Adolescent Use of New Media and Internet Technologies: Debating Risks and Opportunities in the Digital Age

This book discusses the risks of adolescent use of digital media and internet technologies, synthesizing research studies to develop recommendations for identifying at-risk youth and strategies for informed communication about online risks and opportunities. It highlights the emotional and exaggerated nature of media discussions about these risks, rooted in the "moral panic" surrounding new cultural practices that young people engage in. The author conceptualizes online risks as centering on three areas: identity, content, and social relationships, emphasizing the potential of new technology to establish new interpersonal connections and provide opportunities for social, academic, and personal growth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate and often contentious debates surrounding the risks associated with adolescent use of digital media and internet technologies. Through a rigorous synthesis of numerous research studies, the text aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of various phenomena, including social network use, online gaming, pornography, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and internet addiction. By offering recommendations for the effective identification of at-risk youth and strategies for informed communication about online risks and opportunities, the book seeks to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on this critical topic.

The book highlights the highly emotive and often exaggerated nature of media discussions about the risks to children and teenagers from new technology. These discussions are often rooted in the "moral panic" surrounding new cultural practices that young people engage in, but which adults may not fully comprehend. Online risks, therefore, are conceptualized as primarily focusing on three areas that have undergone significant transformations due to the advent of new internet technology: young people's identity, the types of content they access, and their social relationships.

The author emphasizes how these aspects stem from the potential of new technology to establish new interpersonal connections, offering both opportunities and risks. By presenting a balanced discussion of potential dangers while also highlighting the potential for social, academic, and personal growth that new technologies afford young people, the book provides a unique perspective on this complex issue.

This book will be an invaluable resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to assess levels of online risk, as well as scholars and educators with interests in cyberpsychology, social psychology, cyber culture, social aspects of computing and media, and adolescent development. Its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate the risks associated with adolescent digital media use.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032438511