Adolescent and Emerging Adult Perception and Participation in Problematic and Risky Online Behavior

Research output: Chapter or Contribution to BookChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Advances in mobile technology have allowed young people to access social media regardless of time of day or geographic location. Communication and behaviors that once took place solely offline have shifted to online contexts. Research has found that viewing problematic media content related to risky sexual activity and drug use may change youths’ beliefs and behaviors about these issues. Because social media is popular with adolescents and emerging adults, we must evaluate how the content that they consume could be related to negative outcomes. By understanding the relation between young people’s social media content and their beliefs and behaviors, we can potentially use media as a tool to reinforce more positive behaviors.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationOxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology
EditorsAlison Attrill-Smith, Chris Fullwood, Melanie Keep, Daria J. Kuss
Chapter5
Pages76-97
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9780191851100
StatePublished - Jun 7 2018
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameOxford Library of Psychology

Keywords

  • social media use
  • risky behaviors
  • substance use
  • sexting
  • media effects
  • media theories
  • harmful content

Disciplines

  • Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

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