Saturday, November 22, 2008

Online Time Benefits Teens

Contrary to popular belief, spending time online benefits teens. A report, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, contradicts the notion that Internet surfing is a waste of time. Playing games and interacting with peers through social networks aids the development of technology usage and communication skills. 

The three-year study followed 800 teens and their parents to explore how teenagers use social media to learn and grow. Researcher observed participants for 5,000 hours and found that hanging out on the Internet servers similar social purposes as in-person social contact. Online time also allows teenager to develop their identity and creativity.  The report is good news considering all the time we spend online.

Originally reported by the BBC

4 comments:

GJ MR. CHICAGO said...

Interesting....

blahblahblah said...

Well that's good to hear! I tend to get down on myself for spending too much time online.

Anonymous said...

Great to know, now I don't need to yell at myself for spending hours online! Maybe I should go and tell the schools to stop blocking social sites so that our social development doesn't get stunted.

http://butnowyouknowit.blogspot.com

Man Named Kim said...

certainly if they click by Cheerful Scoop!