Adolescents' Self-presentation on a Teen Dating Web Site: A Risk-Content Analysis

PurposeTo analzye adolescents' profiles on MyLol.net, a teen dating Web site, for risk content. We hypothesized that risk content would vary by age and gender.MethodsWe selected and coded 752 publicly viewable profiles of adolescents aged 14–18 years for the following five risks: sex, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and violence.ResultsOf the total profiles, 27.7% contained risk-related content: 15.8% sexual behavior, 13.8% alcohol use, 1.6% drug use, 6.8% cigarette smoking, and .9% violence activity. Being female, “single” relationship status, and use of profanity (p < .05) were associated with risk content.ConclusionsFemales' profiles were most likely to include risky content, especially sexual content. Adolescent females who have internalized social norms that place a high value on female sexuality may reflect this in their online profiles. Online mention of interest/involvement in risky behavior may have negative consequences (e.g., cyberbullies and sexual predators). Stronger universal Internet policies and education are needed to help protect adolescents.