John
08-10-2009, 08:21 AM
A survey of British MySpace users aged 14 to 21 found that 36% found it easier to talk about themselves online than in the real world and thought their online friends knew more about them than their off-line ones.
In their real life social scene, nearly three quarters (72%) of youngsters said they felt "left out" and that they did not fit into any particular social group.
And more than four-fifths (82%) reported moving between four or more different groups of friends as they found it more and more difficult to be accepted.
Indicating how big an issue this difficulty in sustaining close real life friendships may be, 43% of those questioned named having a good group of friends as the most important factor in their future happiness.
Money came way down the list of keys to future happiness, with family, health and friends all rated as more important.
Rebekah Horne, MySpace Europe managing director, said: "This study shows us to what extent young people are using online as a way to explore and settle into their burgeoning identities."
But children's charity NSPCC cautioned against viewing the internet as a safe haven, warning that young people could be vulnerable to bullying online.
Phillip Noyes, Director of Public Policy at the NSPCC, said: "The technology has brought new ways to make friends. But it is also open to misuse and children can be vulnerable to bullying and abuse through this medium."
More than 16,000 MySpace users were polled for the survey.
In their real life social scene, nearly three quarters (72%) of youngsters said they felt "left out" and that they did not fit into any particular social group.
And more than four-fifths (82%) reported moving between four or more different groups of friends as they found it more and more difficult to be accepted.
Indicating how big an issue this difficulty in sustaining close real life friendships may be, 43% of those questioned named having a good group of friends as the most important factor in their future happiness.
Money came way down the list of keys to future happiness, with family, health and friends all rated as more important.
Rebekah Horne, MySpace Europe managing director, said: "This study shows us to what extent young people are using online as a way to explore and settle into their burgeoning identities."
But children's charity NSPCC cautioned against viewing the internet as a safe haven, warning that young people could be vulnerable to bullying online.
Phillip Noyes, Director of Public Policy at the NSPCC, said: "The technology has brought new ways to make friends. But it is also open to misuse and children can be vulnerable to bullying and abuse through this medium."
More than 16,000 MySpace users were polled for the survey.