The influence of social networking sites on high school students' social and academic development
Dissertation
Author: June Ahn
Abstract:
This dissertation examines the effects of social network sites on youth social and academic development. First, I provide a critical analysis of the extant research literature surrounding social network sites and youth. I merge scholarly thought in the areas of Internet studies, digital divides, social capital theory, psychological well-being, identity development, academic engagement, and educational technology to understand how researchers might examine new social technologies and youth. Second, I examine the question of digital divide, or whether particular teenage populations do not have access to online social networks. Using a nationally representative dataset from the Pew Internet & American Life study, I explore whether there are disparities in teenage access to social network sites. Third, I report a cluster-randomized trial that was designed to explore whether social network sites have a beneficial impact when used in high school classrooms. A total of 50 classrooms, and nearly 1,400 students were randomly assigned to use an experimental social network site. The results highlight the challenges and potential of this technology when applied to school contexts. iii 
 Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
i i
List of Tables i v
Abstract
v
Chapter 1 :
Introduction
1
Chapter 2: The Effect of Social Network Sites on Adolescents’ Social and Academic Development – Contemporary Issues and Research
7
Figure 2.1: Average Number of One’s Active Network
35
Chapter 3 :
Digital Divide and Social Network Sites
–
Which
Students Participate in Social Media?
60
Chapter 4 :
The Effect of Social Networ k Sites on High School Students –
A
Cluster - Randomized Trial
85
Chapter 5 :
Future Directions for Research on Social Network Sites
121