Social networking websites and teens: an overview

Abstract

In the past five years, social networking sites have rocketed from a niche activity into a phenomenon that engages tens of millions of internet users. More than half of all online American youths aged 12-17 use online social networking sites, according to this national survey. The survey finds that older teens, particularly girls, are more likely to use these sites. For girls, the sites are primarily places to reinforce pre-existing friendships; for boys, they also provide opportunities for flirting and making new friends.