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Social Networking in Adolescents: Time, Type and Motives of Using, Social Desirability, and Communication Choices

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Tremolada

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy)

  • Lucio Silingardi

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy)

  • Livia Taverna

    (Faculty of Education, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, 39042 Brixen, Italy)

Abstract

The evolution of digital media has changed the patterns and motives for its use among adolescents and has impacted their communication choices within their family and social networks. The objectives of this study are to understand whether peers communicate through a social network (SN) or by voice and their view of the relative social desirability of these alternatives. After the informant’s consent signature, adolescents completed a series of self-report questionnaires on the use of SN, communication preferences, and social desirability online. Most of the adolescents belonged to the 17–19 age group (83.6%) and were female (68.9%). Adolescents spent more than 3 h/day on Whatsapp and more than 2 h/day on Instagram, while the use of Facebook was on average only 35 min/day. Females used digital media longer than males. Adolescents aged 17–19 years choose more Facebook and voice modes compared to adolescents aged 14 and 16 years. Alternative modes of Whatsapp and voice were chosen more than social networks in their communication strategies, especially for negative topics. Motives for use were, in addition to boredom, related to maintaining one’s social sphere with peers. Some educative considerations were made based on these results.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Tremolada & Lucio Silingardi & Livia Taverna, 2022. "Social Networking in Adolescents: Time, Type and Motives of Using, Social Desirability, and Communication Choices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2418-:d:753526
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daria J. Kuss & Mark D. Griffiths, 2011. "Online Social Networking and Addiction—A Review of the Psychological Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-25, August.
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