Teens fancy face-to-face chats above Facebook

FOR most teens, using social media sites and texting has become a part of daily life – but they still prefer communicating face-to-face, according to a survey released this week.

Overall, the polled teens painted a positive picture of the influence of social media on their relationships and self-image.

More than half of these “digital natives” – the first generation to have grown up with Facebook – said these technologies have helped them keep in touch with friends, get to know other students at their school better or connect with those who share a common interest.

One in five said that using social networking sites makes them feel more confident, popular and sympathetic to others.

The national study of more than 1 000 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 by the child advocacy group, Common Sense Media, debunks the popular perception that using social media sites is harmful because of the dangers of isolation, bullying by peers, the release of private or personal information, or online predators.

However, the report hinted at “Facebook fatigue”, with a signifi- cant number saying they are “addicted” to devices (41 percent for cellphones), would like to unplug sometimes (43 percent), or turn back the clock to a time before Facebook (36 percent).

“Many teens express an almost adult-like weariness with the pressures of constant text-ing and posting.”

Text messaging is still the favoured application for teens. Twothirds said they text every day, half said they visit social networking sites daily, and one in four use at least two different types of social media a day.

Facebook is the favoured service, with seven out of 10 teens saying they have an account, compared with 6 percent for Twitter and 1 percent for Google+ and Myspace.

Half of teens said social networks have helped their friendships, while 4 percent said they have hurt relationships. Three out of 10 said the platforms made them feel more outgoing; 5 percent felt more introverted.

Still, half of all teens said reallife communication is the most fun and fruitful for their relationships. – Washington Post-Bloomberg