An Exploration into Adolescent Online Risk-Taking

Abstract

The Internet is an integral part of many adolescents' lives. While it is widely recognized that Internet use has benefits, adolescent online interpersonal communications are arousing great public concern. The literature review summarizes research on adolescent online risk-taking. Risks are considered and research into the predictors and motives of online risk-taking is explored. Online risks, such as posting personal information and communicating with strangers lead to an increased chance of receiving online sexual solicitation and harassment. Three conceptualizations (Social Compensation, The Rich Get Richer, The Type-T Personality) are considered to frame adolescent online risk behaviors. There is limited research into the predictors of adolescent online risk-taking, especially in the United States. The present study explored adolescent online risk-taking using a survey of 934 American teens from the Pew Internet Survey & Life Project. The present study filled gaps in the current research on adolescent online risk-taking. Specifically the findings from this study indicate that some online behaviors that were previously thought to be risky (i.e. posting photographs online) are commonplace. Boys and older teens are most likely to engage in online risk-taking. Specialized educational messages should be targeted at those most at risk. Involvement in extracurricular activities in time spent socializing with friends offline seem to have protective value. Those behaviors should be encouraged. Further research should expand upon the results of this study.