Teen Social Networks

Social Networking

Online social networking refers to online communities where subscribers post journal entries and a number of other forms of media content in order to generate and maintain relationships with other registered members. In the case of teen social networking, it opens an avenue for teens to engage in discussions based on common interests with other teens. The following are among the most popular social networks in the United States:

• MySpace
• Xanga
• LiveJournal
• BlackPlanet
• MiGente
• AsianAvenue
• Bolt
• Hi5
• Facebook
• Friendster

These sites are not only hugely popular with teens but also with young adults and have become a basic part of every day life for many. In fact this social phenomena can be compared to recreational watching of TV for those who grew up in the 1970s through 1990s, however, these networks offer more than entertainment. They provide opportunities for interaction, self-expression, a support network of friends and more.

MySpace

In the PEW Internet Study, MySpace topped the list as the most commonly used of the teen social networks. In fact, it's become so popular today that instead of asking for phone numbers, guys often ask girls for their MySpace address.

Before signing up for MySpace or any of the teen social networks, it's important to consider safety. Basic tips are listed at the bottom of this article or you can visit MySpace.com's Safety and Security page.

Facebook

At the time of the PEW Internet study, the second most used social network visited by teens was Facebook. However, more recently Facebook has gained in popularity. This is attributed to a couple of reasons.

• It opened up to beyond-college users
• Launched Facebook Apps.

Xanga

Xangawas used third most by teens for social networking. This community also allows teens to create their own:

• Free Xanga weblog
• Share photos
• Share videos
• Meet old and new friends

Boys vs. Girls and Teen Social Networks

We've already seen that motives for social networking differ between boys and girls, but the PEW study brings a few other differences to light, too.

• Girls (30 percent) blog more than boys (20 percent)
• Girls (54 percent) share more images than boys (40 percent)
• Boys (20 percent) share more videos than girls (10 percent).

Recommended Tips for Safety

The PEW study makes it clear that 47 percent of teens engage in social networking. Not only do they place content out there, but 89 percent of them receive comments on their posts. Social networking plays an important role in teens' lives today, but remember, it provides two-way communication. Before a teen signs up for a social networking account it's important to discuss safety measures including:

• Talk to their parents.
• Don't post any personal information including phone numbers or email addresses whether they belong to you or a friend.
• Never post anything you don't want parents, teachers, family members or future employers to see.
• Never make arrangements to meet with someone you meet online. If someone requests a meeting with you report it to your parents.
• Add people to your network only if you know them in real life.
• Set privacy settings to require approval for people to be added to your list of friends and add your parents and other adults whom you trust to your list as friends.