TITLE: Why are teenagers very fond of social networking sites?

PROPONENTS: Michael Angeles, Christopher Arciaga, Chrisselle Buhay, Joyline Canlas, Paula Marin INTRODUCTION Social networking sites are web-based services that allow individuals to construct a profile describing his or her interests and create a list of users with whom they share a connection. These sites allow users to be a part of a virtual community for them to share their daily activities with family and friends, to post their stand regarding a particular topic, or to increase their circle of acquaintances. Social networking sites are very popular around the world, particularly in teenagers and students. This study is very noteworthy since this will reveal the factors that attract students in using social networking sites. These factors are very significant because this will give an idea on what interventions are appropriate if internet addiction is involved. According to Tamar Lewin (2010), Those ages 8 to 18 spend more than seven and a half hours a day with such devices, compared with less than six and a half hours five years ago, when the study was last conducted. And that does not count the hour and a half that youths spend texting, or the half-hour they talk on their cellphones. In this generation, even a small addition to a social networking site can either increase or decrease the number of users in it. In this case, it can be seen that the number of hours increased alarmingly in the span of five years. It can indicate that the youth are attached to the devices that they use in staying online. This may also shows that there are significant efforts made by the social networking sites to attract the interest of the youth. For example: Facebook added a factor that increased the number of users which is the Groups. Some students who didnt have an account had to create one because announcements regarding the school and the classes are posted there and the group is a very useful tool for faster information dissemination. According to Dianna Bocco (2012), Once you've gotten involved in networking sites, things can escalate quickly. One reason these sites are so addictive is that there's a nonstop stream of messages, photos, updates and information coming from those in your network. If you have 10 friends, it shouldn't be a problem keeping up with them. If your network is 100 friends or more, you might end up online for hours every day, trying to check all of the updates. If you're trading messages back and forth with other

members, you might find yourself even more caught up in the exchange, just as you would in a normal conversation. Social networking sites are meant to be casual, relaxed ways to connect with others. If you start losing sleep or are unable to concentrate because you're always thinking about going online to check your friends' statuses, then that's a sign of trouble. Another reason these sites can become addictive is that they provide outlets for when you're feeling down. People post fewer negative than positive updates on networking sites. They might mention trips they take or new cars, but they will rarely mention when they got poor reviews at work or they gained 20 pounds. If your own "real" life is not going so great, you can always go online and pretend to be better. You can simply lose yourself in what experts call "happyland" and forget about the hurdles of everyday life. In the statement given above, there are indications that some reasons why these sites are addictive are due to the unending psyche of the teenagers to gather new updates and to express their feelings. Bocco stated that these sites provide outlets when youre feeling down, thus it can let go of all the negativity and think about happy memories that the person encountered during the day. According to Lauren Acurantes (2011), Its no question that adolescents and teenagers make up some of the biggest demographics in social networking sites. Experts agree that it actually does help them build stronger ties with their peers. But a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics has shown that there is also a downside to all this social networking. They call it Facebook depression, and they mention adolescents and teenagers who spend excessive amounts of time on the internet as the most likely affected. Facebook allows users to showcase their lives, from achievements to travel photos to parties. The depression creeps in, according to the report, when teenagers start comparing themselves to their friends. Why does she have more friends than me? How come he was invited to that party and I wasnt? How come she got a new car for her Sweet Sixteen? Why was he given that award when I worked harder for it?

These are questions teens already face in their daily lives, factor in the additional pressure of social networks with their my-life-is-an-open-book appeal and youve got yourself one troubled teen. Experts attribute it to the fact that these sites magnify the idea of envy and jealousy. According to Acurantes statement, there is a high number of teenagers that are using social networking sites. She stated that experts agree that social networking sites help teenagers build stronger ties with their peers and that is another factor that may show why teenagers are attracted to social networking sites. However, there is a downside from using it which is the possibility of an occurrence of depression. She also states that social networking sites increase the tendency to compare yourself to your friends and it may lead you to develop negative feelings such as envy and jealousy. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this study is to learn why teenagers ock to social networking sites. Also, to learn what they are expressing on the sites and how it t into their lives. The researchers tend to address these issues and explore their implications for youth identities. While particular systems may come and go, how youth engage through social network sites today provides long-lasting insights into identity formation, status negotiation, and peer-to-peer sociality. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: This study is intended to identify the factors that attract students in using social networking sites. This study also aims to answer the following questions: 1. Do you have access to the internet at home or not? 2. How many hours do you surf the internet in a day? 3. How frequent do you surf the internet in a week? 4. When do you use the internet? 5. Is your cell phone a smartphone? In other words, can you use it to check email, download apps, or go online? 6. Do you have an account in the following social networking sites: a. Friendster b. Facebook c. Myspace

d. Twitter e. Google+ 7. Why did you make a social networking account? 8. What is the main way you check your social networking site? 9. About how many times a day do you check your social networking site? 10. How often do you post things to your own or someone elses social networking site? 11. Do you stay up late using the social networking sites? 12. Aside from social networking, for what reasons do you use the internet? 13. Do you use social networking sites during school days? 14. Why do you use social network sites? 15. Who do you talk to in your social networking sites? 16. Do you really need to surf the internet or you can live without the internet? 17. Do you think using social networking sites can affect your grades in school? 18. How long could you go without using social networking sites? 19. Will it be okay if there was no social networking? 20. Have you ever: a. Flirted with someone online who you wouldnt have flirted with in person. b. Said something bad about someone online that you wouldnt have said in person. c. Became friends with someone you met online. d. Edited pictures to make yourself look better before you posted them online. 21. Do you agree or disagree with each statement: a. Used your social networking site in getting to know other students at your school better. b. Used your social networking site in staying in touch with friends you cant see on a regular basis. c. Used your social networking site in distracting yourself when you should be paying attention to the people youre with. d. Used your social networking site in using taking away time when you could be spending it with your friends in person. e. Used your social networking site in being more aware of current events. 22. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:

a. Sometimes I wish I could just unplug for a while. b. Sometimes I wish I could go back to a time when there was no Facebook. c. I love posting photos of me and my friends online. d. I get stressed out about how I look when I post pictures online. e. I feel pressured to post photos even when I dont want to. f. I feel bad about myself when nobody comments on or likes my photos.

23. Using my social networking site makes me feel more or less: a. Confident or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. b. Better about myself or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. c. Connected with my family and friends or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. d. Sympathetic to what other people are going through or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. e. Outgoing or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. f. Depressed or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other.

g. Popular or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. h. Shy or it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. 24. Has using social networking site mainly helped or mainly hurt your relationships with your: a. Friends b. Teachers c. Parents d. Siblings e. Other family members like cousins, aunts and uncles, or grandparents

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: Why are teenagers in so much fond of social networking? Social networking has a wide coverage of peoples connection with each other in regards with entertainment, business, studies, and especially family and friend bonding. The researchers found out that the rapid growth of online social networks and video games has led to the rise of what many psychologists are saying a very real phenomenon: internet addiction. The researchers say that teenagers are vulnerable to pathological computer use because they are living by themselves for the first time and have uninhibited access to games and sites like Facebook and Twitter. As Kauffman (2009) reported, social networking web sites like MySpace and Facebook have never been more popular, some worry the sites are perhaps too popular, maybe even addicting.

From a student who was surveyed, and whom the researchers got information, Doing (2009) admitted that she tried to finish her thesis for the moment she was asked, and Facebook, being on the computer - it's sort of addictive for her. The researchers talked about if social network has given more positive effects than negative effects for teenagers who have access on the net. Addiction to the use of social network, for the researchers, was treated negatively. But absolutely it then leads teenagers to become updated to what is happening in our world. The researchers though first focus on the negative effect of social networking, they eventually studied about the common effect of it for the teenagers. The researchers concluded that too much use of social networking is a sign of social network addiction. How could social networking attract teenagers in such a way that it seems to be a new world for them wherein they could express, share, and even move themselves? How do teenagers eventually live and rely on the internet too much? According to Gonzalez (2011), social network addiction is a psychological disorder around the world, it is stated that internet addiction was the cause of social addiction. Some of the signs of this addiction are low self-esteem, when a person socializes, and when a person looses sleep because he/she is connected to the social network website. Some solutions to this problem maybe spending quality time with family. The resources for this kind of addiction vary in many ways, psychologists are always a big help but most of all family support is necessary in order to help the addict. Social Networking is new form or system of communication among people. It is definitely a huge impact to the internet system. For some people, computers are considered essential on a daily basis and this had cause to many people become abusers to this great service. Now, we see almost in every social places providing Wi-Fi service. Also, with all the great technology now days we no longer have to carry a laptop to places to use the internet, phones have immense technology access. Currently, people can use their phones to update their social page. Also people who have some level of social addiction like or find pretty interesting and getting to know everything about their friends through the monitors of their computers and cell phones. No longer hanging out with friends is interesting them anymore. For many people is pretty easy to become addicted to social networks due to the fact that it is very popular among not only young people but adult people too, also it is easy to access, and it is entertaining. Although, it is important to consider that the purpose of the multiple social networks presented to people is to keep in touch with family, friends, and old friends that one may have lost touch with. Addiction to these internet websites becomes a problem once it starts to interfere towards daily life. According to Young (2009) Social Networking can be compared as the same as being addicted to drugs or alcohol. Internet addiction is big cause of social network addiction because people started to explore the internet and by that started visiting social network websites and by that people when to internet addiction to social network addiction. Social network addiction leads to many problems such as problems with your family, work, friends, etc. The researchers and almost all teenagers obviously know that Facebook is one the most popular and most visited social networking site. As the adults nowadays are also becoming more connected with the use of social network, how come with the teenagers who are fonder of communicating and specifically chatting and photo sharing with lots of friends. According to Pamaoukaghion (2005-2010) there are many levels of social network addiction, some of the levels are for emotional low self-esteem, and afraid to be socially expose. According to Pamaoukaghion (2005-2010) in a study from the University of Athens, psychiatrists discuss about a woman who lost her job because of being online on a social

network websites. The discussion was about this situation of the women that it could be a sign of social network addiction. Based on what Cheever (2009) said, there are five signs that may signal one has type of social network addiction. The ones with more relevance include when one is losing sleep over spending hours on social networks, when a person spends more than an hour in social networking, when one ignores work and this could be also school work, and also if the thought of having a day without visiting a social network creates and stress. This is one of the most popular sign of social network addiction because is when you start to break your ordinary schedule and the person using the social network website starts to miss school, work or any other important thing by being connected. Although all of this information may sound alarming or others may find it totally normal for their daily living, according to Hardie, E (2007) High internet use was related to high levels of emotional loneliness, but low levels of social loneliness. What this means is a great connection between people who suffer from emotional distress tend to be addicted to social networks. One personality factor could be that when encountering themselves with face-to-face time with other human beings their found it hard to make a social connection. Some people have social network addiction because of their insecurity of communicating with other people in person. According to Lenhart (2010) since 2006, blogging has dropped among teens and young adults while simultaneously rising among older adults. As the tools and technology embedded in social networking sites change, and use of the sites continues to grow, youth may be exchanging macro-blogging for microblogging with status updates. She also explained that blogging has declined in popularity among both teens and young adults since 2006. Blog commenting has also dropped among teens. It was said that 14% of online teens in the year 2010 say they blog, down from 28% of teen internet users in 2006. This decline is also reflected in the lower incidence of teen commenting on blogs within social networking websites; 52% of teen social network users report commenting on friends blogs, down from the 76% who did so in 2006. Lenhart (2010) expressed that by comparison, the prevalence of blogging within the overall adult internet population has remained steady in recent years. Pew Internet surveys since 2005 have consistently found that roughly one in ten online adults maintain a personal online journal or blog. By 2009, just 15% of internet users ages 18-29 maintain a bloga nine percentage point drop in two years. However, 11% of internet users ages thirty and older now maintain a personal blog. Based on Lenhart (2010), both teen and adult use of social networking sites has risen significantly, yet there are shifts and some drops in the proportion of teens using several social networking site features. She expressed that 73% of wired American teens now use social networking websites, a significant increase from previous surveys. Just over half of online teens (55%) used social networking sites in November 2006 and 65% did so in February 2008. Although the American teenagers were being experimented by Lenhart (2010), the researchers evaluated that Philippines especially its youth is one of the most westernized countries in Asia. The researchers still concluded that Lenharts studies are not 100% reliable in comparison with their study about why teenagers are in fond of using social networking sites. Nevertheless it helped the researchers to gather information and formulate lots of ideas. As the teen social networking population has increased, the popularity of some sites features has shifted. According to Purcell (2010) wireless internet use rates are especially high among teenagers and young adults, and the laptop has replaced the desktop as the computer of choice among those under thirty. Purcells research team has done survey. Their survey of teens also tracked some core internet activities by those ages 12-17 and found: 62% of online teens get news about current events and politics online, 48% of wired teens have bought things online like books, clothing or music, up from 31% who had done

so in 2000 when we first asked about this, 31% of online teens get health, dieting or physical fitness information from the internet. And 17% of online teens report they use the internet to gather information about health topics that are hard to discuss with others such as drug use and sexual health topics. The researchers have found that there are many factors that attract and allow teenagers to stay in front of their monitors and continue social networking. There was a study conducted by Smith (2010) and he had his survey. It dealt with who are the currently online users. Like Lenhart, he also expressed that internet is a central and indispensable element in the lives of American teens and young adults. As of September 2009, 93% of American teens between the ages of 12 and 17 went online, a number that has remained stable since November 2006. In comparison, adults are less likely than teens to be online. As of December 2009, 74% of adults use the internet. The youngest adults, 18-29 year-olds, go online at a rate equal to that of teens (both 93%). Over the past decade, teenagers and young adult have remained the age groups that are most likely to go online even as the internet population has grown, and even as other age cohorts such as adults 65 and older -have increased the percentage of their populations online.

Based on Smith (2010) among adolescents, both boys and girls are equally likely to go online, but younger teens remain slightly less likely to go online than older teens. Fully 95% of teens ages 14-17 go online compared with 88% of teens ages 12-13. Most of the variance among younger teens is accounted for by 12 year olds, of whom 83% go online compared to 92% of 13 year olds.

Smith (2010), together with his research team, said that for families with teens, home broadband adoption grows. Among families with children between 12 and 17, more than three-quarters (76%) now have broadband internet access at home, up from 71% in February 2008 and significantly larger than in 2004, when just half of all households with teens had some type of broadband access. In 2009, about a third of all internet using families have a cable modem (32%), another third (30%) have a DSL enabled phone line, and another 11% report a wireless internet connection. Three percent of families have a fiber optic connection. Just 10% of families have a dial-up internet connection, down from 16% in 2008 and 49% in November 2004. Another 8% of families do not have a computer at home, and 4% have a computer, but the machine is not connected to the internet. Moving beyond just families to look at the American adult population at large, 60% of adults go online from home using broadband.4 More than three quarters of young adults ages 18-29 have broadband at home, as do 67% of 30-49 year olds, a little more than half (56%) of 50-64 year olds and just a quarter (26%) of those 65 and older. Nearly 2 in 5 households (37%) with broadband have a cable modem, 28% have a DSL connection and 17% have a wireless connection to the internet. Another 6% have fiber optic, T-1 or some other type of fast connection.

Zickuhr (2010) illustrated that 63% of teens go online every day. Nearly two-thirds of teen internet users (63%) go online every day 36% of teens go online several times a day and 27% go online about once a day. More than one quarter (26%) of teens go online weekly and 11% go online less often than that, patterns that have been in place since November 2006. There are few differences in frequency of use based on demographic categories. Older teens ages 14-17 are more likely to go online frequently than younger teens. Although the American teenagers were being experimented by Zickuhr (2010), like that

of Lenhart (2010) who was also his co-researcher, the researchers evaluated that Philippines especially its youth is one of the most westernized countries in Asia. The researchers still concluded that Lenharts studies are not 100% reliable in comparison with their study about why teenagers are in fond of using social networking sites. Nevertheless it helped the researchers to gather information and formulate lots of ideas.

References: Carolina Gonzalez (2011), blogger blogspot.com http://carolina-socialnetworkaddiction.blogspot.com/p/literature-review.html Cheever, J. (2009). Signs of addition to online social networking.FebruaryThursday, 2011, from Life 123 answers at the speed of life: http://www.life123.com/parenting/tweens-teens/social-networking/online-socialnetworking.shtml Hardie, E., Tee, M. (2007)Excessive Internet Use: The role of personality, loneliness, and social support networks in internet networking. Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society. Vol 5. No. 1 pp.34-47. Pamoukaghion, MA Veronica (2005-2010) Social Network Addiction-A scientific No Mans Land? . Topics from Multidimensional Biopsychosocial Perspectives. Amanda Lenhart (2010), Kristen Purcell (2010), Aaron Smith (2010), Kathryn Zickuhr (2010) Survey photos: Pew Internet Group http://pewinternet.org (Social Media and Young Adults)

HYPOTHESIS: Null hypothesis: Teenagers does not engage in social networking sites because they see it as a form of entertainment and a new way of bonding with people, but because of other reasons. Alternate Hypothesis: Teenagers engage in social networking sites because they see it as a form of entertainment and a new way of bonding with people. METHODOLOGY: Sample survey was used in this study; hence, purposive sampling was applied. The researchers acquired 5 people (with ages 17-19 years old) as a sample. They used the questionnaire for the gathering of data needed in determining the answer as to why teenagers are very fond of social networking sites. The questionnaire that was used has 2 parts. The first part aimed to gather data regarding the teenagers fondness of social networking in relation to frequency of usage, social networking sites they use, who they talk to or connect to in social networking sites, etc. While the second part of the survey includes a series of questions to measure teens social and emotional well-beingfor example, how depressed or happy they are, whether they feel normal compared to others their age upon use of social

networking sites, and other related measures. The survey items were developed combining several new measures created for this survey with those drawn from other standard scales. The questionnaires were administered last September 27, 2012 and 100 percent of the respondents returned the questionnaires. After the retrieval of the questionnaires, the researchers tabulated and processed the data manually. LIMITATIONS As previously stated, the respondents were limited to 17 to 19 years old, all of which are acquired by the researchers. This is a cross-sectional survey occurring at a single point in time, based on self-reports. As such, it is useful for providing descriptive statistics and exploring associations between variables, but it cannot demonstrate causality between any of those variables RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: There are many teenagers who have easy access to the internet. 4 out of 5 teens have internet connection at home, while the only one without an internet connection at home, rents at a nearby computer shop. The development of electronic communication and technology is widely and exponentially spreading throughout the globe. Many people especially the teenagers who are more updated in advanced technology became more comfortable in surfing the net and most especially social networking. There are also many factors that attract and persuade people to obtain internet access such as internet connection promos. For an affordable cost, internet can easily be obtained. Due to continuous development of the world, from industrial to somewhat electronic industry, people continue to use the internet and continue to use social networks to communicate and to be entertained. Therefore as time goes by the amount of time allotted for using the net becomes larger, and worse, addiction comes out. The first respondent for example, makes his way in order to have an access to social networking sites to be able to become updated and connected with the other people and friends. The researchers can see that in any time morning or afternoon, internet access is attainable. Smartphone is now in demand, it can have an access to the internet and it promotes social networking where people could connect with his friends anytime, anywhere. Due to increased adaptation of people in social networking, smartphones are everywhere handled especially by teenagers. 3 out of 5 teens have and carry with them, their smartphones. There are lots of social networking sites, it depends on how they could get the taste of the people competition of the networks. The top site based on the survey is Facebook. 5 out 5 teens have a Facebook account, followed by Twitter and Friendster having 3 and 2 people out of 5 each, respectively.

People, especially teens become addicted as they stay long in front of their monitor/screens. Lots of entertainment and fun are what they are getting. In regards with connecting with family and friends, schoolmates and etc., the researchers think that social networking development is quite unstoppable. Social networking, somehow became a necessity. 60% of the respondents said that it is not okay if there will no longer be a social network site. Almost every person nowadays has his own social networking account. Connecting with loved ones is greatly needed nowadays because there is a more convenient way of connecting with them. 1st respondent

SURVEY FORM
Please put an asterisk * inside the parenthesis of your answer. (Select all that applies) PART 1 1. Internet access: ( * ) Do you have your own internet connection? ( ) Are you just renting a computer? 2. How many hours do you surf the net in a day? ( ) 1-2 hours ( ) 3-4 hours ( ) 5-6 hours ( * ) 7-8 hours ( ) 9-10 hours ( ) 11-12 hours ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 3. How frequent do you surf the net in a week? ( * ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify: _________________ 4. When do you use the internet? ( * ) morning ( * ) afternoon ( * ) evening

( ) midnight 5. Is your cell phone a smartphone? In other words, can you use it to check email, download apps, or go online? ( ) Yes ( * ) No ( ) Not Sure ( ) Dont have cell phone 6. Do you have a: ( *) Friendster account ( * ) Facebook account ( * ) Myspace account ( * ) Twitter account ( * ) Google+ account 7. Why did you make a social networking account? ( * ) because I was bored ( ) because thats where my friends are ( ) because I felt pressured ( ) because I really wanted to make one ( ) others 8. What is the main way you check your social networking site? ( ) From my cell phone or other mobile device ( * ) From a laptop or desktop computer ( ) Both equally 9. About how many times a day do you check your social networking site? ( * ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify:_________________

10. How often do you post things to your own or someone elses social networking site?

( ) Several times a day ( * ) Once a day ( ) Several times a week ( ) Once a week ( ) Less than once a week 11. Do you stay up late using the social networking sites? ( *) yes ( ) no 12. Aside from social networking, for what reasons do you use the internet? ( ) computer games ( * ) watching movies online ( * ) blogging ( *) research ( * ) online shopping ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________________ 13. Do you use social networking sites during school days? ( * ) yes ( ) no 14. Why do you use social network sites? (*) Entertainment purposes (*) Chat ( ) Games ( * ) school related works ( ) to appear cool or in ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 15. Who do you talk to in your social networking sites? (select all that applies) ( *) Family ( ) significant other (*) friends ( ) strangers 16. Do you really need to surf the net or you can live without the internet? ( *) yes ( ) no

17. Do you think using social networking sites can affect your grades in school? ( * ) yes ( ) no 18. How long could you go without using social networking sites? ( ) 1 day ( * ) 2-3 days ( ) 4-6 days ( ) a week ( ) 2 weeks ( ) 3 weeks ( ) a month ( ) others. Please specify: ____________________ 19. Will it be okay if there was no social networking? ( * ) yes ( ) no

PART 2 20. Have you ever: Yes Flirted with someone online who you wouldnt have flirted with in person Said something bad about someone online that you wouldnt have said in person Become friends with someone you met online Edited pictures to make yourself look better before you posted them online 21. Using my social networking site: Agree * Disagree No *

* *

Has helped me get to know other students at my school better

Has helped me stay in touch with friends I cant see on a regular basis often distracts me when I should be paying attention to the people Im with has taken away from time I could be spending with friends in person helped me be more aware of current events

22. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Strongly agree Sometimes I wish I could just unplug for a while Sometimes I wish I could go back to a time when there was no Facebook I love posting photos of me and my friends online I get stressed out about how I look when I post pictures online I feel pressured to post photos even when I dont want to I feel bad about myself when nobody comments on or likes my photos Somewhat agree * Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

23. Please choose the answer that best applies to your experience. Using my social networking site makes me feel: a. ( ) More confident ( ) Less confident

( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other b. ( )Better about myself ( ) Worse about myself ( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other c. (* ) More connected with my family and friends ( ) Less connected with my family and friends ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other d. (*) More sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Less sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other e. ( *) More outgoing ( ) Less outgoing ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other f. ( ) More depressed ( ) Less depressed ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other

g. ( ) More popular ( ) Less popular ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other h. ( ) More shy ( ) Less shy ( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other 24. Has using social networking site mainly helped or mainly hurt your relationships with your: Mainly helped Mainly hurt Has not made much difference one way or the other * * *

Friends Teachers Parents Siblings Other family members like cousins, aunts and uncles, or grandparents

The first respondent is a 19 years old male student. He has his own internet connection at home. And he surfs the net every day for approximately 7 to 8 hours, from morning to evening. He has a Friendster, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and Google+ account. He mainly uses his laptop to browse the net. He checks his social networking sites every day and post something on it, once a day. He stays up late because of it. Other than social networking sites, the first respondent usually use the internet to watch movies online, blog, research things related to school as well as good things to buy online. He usually stays up late even on a weekday, even with having classes the following day. He use the social networking sites to entertain himself, do school related stuff as well as communicate and connect with other people, especially his friends and family. He can last 2 to 3 days without internet. The first respondent admittedly said something bad about someone online that he wouldnt have said in person. He also became friends with someone he met online. He also edited pictures to make himself look better before he post them online to feel better about him. He felt more connected with my family and friends, more sympathetic to what other people are going through, and more outgoing. 2nd respondent

SURVEY FORM
Please put an asterisk * inside the parenthesis of your answer. (Select all that applies) PART 1 1. Internet access: ( * ) Do you have your own internet connection? ( ) Are you just renting a computer? 2. How many hours do you surf the net in a day? ( ) 1-2 hours ( ) 3-4 hours ( ) 5-6 hours ( * ) 7-8 hours ( ) 9-10 hours ( ) 11-12 hours ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 3. How frequent do you surf the net in a week? ( * ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week

( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify: _________________ 4. When do you use the internet? ( ) morning ( * ) afternoon ( ) evening ( ) midnight 5. Is your cell phone a smartphone? In other words, can you use it to check email, download apps, or go online? ( * ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Not Sure ( ) Dont have cell phone 6. Do you have a: ( *) Friendster account ( * ) Facebook account ( ) Myspace account ( ) Twitter account ( ) Google+ account 7. Why did you make a social networking account? ( * ) because I was bored ( ) because thats where my friends are ( ) because I felt pressured ( ) because I really wanted to make one ( ) others 8. What is the main way you check your social networking site? ( *) From my cell phone or other mobile device ( ) From a laptop or desktop computer ( ) Both equally 9. About how many times a day do you check your social networking site? ( * ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week

( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify:_________________

10. How often do you post things to your own or someone elses social networking site? ( *) Several times a day ( ) Once a day ( ) Several times a week ( ) Once a week ( ) Less than once a week 11. Do you stay up late using the social networking sites? ( *) yes ( ) no 12. Aside from social networking, for what reasons do you use the internet? ( *) computer games ( ) watching movies online ( ) blogging ( *) research ( ) online shopping ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________________ 13. Do you use social networking sites during school days? ( * ) yes ( ) no 14. Why do you use social network sites? (*) Entertainment purposes (*) Chat ( ) Games ( * ) school related works ( ) to appear cool or in ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 15. Who do you talk to in your social networking sites? (select all that applies) ( *) Family (*) significant other (*) friends

( ) strangers 16. Do you really need to surf the net or you can live without the internet? ( *) yes ( ) no 17. Do you think using social networking sites can affect your grades in school? ( * ) yes ( ) no 18. How long could you go without using social networking sites? ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( *) 1 day ) 2-3 days ) 4-6 days ) a week ) 2 weeks ) 3 weeks ) a month ) others. Please specify: ____________________

19. Will it be okay if there was no social networking? ( ) yes ( *) no

PART 2 20. Have you ever: Yes No

Flirted with someone online who you wouldnt have flirted with in person Said something bad about someone online that you wouldnt have said in person

Become friends with someone you met online Edited pictures to make yourself look better before you posted them online 21. Using my social networking site: Has helped me get to know other students at my school better Has helped me stay in touch with friends I cant see on a regular basis often distracts me when I should be paying attention to the people Im with has taken away from time I could be spending with friends in person helped me be more aware of current events

Agree * *

Disagree

22. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Strongly agree Sometimes I wish I could just unplug for a while Sometimes I wish I could go back to a time when there was no Facebook I love posting photos of me and my friends online I get stressed out about how I look when I post pictures online * Somewhat agree * Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

I feel pressured to post photos even when I dont want to I feel bad about myself when nobody comments on or likes my photos

23. Please choose the answer that best applies to your experience. Using my social networking site makes me feel: a. ( ) More confident ( ) Less confident ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other b. ( *)Better about myself ( ) Worse about myself ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other c. ( * ) More connected with my family and friends ( ) Less connected with my family and friends ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other d. (* ) More sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Less sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other e. ( * ) More outgoing ( ) Less outgoing ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other f. ( ) More depressed

( ) Less depressed ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other g. ( ) More popular ( ) Less popular

( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other h. ( ) More shy ( ) Less shy ( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other 24. Has using social networking site mainly helped or mainly hurt your relationships with your: Mainly helped Mainly hurt Has not made much difference one way or the other

Friends

Teachers

Parents

Siblings

Other family members like cousins, aunts and uncles, or grandparents

The second respondent is a 17 year old female student. She has her own internet connection at home which makes it convenient and easy for her. That is why she surfs the net every day for approximately 7 to 8 hours, mainly in the afternoons. She has a smartphone which means she can go online almost anywhere she goes. She has a Facebook and Friendster account all of which she checks everyday mainly through her phone. She also uses her phone to post several times a day on her social networking sites. The respondent also answered that she stays up late because of social networking sites. She believes that her frequent use of social networking sites affect her grades in school. And aside from social networking, the respondent uses the internet because of a hobby of playing computer games. The respondent also make use of the internet (including school nights) to do research for school works. She also noted the social networking is entertaining, and is a very new form of communicating to other people (through chat). It is also helpful in studies because some social networking sites like Facebook, allows the sharing of files and posting of announcements of related matter.

The respondent usually talks or connects with friends, family and significant others through social networking. She said she can live without the internet and she stated that she probably can stand a day without the use of it. The respondent feels more confident and a lot better about herself though she admitted that she did things on social networking sites, things which she wouldnt do in person. Social networking sites mainly helped the respondents relationship with other people. 3rd respondent

SURVEY FORM
Please put an asterisk * inside the parenthesis of your answer. (Select all that applies) PART 1

1. Internet access: ( *) Do you have your own internet connection? ( ) Are you just renting a computer? 2. How many hours do you surf the net in a day? ( ) 1-2 hours ( * ) 3-4 hours ( ) 5-6 hours ( ) 7-8 hours ( ) 9-10 hours ( ) 11-12 hours ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 3. How frequent do you surf the net in a week? (* ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify: _________________ 4. When do you use the internet? (* ) morning (* ) afternoon ( * ) evening

( ) midnight 5. Is your cell phone a smartphone? In other words, can you use it to check email, download apps, or go online? (* ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Not Sure ( ) Dont have cell phone 6. Do you have a: ( ) Friendster account (* ) Facebook account ( ) Myspace account ( * ) Twitter account ( ) Google+ account 7. Why did you make a social networking account? ( ) because I was bored ( ) because thats where my friends are ( ) because I felt pressured (* ) because I really wanted to make one ( ) others 8. What is the main way you check your social networking site? ( ) From my cell phone or other mobile device ( ) From a laptop or desktop computer ( *) Both equally 9. About how many times a day do you check your social networking site? (* ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify:_________________

10. How often do you post things to your own or someone elses social networking site? ( ) Several times a day ( ) Once a day ( ) Several times a week

( ) Once a week ( * ) Less than once a week 11. Do you stay up late using the social networking sites? ( ) yes ( * ) no 12. Aside from social networking, for what reasons do you use the internet? ( ) computer games ( ) watching movies online ( ) blogging ( * ) research ( ) online shopping ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________________ 13. Do you use social networking sites during school days? ( * ) yes ( ) no 14. Why do you use social network sites? ( *) Entertainment purposes ( * ) Chat ( ) Games ( *) school related works ( ) to appear cool or in ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 15. Who do you talk to in your social networking sites? (select all that applies) ( ) Family ( * ) significant other ( *) friends ( ) strangers 16. Do you really need to surf the net or you can live without the internet? ( *) yes ( ) no 17. Do you think using social networking sites can affect your grades in school? ( *) yes ( ) no 18. How long could you go without using social networking sites?

( ) 1 day ( ) 2-3 days ( ) 4-6 days ( * ) a week ( ) 2 weeks ( ) 3 weeks ( ) a month ( ) others. Please specify: ____________________ 19. Will it be okay if there was no social networking? ( ) yes ( *) no

Part 2 20. Have you ever: Yes Flirted with someone online who you wouldnt have flirted with in person Said something bad about someone online that you wouldnt have said in person Become friends with someone you met online Edited pictures to make yourself look better before you posted them online 21. Using my social networking site: Agree * Disagree No *

* *

Has helped me get to know other students at my school better Has helped me stay in touch with friends I cant see on a regular basis often distracts me when I should be paying attention to the people Im with has taken away from time I could be spending with friends in

person helped me be more aware of current events

22. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Strongly agree Sometimes I wish I could just unplug for a while Sometimes I wish I could go back to a time when there was no Facebook I love posting photos of me and my friends online I get stressed out about how I look when I post pictures online I feel pressured to post photos even when I dont want to I feel bad about myself when nobody comments on or likes my photos * Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

23. Please choose the answer that best applies to your experience. Using my social networking site makes me feel: a. ( ) More confident ( ) Less confident (* ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other b. ( )Better about myself ( ) Worse about myself ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other c. ( *) More connected with my family and friends ( ) Less connected with my family and friends

( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other d. (* ) More sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Less sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other e. ( *) More outgoing ( ) Less outgoing ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other f. ( ) More depressed ( ) Less depressed ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other

g. ( ) More popular ( ) Less popular ( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other h. ( ) More shy ( ) Less shy ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other 24. Has using social networking site mainly helped or mainly hurt your relationships with your: Mainly helped Mainly hurt Has not made much difference one way or the other

Friends Teachers Parents Siblings Other family members like cousins, aunts and uncles, or grandparents

* * * * *

The third respondent is a 19 year old female student who has an internet connection at home. She surfs the net every day for approximately 3 to 4 hours. She has a smartphone which she uses to check her Facebook and Twitter account. The respondent also answered that she doesnt stay up late because of social networking sites. She believes that her frequent use of social networking sites affect her grades in school. And aside from social networking, like respondent #2, respondent #3 also uses the internet because of a hobby of

playing computer games. And like respondent #2, the respondent #3 also makes use of the internet to research. And because of social networking, the respondent now feels more connected with her family and friends, and more sympathetic to what other people are going through. Overall, social networking sites mainly helped the respondents relationship with other people. 4th respondent

SURVEY FORM
Please put an asterisk * inside the parenthesis of your answer. (Select all that applies) PART 1

1. Internet access: ( *) Do you have your own internet connection? ( ) Are you just renting a computer? 2. How many hours do you surf the net in a day? ( ) 1-2 hours ( ) 3-4 hours ( ) 5-6 hours (* ) 7-8 hours ( ) 9-10 hours ( ) 11-12 hours ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 3. How frequent do you surf the net in a week? (* ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify: _________________ 4. When do you use the internet? (* ) morning (* ) afternoon ( * ) evening ( ) midnight

5. Is your cell phone a smartphone? In other words, can you use it to check email, download apps, or go online? (* ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Not Sure ( ) Dont have cell phone 6. Do you have a: ( ) Friendster account (* ) Facebook account ( ) Myspace account ( * ) Twitter account ( ) Google+ account 7. Why did you make a social networking account? ( ) because I was bored ( * ) because thats where my friends are ( ) because I felt pressured ( ) because I really wanted to make one ( ) others 8. What is the main way you check your social networking site? ( ) From my cell phone or other mobile device ( ) From a laptop or desktop computer ( *) Both equally 9. About how many times a day do you check your social networking site? ( * ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify:_________________

10. How often do you post things to your own or someone elses social networking site? ( ) Several times a day ( ) Once a day ( ) Several times a week

( ) Once a week ( * ) Less than once a week 11. Do you stay up late using the social networking sites? ( ) yes ( * ) no 12. Aside from social networking, for what reasons do you use the internet? ( ) computer games ( ) watching movies online ( ) blogging ( * ) research ( ) online shopping ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________________ 13. Do you use social networking sites during school days? ( * ) yes ( ) no 14. Why do you use social network sites? ( *) Entertainment purposes ( * ) Chat ( ) Games ( *) school related works ( ) to appear cool or in ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 15. Who do you talk to in your social networking sites? (select all that applies) ( * ) Family ( ) significant other ( *) friends ( ) strangers 16. Do you really need to surf the net or you can live without the internet? ( *) yes ( ) no 17. Do you think using social networking sites can affect your grades in school? ( *) yes ( ) no 18. How long could you go without using social networking sites?

( ) 1 day ( ) 2-3 days ( * ) 4-6 days ( ) a week ( ) 2 weeks ( ) 3 weeks ( ) a month ( ) others. Please specify: ____________________ 19. Will it be okay if there was no social networking? ( ) yes ( *) no

PART 2 20. Have you ever: Yes Flirted with someone online who you wouldnt have flirted with in person Said something bad about someone online that you wouldnt have said in person Become friends with someone you met online Edited pictures to make yourself look better before you posted them online 21. Using my social networking site: Agree * Disagree No *

* *

Has helped me get to know other students at my school better Has helped me stay in touch with friends I cant see on a regular basis often distracts me when I should be paying attention to the people Im with has taken away from time I could be spending with friends in

person helped me be more aware of current events

22. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Strongly agree Sometimes I wish I could just unplug for a while Sometimes I wish I could go back to a time when there was no Facebook I love posting photos of me and my friends online I get stressed out about how I look when I post pictures online I feel pressured to post photos even when I dont want to I feel bad about myself when nobody comments on or likes my photos * Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

23. Please choose the answer that best applies to your experience. Using my social networking site makes me feel: a. ( * ) More confident ( ) Less confident ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other b. ( * )Better about myself ( ) Worse about myself ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other c. ( * ) More connected with my family and friends

( ) Less connected with my family and friends ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other d. ( * ) More sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Less sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other e. ( * ) More outgoing ( ) Less outgoing ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other f. ( ) More depressed ( ) Less depressed ( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other

g. ( * ) More popular ( ) Less popular ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other h. ( ) More shy ( ) Less shy ( * ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other 24. Has using social networking site mainly helped or mainly hurt your relationships with your: Mainly helped Mainly hurt Has not made much difference one way or the other * * * *

Friends Teachers Parents Siblings Other family members like cousins, aunts and uncles, or grandparents

5th respondent

SURVEY FORM
Please put an asterisk * inside the parenthesis of your answer. (Select all that applies) PART 1

1. Internet access: ( ) Do you have your own internet connection? ( * ) Are you just renting a computer? 2. How many hours do you surf the net in a day? ( ) 1-2 hours ( ) 3-4 hours ( * ) 5-6 hours ( ) 7-8 hours ( ) 9-10 hours ( ) 11-12 hours ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 3. How frequent do you surf the net in a week? (* ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify: _________________ 4. When do you use the internet? ( ) morning (* ) afternoon ( * ) evening ( ) midnight 5. Is your cell phone a smartphone? In other words, can you use it to check email, download apps, or go online? ( ) Yes ( * ) No ( ) Not Sure ( ) Dont have cell phone 6. Do you have a: ( ) Friendster account (* ) Facebook account ( ) Myspace account ( ) Twitter account

( ) Google+ account 7. Why did you make a social networking account? ( ) because I was bored ( * ) because thats where my friends are ( ) because I felt pressured ( ) because I really wanted to make one ( ) others 8. What is the main way you check your social networking site? ( ) From my cell phone or other mobile device ( * ) From a laptop or desktop computer ( ) Both equally 9. About how many times a day do you check your social networking site? ( ) everyday ( ) once a week ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week ( * ) four times a week ( ) More. Please specify:_________________

10. How often do you post things to your own or someone elses social networking site? ( ) Several times a day ( ) Once a day ( * ) Several times a week ( ) Once a week ( ) Less than once a week 11. Do you stay up late using the social networking sites? (* ) yes ( ) no 12. Aside from social networking, for what reasons do you use the internet? ( ) computer games ( ) watching movies online ( ) blogging ( * ) research ( ) online shopping ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________________

13. Do you use social networking sites during school days? ( * ) yes ( ) no 14. Why do you use social network sites? ( *) Entertainment purposes ( * ) Chat ( ) Games ( ) school related works ( ) to appear cool or in ( ) Others. Please specify: ________________ 15. Who do you talk to in your social networking sites? (select all that applies) ( * ) Family ( * ) significant other ( ) friends ( ) strangers 16. Do you really need to surf the net or you can live without the internet? ( *) yes ( ) no 17. Do you think using social networking sites can affect your grades in school? ( *) yes ( ) no 18. How long could you go without using social networking sites? ( ) 1 day ( ) 2-3 days ( ) 4-6 days ( ) a week ( * ) 2 weeks ( ) 3 weeks ( ) a month ( ) others. Please specify: ____________________ 19. Will it be okay if there was no social networking? ( ) yes ( *) no

PART 2 20. Have you ever: Yes Flirted with someone online who you wouldnt have flirted with in person Said something bad about someone online that you wouldnt have said in person Become friends with someone you met online Edited pictures to make yourself look better before you posted them online 21. Using my social networking site: Agree * Disagree * No

* *

Has helped me get to know other students at my school better Has helped me stay in touch with friends I cant see on a regular basis often distracts me when I should be paying attention to the people Im with has taken away from time I could be spending with friends in person helped me be more aware of current events

22. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Strongly agree Sometimes I wish I could just unplug for a while Sometimes I wish I could go back to a time when there * Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

was no Facebook I love posting photos of me and my friends online I get stressed out about how I look when I post pictures online I feel pressured to post photos even when I dont want to I feel bad about myself when nobody comments on or likes my photos

23. Please choose the answer that best applies to your experience. Using my social networking site makes me feel: a. (* ) More confident ( ) Less confident ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other b. (*)Better about myself ( ) Worse about myself ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other c. (* ) More connected with my family and friends ( ) Less connected with my family and friends ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other d. (*) More sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Less sympathetic to what other people are going through ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other e. (*) More outgoing ( ) Less outgoing ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other f. ( * ) More depressed ( ) Less depressed ( ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other

g. ( ) More popular ( ) Less popular ( *) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other h. ( ) More shy ( ) Less shy (* ) Doesnt make much difference one way or the other 24. Has using social networking site mainly helped or mainly hurt your relationships with your: Mainly helped Mainly hurt Has not made much difference one way or the other * * * *

Friends Teachers Parents Siblings Other family members like cousins, aunts and uncles, or grandparents

CONCLUSION: Five out of five teens have social networking sites, and 4 of teens are on their sites on a daily basis. All of the respondents said that the reason why they use social networking sites is to entertain themselves. Others also noted the use social networking sites to talk or connect with friends and loved ones. Also, that they use their social networking sites for school related stuff, just like in Facebook where you can share files and post announcements and the like. This form of media does not appear to be causing great tumult in teenagers lives. It is a relief to learn that majority of the population express an overall sense of happiness with their lives, feel self-confident, and get along well with their parents. And there is a steadiness in their belief that what happens on their social networking site makes no difference in terms of how they feel about themselves. It is especially reassuring to see that teens are so much more likely to get a positive boost from using their social networking site than it is for it to make them feel low. We know from news reports and other research that, for some young people, social networking can contribute to feelings of depression or social isolation; so it is with some relief that the researchers find that only one of teens say social networking makes her feel more depressed, compared to 4 teens who said it doesnt make much difference one way or the other. This fact doesnt make the negative interactions that some teens experience any less significant, but it is an important lens through which to view the issue at a societal level.

And for all the difficult stories on TV about teens whose social lives have been turned upside down by something negative that happened online, it is good to know that the positive effect on relationships among other people outweighed the negatives. It is also interesting to see hints of Facebook fatigue among this age group. It appears that the timeconsuming pressures of social media are beginning to take a bit of a toll, even among young people. Indeed, there are already a noticeable number from the population who sometimes wish they could unplug or even go back to a time when there was no Facebook. Always being on can be tiring, and it seems that even some teens are beginning to look for relief even if they have to pretend to lose their cell phones to get it. Of course, those who are immersed in social media may not be best positioned to assess whether it is having an impact on them or not. Parents, educators, and child development experts all need to keep a careful eye on the role of social media in teenagers lives, and these adults may offer critical insights and cautions. After all, none of us can accurately assess the impact that relentless advertising may have on our desires or behaviors or fully understand how our horizons may be limited or expanded by the virtually everywhere cultural messages. But hearing from teenagers first-hand about how they assess the impact of social media on their own social and emotional well-being is important; their perspective, while not the only one, is critical. People wont know for a long time how the immediacy of digital communication may be shaping interpersonal relationships and social skills. But the results of this survey do help put the challenges and pitfalls of social media into a broader perspective and offer reassurance that, for the most part, the teens are all right.