Joal: I am not sure if there are actually any studies about your interests, though if I had decided to pursue a career in academia, I would be asking questions very similar to yours :-). Instead, I am an adolescent health specialist who teaches and writes about human sexuality. I would be happy to have an email, phone, or chat conversation with you if you like about your project. My questions about the Internet and teens revolve around romantic relationships. Like, do teens (especially guys) find it easier to express their feelings? How do teens know when to trust another online? Can you have a cyber relationship and one IRL and not consider it "cheating"? How do teens feel after they engage in cyber sex? I would post a question on a board on Bolt or Alloy or something and take a very informal poll. There isn't really much out there, so it may be fun to investigate on your own. No, the results would not technically be "valid," but for a high school project, it would be a great start. For places to look, the Kaiser Family Foundation (www.kff.org I believe) did a study on how young people use the Internet for health information. There is a lot in there about asking questions about sex, which is related to social impact. You may also find some interesting stuff through Harris Interactive on how teens use the Internet. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of further assistance! Kris Gowen, PhD
-----Original Message----- From: Joal [SMTP:joal@footech.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 3:31 PM To: air-l@aoir.org Subject: [Air-l] Social Impact of Internet on Teenagers?
Hi, I'm a high school senior, and journalism student in New York City. I'm doing an article (due Wednesday, 23rd) on the social effects of the internet on teenagers.
For example - to what extent are kids talking to people they would never call because IMs seem "less casual"; to what extent are kids using the telephone less; how are teenage romantic engagements changed by programs like AIM and email.
In general, to what extent is the internet changing to social dynamic of the typical high school? I've seen some studies of adults that have said that the extroverts become more extroverted, and the introverts become more introverted, but I wasn't sure how much of that is true for teenagers.
Anyway, I thought this was a good place to inquire about information pertaining to this. Please respond directly to me or post to the list if you can help. If I you'd be available for a short phone interview (or a face-to-face meeting if you're in NYC) that would be great. Sorry if I've broken any rules or protocols here... I'm very new to this list. Thanks for your help.
Joal Mendonsa High School Senior Trinity School, NYC joal@footech.net <mailto:joal@footech.net> 718-446-4663 (Home)