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Generation IM: Teens and Technology

Generation IM: Teens and Technology. Amanda Lenhart Hommoks Middle School, Larchmont, NY October 8, 2003. The Findings of the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Who we are. Pew Internet & American Life Project

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Generation IM: Teens and Technology

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  1. Generation IM: Teens and Technology Amanda Lenhart Hommoks Middle School, Larchmont, NY October 8, 2003 The Findings of the Pew Internet & American Life Project

  2. Who we are • Pew Internet & American Life Project • Non-profit, non-partisan research center devoted to the study of the social effects of the Internet on Americans • Fully-funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, a large Philadelphia-based philanthropy

  3. How we do our research • Random digit dial national telephone surveys • Focus groups—online and in-person • Email interviews

  4. Overview • The basics of Internet use • Generation IM • IM basics: what is it, who uses it, and how do they use it • Benefits and drawbacks to IM use • The future: new programs, technologies and uses

  5. The Basics: Who is Online? • 63% of Americans go online • 78% of youth 12-17 go online • Internet population growth is stagnant • Internet population is fluid • Net Dropouts: 17% of non-users • Net Evaders: 20% of non-users • Intermittent users: about 1/3 of current users

  6. But we’re hear to talk about ‘tweens and teens • 78% of American youth go online • 92% of online teen use email • 84% surf the Net for fun • 71% of online teens said that they used the Internet as the major source for their most recent big school project • 74% of online teens use IM • 66% of younger teens (12-14) who go online and use IM, compared to 81% of older teens (15-17)

  7. What is Instant messaging? • “Instant messaging is a text-based tool that allows users to hold an online conversation by exchanging short messages in near synchronicity with others over the Internet” • Presence • AIM still most popular: ICQ original (circa 1996), MSN, Yahoo • Can only IM within programs, not between—unless you use a third program (Trillian, Jabber, etc)

  8. How is Instant Messaging used? • Multiple, private, almost synchronous conversations. Generally not used for group chat, though it is possible. • 74% of online teens use IM, vs 47% of online adults. • 69% of IMing teens use it several times a week—close to half use it every time they log on • About 1 in 5 teens say IM is the main way they communicate with their friends • Multi-tasking

  9. What is IM used for? • “Checking in”—relationship reinforcement and maintenance • Mostly for chatting with near-by friends, family, but also camp/summer friends • Asking out (13%) • Breaking up (17%) • “Difficult” conversations, fights

  10. Mediated communication • IM is mediated by a screen—protected from emotional reactions • Phone, letters, email also mediated—there is a “technology” between you and the person with whom you are communicating • Lack of cues

  11. J: romeo u there R: yo wassup J: nothin’, u? R: skool sucked 2day J: heard wylander got mad at u R: what a jerk i used purpl ink on the sci test and he got pissed he lookjs like jimminy crickt J: lol R: going to nicks party J: cant i’m grounded R: y J: cardoza called home, sez im failig Spanish btw my rents hate u R: mine hate u 2 J: my dads coming gtg R: k bye J: xoxoxoxo bye see u tmw R: xoxoxoxoxoxoxo gtg J: k

  12. Identity management • Multiple email addresses and screen names for different parts of the personality or different personas • 21% of online youth have 4 or more email addresses • “True selves” online

  13. Benefits of IM • Comfort in a textual environment • Multi-tasking—21st century workforce skill? • Able to maintain more relationships, more in touch • It’s fun

  14. Drawbacks to IM • Navigating relationships is harder without social cues • Who are you talking to, really? • Pranks, tricks • Strangers • Facilitates the good and bad of being a teen • Improves friendships • But facilitates gossip and cliquishness • Makes it easier to “approach” others without fear of rejection (new friends and bf/gf) • And easier to say things that you wouldn’t say face to face

  15. So, what’s a parent to do? • Stay involved • Set limits • Do not allow the public posting of personal information (profiles, websites) • Teach kids to protect their privacy, and why • Teach that the web and Internet are public spaces—like public park

  16. So, what’s a parent to do (2) • Create an environment of openness • Loss of net privileges as punishment for wrongdoing is one thing • But kids clam up if they think ‘Net might be taken away • And if you find out about wrongdoing or shocking behavior by your child, use it as a teachable moment

  17. What does the future hold?(If it’s not here already…) • Video/Audio IM • IM on cell phones • SMS • 3° (Three Degrees)—MS broadband, IM-based group communications platform

  18. http://www.pewinternet.org Amanda Lenhart Research Specialist Pew Internet & American Life Project 1100 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 710 Washington, DC 20036

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