Adolescents' Self-presentation on a Teen Dating Web Site: A Risk-Content Analysis

Abstract Purpose To analzye adolescents' profiles on MyLol.net, a teen dating Web site, for risk content. We hypothesized that risk content would vary by age and gender. Methods We selected and coded 752 publicly viewable profiles of adolescents aged 14–18 years for the following five risks: se...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adolescent health 2012-05, Vol.50 (5), p.517-520
Main Authors: Pujazon-Zazik, Melissa A., M.D., M.P.H, Manasse, Stephanie M, Orrell-Valente, Joan K., Ph.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Adolescents
Age differences
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology
Biological and medical sciences
Dating
Developmental psychology
Distance Education
Female
Females
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gender differences
Humans
Internet
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Online behavior
Pediatrics
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Risk
Risk Assessment
Risk-Taking
Risk-taking behaviors
Self-presentation
Sex Factors
Sexual Behavior - statistics & numerical data
Sexuality
Smoking
Smoking - epidemiology
Social Media
Substance-Related Disorders - epidemiology
Values
Violence
Violence - statistics & numerical data
Web sites
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Summary:Abstract Purpose To analzye adolescents' profiles on MyLol.net, a teen dating Web site, for risk content. We hypothesized that risk content would vary by age and gender. Methods We selected and coded 752 publicly viewable profiles of adolescents aged 14–18 years for the following five risks: sex, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and violence. Results Of the total profiles, 27.7% contained risk-related content: 15.8% sexual behavior, 13.8% alcohol use, 1.6% drug use, 6.8% cigarette smoking, and .9% violence activity. Being female, “single” relationship status, and use of profanity ( p < .05) were associated with risk content. Conclusions Females' profiles were most likely to include risky content, especially sexual content. Adolescent females who have internalized social norms that place a high value on female sexuality may reflect this in their online profiles. Online mention of interest/involvement in risky behavior may have negative consequences (e.g., cyberbullies and sexual predators). Stronger universal Internet policies and education are needed to help protect adolescents.
ISSN:1054-139X
1879-1972
DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.11.015