**IMPORTANT: NO DIRECT QUOTES. PLEASE USE EFFECTIVE PARAPHRASING.**
Adolescent Development, Socialization, and the Internet
Both social learning theory and Merton’s strain theory maintain that humans are social creatures. The social environment is paramount to human development; it is how we learn acceptable behavior, goals, and values?the essence of social learning theory. Conversely, the social environment can create antisocial behavior, behavior that results as a disconnect between societal values and goals, and the ability to attain these accepted values and goals?the essence of strain theory.
Imagine, then, what can happen if the social environment is online. With an estimated 90% of teenagers digitally engaged (Dretzin & Maggio, 2008), any examination of adolescent social development must include their use of the Internet, especially social networking sites. As you have learned, adolescence is a time of experimentation and individuation. What do you think would be the impact of going through this period of life “online”?what are the effects to adolescents of socializing digitally? You often hear of the negative consequences of Internet use by adolescents, e.g., cyberpredators and cyberbullying. Are there potential opportunities for adolescents as well?
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the information on social learning theory and strain theory from this week’s Resources (attached) and consider how these theories might apply to adolescentdevelopment.
Review the Frontline episode “Growing Up Online.” Consider the impact that adolescents‘ use of the Internet and social networking sites has on their development.
Review information on cyberbullying.
Conduct an academic literature search in the Walden Library for at least one scholarly article that examines the impact of Internet use, especially social networking sites, on adolescent development and behavior.
Think about how social learning theory and strain theory can explain adolescent behavior. Then, consider the impact that use of the Internet, particularly social networking sites, could have on this behavior.
The assignment (3?4 pages):
Evaluate how social learning theory and strain theory could be used to explain adolescentdevelopment and behavior.
Synthesize this information with the impact that adolescents‘ Internet use, specifically the use of social networking sites, could have on their development and behavior. Support your analysis by citing an academic journal article.
Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation
