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 (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 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 Address On MySpace Teen:52% Parent:Not Sure:36% Yes:33% No:31%

Releasing ‘Instant Message’ Name On 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: ParentChild 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

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