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Teens, 'Like, Totally Connected' Via Social Networks
That coming-of-age leap from tween (ages 8-12) to teen is marked by more than just egocentrism and a pronounced fear of the opposite sex. It is also when most youngsters become fully immersed in e-communication and social networking, according to an October 2006 study by WOMMA member companies Harris Interactive and Alloy Media + Marketing. According to the study, not only are teens relying on social media to fuel their friendships, but they are also using online communities to practice social behaviors and explore aspects of their identity that might not be "safe" offline.
Other findings:
* 74% of teens use email and instant messaging versus 26% of tweens.
* 53% of teens would rather talk to their friends in person versus 81% of tweens.
* 36% of teens say they have friends they've never met in the "real world," though most teens use social networking to enhance relationships with people they already know.
* 30% of teens say they are more honest with their online friends.
* The average teen has 75 friends listed on their online profile, 52 on their IM buddy list, 39 on their email contact list, and 38 on their cell phone, and the number of contacts is often regarded as a status symbol.