Generation IM: Teens and Technology

Amanda LenhartHommoks Middle School, Larchmont, NY

October 8, 2003

The Findings of the Pew Internet & American Life Project

Who we are

• Pew Internet & American Life Project• Non-profit, non-partisan research center

devoted to the study of the social effects of the Internet on Americans

• Fully-funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, a large Philadelphia-based philanthropy

How we do our research

• Random digit dial national telephone surveys

• Focus groups—online and in-person• Email interviews

Overview

• The basics of Internet use• Generation IM• IM basics: what is it, who uses it, and how

do they use it• Benefits and drawbacks to IM use• The future: new programs, technologies and

uses

The Basics: Who is Online?

• 63% of Americans go online• 78% of youth 12-17 go online• Internet population growth is stagnant• Internet population is fluid

– Net Dropouts: 17% of non-users– Net Evaders: 20% of non-users– Intermittent users: about 1/3 of current users

But we’re hear to talk about ‘tweens and teens

• 78% of American youth go online• 92% of online teen use email• 84% surf the Net for fun• 71% of online teens said that they used the

Internet as the major source for their most recent big school project

• 74% of online teens use IM• 66% of younger teens (12-14) who go online and

use IM, compared to 81% of older teens (15-17)

What is Instant messaging?

• “Instant messaging is a text-based tool that allows users to hold an online conversation by exchanging short messages in near synchronicity with others over the Internet”

• Presence• AIM still most popular: ICQ original (circa 1996),

MSN, Yahoo• Can only IM within programs, not between—unless

you use a third program (Trillian, Jabber, etc)

How is Instant Messaging used?

• Multiple, private, almost synchronous conversations. Generally not used for group chat, though it is possible.

• 74% of online teens use IM, vs 47% of online adults.

• 69% of IMing teens use it several times a week—close to half use it every time they log on

• About 1 in 5 teens say IM is the main way they communicate with their friends

• Multi-tasking

What is IM used for?

• “Checking in”—relationship reinforcement and maintenance

• Mostly for chatting with near-by friends, family, but also camp/summer friends

• Asking out (13%)• Breaking up (17%)• “Difficult” conversations, fights

Mediated communication

• IM is mediated by a screen—protected from emotional reactions

• Phone, letters, email also mediated—there is a “technology” between you and the person with whom you are communicating

• Lack of cues

J: romeo u thereJ: romeo u thereR: yo wassupR: yo wassupJ: nothin’, u?J: nothin’, u?R: skool sucked 2dayR: skool sucked 2dayJ: heard wylander got mad J: heard wylander got mad at uat uR: what a jerk i used purpl R: what a jerk i used purpl inkink on the sci test and he got on the sci test and he got pissed he pissed he lookjs like jimminy cricktlookjs like jimminy cricktJ: lolJ: lolR: going to nicks partyR: going to nicks partyJ: cant i’m groundedJ: cant i’m groundedR: yR: yJ: cardoza called home, sez J: cardoza called home, sez im failig im failig Spanish btw my rents Spanish btw my rents hate uhate uR: mine hate u 2R: mine hate u 2J: my dads coming gtgJ: my dads coming gtgR: k byeR: k byeJ: xoxoxoxo bye see u tmwJ: xoxoxoxo bye see u tmwR: xoxoxoxoxoxoxo gtgR: xoxoxoxoxoxoxo gtgJ: kJ: k

Identity management

• Multiple email addresses and screen names for different parts of the personality or different personas– 21% of online youth have 4 or more email

addresses

• “True selves” online

Benefits of IM

• Comfort in a textual environment• Multi-tasking—21st century workforce

skill?• Able to maintain more relationships, more

in touch• It’s fun

Drawbacks to IM

• Navigating relationships is harder without social cues• Who are you talking to, really?

– Pranks, tricks– Strangers

• Facilitates the good and bad of being a teen– Improves friendships– But facilitates gossip and cliquishness– Makes it easier to “approach” others without fear of

rejection (new friends and bf/gf)– And easier to say things that you wouldn’t say face to face

So, what’s a parent to do?

• Stay involved• Set limits• Do not allow the public posting of personal

information (profiles, websites)• Teach kids to protect their privacy, and why• Teach that the web and Internet are public

spaces—like public park

So, what’s a parent to do (2)

• Create an environment of openness– Loss of net privileges as punishment for wrongdoing is

one thing– But kids clam up if they think ‘Net might be taken

away

• And if you find out about wrongdoing or shocking behavior by your child, use it as a teachable moment

What does the future hold?(If it’s not here already…)

• Video/Audio IM • IM on cell phones • SMS• 3° (Three Degrees)—MS broadband, IM-

based group communications platform

http://www.pewinternet.org

Amanda LenhartResearch Specialist

Pew Internet & American Life Project1100 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 710

Washington, DC 20036