Adolescence and the Internet - Essay Example

Adolescence and the Internet Opening Good Day friends. I am Josephine. My team and I will be presenting our perspective of the article “Adolescent Internet use: What we expect, what teens report.” by Elisheva F. Gross from the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. At the end of the presentation, we will be only too happy to answer any of your queries. Introduction “The Internet is like alcohol in some sense. It accentuates what you would do anyway. If you want to be a loner, you can be more alone. If you want to connect, it makes it easier to connect”. Esther Dyson (2005) The Internet has become a part of the present days culture of adolescents, because of its prolific use. This use of the Internet has created interest in researchers. Studies on the impact of the Internet on the welfare and development of adolescents have resulted. The focus of these studies has been on the manner of use by the adolescents and the potential risk of exposure to anonymous communication, from within or outside the adolescent group. The findings of these studies have raised concerns over the negative impact of the use of Internet. This article by Elisheva F. Gross attempts to negate these concerns. It focuses on the positive aspects of adolescent use of the Internet. Additional topics explored are motives for use of the Internet, actual online behaviour and strategies for the prevention of online dating. A Summary from the Main Essay The article by Elisheva outlines the three propositions that were the result of earlier studies. These are that gender predicts usage; the Internet may lead to social isolation and depression and the tendency to use anonymous identities by adolescents. She attempts a comparison of these propositions with the findings of her research into online behaviour of adolescents. The main thrust of the argument of Elisheva against these propositions is that they are based on particular empirical studies or case-based questions. Such methodologies lead to biased and inaccurate research findings. In support of her contention she uses more focused and specific research. She further argues that the spread of the Internet provides enhanced scope for communication. Evidence from her research leads Elisheva to conclude that there is no corroboration of the earlier findings. Thus her research causes her to refute the earlier findings and instead suggests that there is similarity in use of the Internet irrespective of gender. In addition she finds that there is no case for isolation and the seeking of communication with strangers, in use of the Internet by adolescents. The impact of the Internet on the psychological development of adolescents is much more complex. It is dependent on variables of age, gender, family relationships and school performance. In the final analysis the author does agree with the Intimacy Theory that both online and offline activities are essential in the welfare and development of adolescents. Conclusion On the surface, the widespread use of the Internet appears to be inimical to the development of adolescents. In depth study however negates this impression and reveals the positive relationship in the development of adolescents. Online dating may be the only potential risk, but dating is not a risk that is restricted to the Internet only. It can occur in offline activities. Only prevention strategies lower the risk factor in dating in either case. The welfare and psychological development of adolescents is affected by many factors that include peer or family relationship and school performance. Care and watchfulness are the cue words in offline activities of adolescents and they should be the same in online activities too. The welfare and psychological blooming of adolescents is enhanced in an environment that offers both offline and online activities. Read More