Many parents may feel that social networking sites are a waste of their children’s time. However, new research claims that the communication opportunities provided by social networking encourage young people to explore their interests, develop technical skills, and work on new forms of self- expression. The three-year study carried out by a University of California research team that interviewed over 800 teens and conducted over 2000 hours of online observations. It found that social networking helps teenagers learn the social and technical skills they need to be knowledgeable citizens in the digital age.
The study concludes that social networking contributes to young people’s extended friendships and interests. While the majority of teens use social networking sites to “hang out” with people they already know in real life, some use them to find like- minded people. Those interested in chess or international politics, for example, can expand their circle with others who share the same interests and can find information that goes beyond that they have access to at school. They can also publicize and distribute their music, art work, or writing to online audiences, and gain visibility and enhance their reputations. The researchers said teens usually respect one another’s authority online, and they are often more motivated to learn one another than from their parents or other adults.
- Teens spend an average of 2000 hours online annually.
- Most teenagers are said to use social networking sites for interacting with existing friends.
- The author mentions international politics to give an example of a shared interest.
- About 800 teens have an online identity.
Read the passage again and choose the best answer.
- The word “It” in line 5 is nearest in meaning to:
A. a social networking site. B. An interview
C. research D. The University of California
- What information is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A. Social networking has given teens the ability to connect with others.
B. Social networking is beneficial for teens.
C. Teens prefer to learn from each other.
D. Majorities of teens say social media helps them find different points of view.
