Teens, Kindness and Cruelty on Social Network Sites
Lenhart,
A., Madden, M., Smith, A., Purcell, K., Zickuhr, K., & Rainie, L. (2011,
November 9). Teens, Kindness and Cruelty on Social
Network Sites. . Retrieved July 30, 2014, from http://www.pewinternet.org/
This article was an overwhelming and vast amount of
information concerning teenage social media users and their overall social experiences
interacting in social network sites. There was thorough research conducted and
the data is presented statistically by age, gender, race, socio-economic status
and other demographic characteristics. The information is presented using
graphs, charts, percentages and teenage interview responses.
The following are some of the most thought provoking quotes
from the article followed by my comments on the topic.
“Teens tend towards negative words when describing how
people act online.”
This word cloud is a great visual in understanding how teens
feel about others’ behavior on social networks. The most frequently used words
that teens used to describe online behavior are the largest.
I find this interesting that teens are aware that much of
the behavior they see others portraying is negative and when they are asked how
they feel people should behave they can easily portray a more positive
collection of words in the following word cloud.
There is a discrepancy when you consider these two word
clouds. It seems teens know what is expected of them as social network users,
yet many might choose to act differently.
The following quote gave me a better understanding of why
there is such a discrepancy.
“Often teens felt
bolder, ruder, or more empowered because they did not fear physical violence in
the online space.”
It seems teens and perhaps many social network users feel
that they can venture out and be a different person online than who they
portray in person. I feel that this is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
For people who struggle with personal issues of timidity or shyness can find
social networking as a way to manage their social life and become better with
other people. Unfortunately, this is not always the case when others may feel
that the Internet platform gives them the audacity to do what they are not
capable of in person.
“Teen girls are more
likely than boys to report being bullied by text messaging (13% vs. 5%), online
(12% vs. 4%), and by phone (11% vs. 4%).”
I believe this is sad, but true. Many times boys are less
likely to stay silent about the fact that they are being bullied because it
might make them seem as a weakling to their family members, especially their
male role models. I have witnessed this personally with a family member who
will remain anonymous for personal reasons. For most of his life, this young
boy’s father has constantly expressed to the boy in many ways what it means to
“act like a man” and how not to be a “wimp.” For several months this young boy
has been harassed at school, but does not report the daily incidences because
he feels he will have to deal with his father’s ridicule and consequently not
measure up to “a man’s image.”
I’m sure there is more reasons why boys are less likely to
report bullying, but this case is often the reason for many. This statistic
confirmed my personal beliefs that parents, especially male role models should
help promote a positive self-image for their children and maintain a strong
communicative relationship to support their children in every critical area of
their lives.
“Direct experiences
with online cruelty on social media relates to a host of other negative experiences.”
This quote reminds me of a inspirational quote I once heard,
“ Your personal life affects your public life.” I have always had this encouraging word on my mind since the
day I heard it. I now can reflect on it clearly when I read the above
statement. Not only teenagers, but all social network users need to be aware
that the personal information they make available online will affect the way
their public image. One example stated in this article was how teenagers engage
in rising conflicts on Facebook that later resulted in a physical fight at
school (p 30).
“86% of teens
reporting advice from a parent.”
This statistic shows that parents are still the number one
influence when it comes to shaping their child’s attitude toward appropriate
online behavior. I have met parents who feel they have lost control of their
child’s overall conduct and can no longer influence their decision-making. This
statistic gives parents like this hope that no matter what circumstances look
like; their advice is taken into consideration. Even when it seems teenagers
aren’t listening. Parents can’t give up or stop trying to influence their
children, but most importantly they must be an example in what they want their
children to do.
“Roughly one in three
online teens (30%) reports sharing one of their passwords with a friend,
boyfriend, or girlfriend.”
This statistic was to be honest, scary at the thought of
having my child give their password to a friend or boyfriend. The fact that
teenagers can make decisions based upon their emotions at the moment is what
concerns me. If a couple ends their relationship with one resentful individual
still having access to the others personal information and account, they could
ruin their reputation by posting negative information on their behalf.
To know that teenagers are sharing such personal
information, makes me all the more want to be a leader in technology. Educators
can and must help educate students as well as parents about appropriate use of
the Internet.
“16% of all teens and
18% of cell users – say they have received a sexually suggestive nude or nearly
nude photo or video of someone else they know.”
This was probably the most disturbing of all statistics. The
idea that someone could take this type of personal information so lightly
without thinking of all the negative consequences is baffling. Again it reminds
me that I am responsible for educating my students about these negative
consequences.
This article is the longest, but most informative research
that I read using Pew Internet.
86 pages (pdf)
To read article go to the following web address:
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