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 The Socialization of Youth via Twitter™

So∙cial∙i∙za∙tion: noun. - a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position(1).

In general, youth are socialized by their families, peers, educators, religious affiliation, and mass media. Social media sites like Twitter are socializing agents because of the information that can be gained by being connected to others and because of the skill gained through utilization. The two are distinguished because Twitter is the mode of communication. It does not set an agenda, emphasize issues, or assign responsibility. These ideals come from the users, which according to Twitter amount to 175 million.

Social media is a part of a youth’s informal education that involves imitation of what others do and say as well as experimentation and repetitive practice of basic skills. According to Dr. Dennis O’Neill, this is what happens when children role-play adult interactions in their games(2). Twitter serves as the medium for the proliferation of youth behavioral trends like idolizing celebrities.

“Friends and industry peers you know. Celebrities you watch. Businesses you frequent. Find them all on Twitter.” – Twitter.com

Superstar Justin Bieber has effectively used Twitter to drive actions from his network and ultimately become a huge teenage sensation. One year ago, almost NOONE had heard of the young aspiring singer. Justin utilized the social network as a way to directly communicate with his fans in an indirect way.  He is one of the first world wide popstars to figure out how to  influence his fan base efficiently through social media at a level that has not been achieved before  and now he has become a world wide phenomenon because of his actions.   

Youth are able to basically program their media influence by whom and which businesses they choose to follow. These sites give youth a direct line to their crush or idol for how to dress, what to eat, what car to drive, and more. So while Twitter does not drastically change the main sources in youth socialization, it does provide access to role models in a way that has previously been unattainable. It may also increase peer influence.

According to Twitter.com 95 million tweets are written per day. The minute-by-minute descriptions provided in tweets usually end up providing excessive amounts of information on an individual’s day and how he or she handled a situation. Youth “followers” are able to learn from that person’s experience and adopt those same responses, perhaps instead of going to a parent. Tamika Morrison notes that businesses often seek to influence youth through marketing in getting them to believe that a product is a “must-have” for his or her lifestyle(3). Businesses may gain personal information about youth on Twitter.

The constant communication on the site could give the impression that it is okay to disclose the intimate details of one’s life, whether true or false. The information on social media sites is not checked for accuracy or proof. Youth users can create a false life, vent their feelings and frustrations to their followers, and receive affirmation and attention when. The possibilities for error seem endless.

“Our youth are inundated with images of how to think and behave, which reinforce stereotypes, gender bias, and lifestyle choices that have the power to shape the opinions of individuals. It is critical to give students the tools to analyze the role the mass media plays in influencing individual and group behavior, and to identify the primary and secondary agents of socialization and evaluate their influence.”(4)

As stated in the previous quote, youth socialization through social media sites involves a large amount of images and messages at an increasing capacity. While the sites do not control what information is shared and received, sites like Twitter can play a role with youth by serving as an outlet for personal expression. With that being said, it seems vital that youth receive education in media literacy in order to establish privacy and resist persuasion.

What do you think?

References:
1. Dictionary.com
2. anthro.palomar.edu/social/soc_1.htm
3. www.understandingmarketing.com/2009/11/07/youth/
4. mr.koczij.com/resources/OISE/AQ/ISOC_UnitPlan_MediaAdolescents.pdf