found that the teens use the technology to sustain relationships rather than build new ones. Another interesting finding is that the emergence of fresher communication tools helps teenagers develop existing relationships further and not isolate them. Professors Valkenburg and Peter said the teenagers who used the Internet in the 1990s typically communicated with strangers via chat rooms and 'multi-user dungeons' (MUDS). Thanks to the influx of new social networking websites, including MySpace and Facebook, and instant messaging (IM), the scene has changed. Latest data show that more than 8 in 10 adolescents use IM to connect with people they see daily. The ASCoR researchers speculate that the Internet gave teenagers the tool they needed to open up and talk about personal issues; communication via the Internet gives teenagers the impetus they need because distractions are kept at a minimum. The fewer the distractions, the less concerned they are about how people see them, according to Professors Valkenburg and Peter. The end result is less inhibition but more intimate talk. The research also showed that 'hyperpersonal Internet talk' fuels stronger friendships, which trigger happiness and stress-free emotions. It should be noted that 'surfing' the Internet on their own does not have any positive effect on the teenagers, particularly on their well-being or feelings of connecting with other people. Also, talking with strangers in public chat rooms still seems to be potentially risky.
Countries
Netherlands