Project Proposal

Humanities 447

Course Project Proposal

April 7, 2012

Project Proposal

Thesis: It is important that parents become aware of the nature of social media sites, given that not all of them are healthy environments for children and adolescents

Issue Summary

Using social media Web sites is among the most common activity of today's children and adolescents. Any Web site that allows social interaction is considered a social media site, including social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter; gaming sites and virtual worlds such as Club Penguin, Second Life, and the Sims; video sites such as YouTube; and blogs. Such sites offer today's youth a portal for entertainment and communication and have grown exponentially in recent years. For this reason, it is important that parents become aware of the nature of social media sites, given that not all of them are healthy environments for children and adolescents. It is important that parents evaluate the sites on which their child wishes to participate to be sure that the site is appropriate for that child's age. For sites without age stipulations, however, there is room for negotiation, and parents should evaluate the situation via active conversation with their preadolescents and adolescents.

Project Outline

I. Social Media use by tweens and teens

A. Engaging in various forms of social media is a routine activity that research has shown to benefit children and adolescents by enhancing communication, social connection, and even technical skills.

1. Facebook

2. MySpace

3. YouTube

B. Children and adolescents are at some risk as they navigate and experiment with social media

II. Risks of youth using social media

A. Cyber bullying and online harassment

B. Sexting

C. Facebook depression

III. Privacy concerns and the digital footprints

IV. Influence of advertisements on buying

V. Mixed messages from parents and the law

VI. Conclusion

References

Boyd, D. (2007). The Role of Networked...