Parental Perceptions of Teen MySpace Behavior

Albertella, M., Rosen, L., Cheever, N., Cummings, C., & Felt, J.

Overview

• Method

• Time spent on MySpace

• Releasing personal information on MySpace

• Interference with offline activities

Methodology

• Two online surveys = 609 pair participants– June 2006 (267)– Sept. 2006 (342)

• Majority of participants from Southern California

• Parents: 29% male and 71% female

• Adolescents: 40% male and 60% female

Parents and MySpace

• 30% parents have their own MySpace account.

• 64% parents have seen their child’s MySpace page.

• 56% parents think MySpace is just a fad.

Time Spent on MySpace

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Days/Week Hours/Day

TEENPARENT

42% parents unsure 38% parents unsure

r = .71 (p < .001) r = .57 (p < .001)

Releasing Full Name On MySpace

• Teen: 44%

• Parent: Not Sure: 30%

Yes: 30%

No: 40%

Releasing Address On MySpace

• Teen: 8%

• Parent: Not Sure: 28%

Yes: 4%

No: 68%

Releasing School Name On MySpace

• Teen: 68%

• Parent: Not Sure: 32%

Yes: 44%

No: 24%

Releasing Phone Number On MySpace

• Teen: 22%

• Parent: Not Sure: 31%

Yes: 8%

No: 61%

Releasing Email Address On MySpace

• Teen: 52%

• Parent: Not Sure: 36%

Yes: 33%

No: 31%

Releasing ‘Instant Message’ NameOn MySpace

• Teen: 55%

• Parent: Not Sure: 40%

Yes: 33%

No: 27%

Releasing Social Activities On MySpace

• Teen: 40%

• Parent: Not Sure: 42%

Yes: 20%

No: 38%

Belief that MySpace DOES NOT interfere with child’s:

Parent Child

Schoolwork. 43% 59%

Family time. 44% 60%

Outdoor activities. 47% 64%

Relationship to non-MySpace friends. 65% 77%

Chores. 42% 56%

Summary

• Time spent overestimated

• Releasing personal information underestimated

• Stronger beliefs of interference with offline activities

Thank You