Social+Networking

[[image:Social_Networking.jpg width="351" height="48"]][[image:phone.jpg width="319" height="432" align="right"]]
In the past five years, such sites have rocketed from a niche activity into a phenomenon that engages tens of millions of Internet users. More than half (55%) of all online American youth ages 12-17 use online social networking sites.

Apart from the social benefits, social networking sites can be used to document school research, promote artistic talents and experiment with other forms of content creation. They provide a way to interact with others who share the same interests and to get constructive feedback on ongoing projects.

Along with these benefits come some risks. Most social networking sites are open to all, which means that your teen could be exposed to harassment, bullying or sexual advances.

=Social networking sites don't deepen friendships= According to a survey by researchers who studied how the websites are changing the nature of friendship networks.

Although social networking on the internet helps people to collect hundreds or even thousands of acquaintances, the researchers believe that face to face contact is nearly always necessary to form truly close friendships.

What is your opinion? Do online relationships compare to face to face ones?
[|Join the discussion]

When Social Networking Goes Bad
Identity theft can occur when teens share too much information about their name, date of birth and location.

Have you ever had your profile hacked? Or, have you fallen victim to identity theft online?
[|Share your story]

To keep yourself safe online:
 * Use an alias.
 * Don't give out personal information to people you don't know. A last name and a town are enough for anyone to target you.
 * Don't assume that people are who they claim to be.
 * Immediately end any communication that makes you uncomfortable and report it to a parent.

Want to discuss a topic you don't see here? Let us know! Email alienlounge@kidthrive.org and we will see to it that the topic gets posted ASAP.



© 2010 OneSeventeen Media and KidThrive. Alien Lounge is the property of KidThrive.org