Study: Internet Socializing Important for Teen Development

The MacArthur Foundation released a study indicating teens’ online socialization skills are nurtured and developed through exposure to social sites and other online places where socializing may occur such as in massively multiple online role playing games (MMORPGs). On the other hand, the study found teens are not using Internet resources to their full potential for scholastic purposes. But, teens do engage heavily in “peer-based, self-directed learning online” in topics that interest them.

The study lasted three years, included 800 subjects, and 5000 hours observation of online behavior. The research was led by Mizuko Ito over at UC Irvine. The New York Times reported on the study here. The executive summary can be found here.

References:
Lewin, T. (2008, November 18). Teenagers’ internet socializing not a bad thing. The New York Times. [Online]. Retrieved November 23, 2008 from: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/us/20internet.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all