Date of Award

12-14-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Second Advisor

Dr. Nobuya Inagaki

Abstract

A study was conducted to review the perceived impact social media plays in children’s personal relationships during adolescence. Surveys and interviews were sent out to 50 subjects in an effort to gather and compile information for analysis. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (Meerkerk et al.) was used in a survey format and administered to participants to access their perceptions in which their child(ren) and/or grandchild(ren)’s use the internet and social media. A 5-point Likert Scale was also implemented in order to provide measurable analysis. Adult anxiety in regards to social media was observed at different levels depending on the developmental stage of their children. Parental perceptions of social media, monitoring, and child behavior were the core variables studied. The findings of this study support the Cues-Filtered-Out Theory and Social Presence Theory in that child behavior appears to take on a lack of consequence due to the absence of social cues and bodily presence in the medium known as social media. Additionally, the results challenge the Hyperpersonal Perspective which argues “computer-mediated relationships are more intimate than those existing at the physical state” (Griffin, 2009). To develop a better understanding on the existing perceptions of social media use and adolescents, this study reviewed the perceived impact social media plays on children during the 3 stages of adolescent development: 0 to 8 years, 9 to 13 years, and 14 to 18 years of age. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to monitor child use at a consistent level regardless of the child’s age. Furthermore, suggestions were made for parents/grandparents to foster and speak with children regarding the use of social media, respecting authority, and proper Internet etiquette.

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