The Impact of Modern Social Networking Technologies on the Lives of Teenagers

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Modern forms of social networking can be a challenge and an advantage for people of any age, this can be particularly so for teenagers. This essay will discuss the positives and negatives of modern forms of social networking in the lives of teenagers today, in comparison to the methods of social networking used in past generations. Firstly, this essay will argue that modern social networking methods can provide many benefits to teenagers today which were not available to past generations. Secondly, this essay will argue that modern social networking methods can lead to increased levels of stress and can have a negative impact on teenagers’ lives in ways that social networking methods available to past generations did not. Thirdly this essay will argue that modern social networking methods can allow predators within teenagers’ homes without their parents knowledge, which was much more difficult with the limited forms of communication available to past generations.

The increase in methods of social networking can be of great benefit to teenagers today. The internet brings the world to teenagers, they can chat to people anywhere in the world, they can find information on any topic which interests them. Teenagers today who are having problems can discuss them online in a less intimidating setting. They can even discuss their problems anonymously with people who may be able to help them, or even people who may be experiencing the same problems (Subrahmanyam & Greenfield 2008). In the past teenagers would likely have had to go to the library in the hopes of finding information which they require or desire. Communications with people in other parts of the world would have required letter writing or an overseas trip. In order to get help...

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