A Study Exploring the Link between Attachment Styles and Social Networking Habits of Adolescents in Urban Bangalore

Abstract

While attachment has been a topic of extensive research in developmental psychology, its impact in the context of the technological changes in the 21 st century and the changing dynamics of familial structures and relationships have not been so extensively explored. The present research examined the attachment styles of 95 adolescents varying from 14 to 17 years of age, from reputed English medium schools all over Bangalore. They were given the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and then categorized into those who use Facebook for more than 7-8 hours a day and those who don't. Five securely attached adolescents and five insecurely attached adolescents with heavy Facebook use were selected randomly and were interviewed to investigate the reasons for Facebook use. Results indicated that there existed substantial differences in the reasons for Facebook use by those securely and insecurely attached adolescents. The insecurely attached adolescents showed patterns of low confidence and negative view of others and situations. They enjoyed the privacy and independence that came hand in hand with Facebook use and believed Facebook was not meant for the older generation. They also believed that their need for affection and their need to belong, was met by the use of Facebook, which otherwise would not have been possible. Popularity rated high as a consequence of using Facebook and the effects of peer pressure were not undermined. Securely attached adolescents on the other hand, did not view privacy and independence as big issues revolving solely around Facebook use. They also enjoyed the presence of their family members on Facebook along with them. Popularity still scored high as a result of Facebook use, as so did the need to fit in and belong. On the whole there came to light differences that existed between the securely and insecurely attached adolescents on the reasons for Facebook use.