CFI Social Media Grand Rounds
CFI Social Media Grand Rounds
CFI Social Media Grand Rounds
17th April 2013 Celine Wong, MD Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Chief Fellow
Introduction
Youth are surrounded by digital media such as computers, video games, Internet and other handheld devices In 2012, 95% of US children ages 12-17 are using the Internet (Pew Report, 2012) Youth use the Internet for information, communication and recreational purposes
Outline
Quick Introduction to the Digital World Interplay of the Adolescent Developmental Tasks with the Social Media Darker Sides of the Internet Promoting Positive and Safe Digital Worlds
Outline
Quick Introduction to the Digital World Interplay of the Adolescent Developmental Tasks with the Social Media Darker Sides of the Internet Promoting Positive and Safe Digital Worlds
Text Messaging
Many teenagers in US (54% females and 40% of males ages 14-19 ) claimed that their social life would end or be worsened without texting (Harris Interactive, 2008)
Chat Rooms
Online Gaming
Outline
Quick Introduction to the Digital World Interplay of the Adolescent Developmental Tasks with the Social Media Darker Sides of the Internet Promoting Positive and Safe Digital Worlds
Identity
Adolescents need to construct a coherent and stable identity Online contexts and virtual identities allow youth to experiment with their identity earlier that they would dare to in reality Online identities could very well become a forerunner for changes to come in their offline identities
Adolescent Sexuality
Sexuality is a very important developmental issue Adolescents have to adjust to their developing sexuality, in particular their increased interest in sex as well as increased sex drive (Chilman, 1990; Macek, 2003; Weinstein &
Rosen, 1991)
Sexual exploration, finding a romantic partner and engaging in a romantic relationship takes on importance in their lives
20% of teens (22% of girls & 18% of boys) reported that they had electronically posted semi-nude/nude pics/videos of themselves (National Campaign to Prevent Teen and
Unplanned Pregnancy, 2008)
Accessing Pornography
On survey research, btw 23% and 71% of adolescents report being exposed to sexually explicit materials (Flood & Hamilton, 2003; Lo & Wei, 2005; Mitchell at
al.,2003, 2005; Peter & Valkenburg, 2006a, 2006b)
Intentional exposure to pornography has been associated with delinquent behaviors and substance use in the previous year (Ybarra & Mitchell, 2005) Online sexual material seekers more often report clinical features of depression and less emotional bonding with their parents and immediate family members (Ybarra & Mitchell, 2005)
Engaging in Cybersex
Definition: Sexual chatting online btw 2 or more individuals that may/may not include role playing and masturbatory activities In a survey in Czech Republic, 16% of males and 15% of females (12-20yr olds) reported that they have engaged in virtual sex activities (Smahel, 2006) Research suggests that adolescents might engage in cybersex as a way of learning about sex (Divinova, 2005)
1. Identity 2. Sexuality 3. Formation of Relationships (Friendships, Romantic Relationships and Family Ties)
Adolescents' relationships with their peers reflect their need to learn to communicate and seek a position within a group (Brown, 2004) Adolescents report that friends are their most important source of support, even more than their parents/ family members (Brown, 2004)
44% US teens felt SNS made no difference to their relationships with friends, 43% felt it made them closer and 5% reported it created problems (Reich et al.,
2009)
Outline
Quick Introduction to the Digital World Interplay of the Adolescent Developmental Tasks with the Social Media Darker Sides of the Internet Promoting Positive and Safe Digital Worlds
At a global level, terrorist groups use the Internet to reach young people Some organizations have sites with content ostensibly for youth, but also promote messages of suicide terrorism (Weimann, 2008) More insidiously, they offer free online games that promote radical, extremist messages and violent content
Outline
Quick Introduction to the Digital World Interplay of the Adolescent Developmental Tasks with the Social Media Darker Sides of the Internet Promoting Positive and Safe Digital Worlds
Role of parents
Most youth first start using the Internet at home, where much of their online activity takes place Parents need to Safeguard youth from inappropriate content Safeguard youth from Online Victimization
Role of Schools
US Congress has enacted The Childrens Internet Protection Act (CIPA) This law mandates that school prevent minors from gaining access to sexually explicit, obscene and harmful material Generally, schools use filtering and blocking software to comply with these laws Sites that provide access to SNS, games, shopping and gambling are blocked via the use of electronic filters
Summary
Youth today is surrounded by social media Presents as a mass of contradictions for users Opportunities for interactions and access to vast amounts of info and resources Inappropriate content can also be readily accessed Potential for victimization of youth Need to focus on protecting and empowering youth to use social media positively and safely