Youth as content producers in a niche social network site

New Dir Youth Dev. 2010 Winter;2010(128):55-63. doi: 10.1002/yd.375.

Abstract

Most U.S. teenagers participate in online social network sites, devoting hours to these networks, often at the expense of other leisure-time activities. This article describes young people's activities within one topic-focused niche network, outlining its unique features and the role of young people as content producers within and beyond the space. Links between youth's online contributions and their interest, self-expression, social connections, and civic involvement are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anecdotes as Topic
  • Blogging
  • Communications Media
  • Diffusion of Innovation*
  • Educational Technology / economics
  • Educational Technology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Online Systems* / organization & administration
  • Online Systems* / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Participation*
  • Social Support*
  • Students / psychology
  • Training Support