Social Networks Are Healthy For Teens

By: John Lester
Staff Writer
Published: Nov 24, 2008

A new study suggests that teens who participate in online social networking gain useful skills. The study was conducted by the MacArthur Foundation. Most parents disagree and feel that their time could be spent in more productive ways.

A new study conducted by the MacArthur Foundation suggests that online social networking is healthy for teens. While most worried parents disagree, researchers say time used on social networks build valuable skills including technological and literacy.

"It may look as though kids are wasting a lot of time hanging out with new media, whether it's on MySpace or sending instant messages," said lead researcher Mizuko Ito in a statement.

Some parents feel that the time used depends on the person and the behavior of the individual. However, researchers say that their participation is giving them the skills they need to succeed in the contemporary world.

The study was conducted from 2005 through last summer. It describes social usage but does not measure its effects. Some research scientists believe that parental concern with dangers in Internet socializing might result from a misperception.

"Those concerns about predators and stranger danger have been overblown," Ito said. "There's been some confusion about what kids are actually doing online. Mostly, they're socializing with their friends, people they've met at school or camp or sports," she added.

The study was part of a $50 million project on digital and media learning. Researchers used several teams to interview more than 800 teens along with their parents. Teenagers were observed for more than 5,000 hours while they were online.