Lenhart, A., Anderson, M., &
Smith, A. (2015, October 1). How teens incorporate digital platforms and
devices into their romantic relationships. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/01/how-teens-incorporate-digital-platforms-and-devices-into-their-romantic-relationships/
Teens and dating is very complex and
if you throw in the Internet their relationships become even more complicated.
In this article, I learned how teens that are dating communicate. According to the article, teens in
relationships spend time with their partners both online and offline. Teens
reported spending time with their partners in a number of ways such as texting,
in person, social media, gaming, etc.
- Text Messaging 92% of teens
- Talking on the Phone 87% of teens
- Being Together in Person 86% of teens
- Social Media 70% of teens
- Instant or Online Messaging 69% of teens
- Video Chatting 55% of teens
- Email 37% of teens
- Playing Video Games 31% of teens
According to the article, “In an age
of connectivity through mobile phones, complications arise when responses to
texts or calls or posts aren’t immediate.” I think that this is a concern as a
parent because I would not want my daughter to feel pressured to constantly be
in contact with a boyfriend. Some of the teens in the study stated that when
they are in a relationship they are expected to regularly check in with their
partners throughout the day. Again as a parent this is alarming. I understand
that when teens are in relationships they want to talk to their partners, but
checking in regularly throughout the day does not sound healthy. Even though
they are in a relationship teens should not be required to tell their
significant other where they are every single minute of the day. The article further stated that teens also use
social media as a way to keep track of their romantic partners.
While young love can be sweet teens
still need retain their individuality. Using digital platforms and devices can
help teens stay connected, but they must maintain a healthy balance.
Pew Reading Total For This Article: 9 pages
Current Total Pew Readings: 153 pages
Because we are "in the age of connectivity through mobile phones," I can see where teens in a relationship can feel this sort of pressure. It does make relationships more complex. I have a 19 year old son who is in a relationship, and sometimes I hear his phone go off in the middle of the night, and I've had to ask him to turn it off. I'm hoping it doesn't become a habit. :/
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a friend at work who would text him all hours of the day and night. I think that's intrusive, too.
ReplyDelete