The Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project produces some of the most interesting public opinion research on the impact of digital life. Many of its findings have application in the media business.
Its latest study examines the growing phenomenon of "sexting" among teenagers, the sharing of sexually suggestive images and text on mobile phones and devices.
Pew found 15 per cent of teens had received such images; only four per cent acknowledged sending such material. Teens surveyed indicated there was enormous pressure to participate in order to start or maintain relationships.
The study suggests such sharing is a form of relationship currency, and therein is one of the connections with media --- the notion that social networking participation requires a certain behaviour, that technology's capacity builds a pressure for a particular use.
Its latest study examines the growing phenomenon of "sexting" among teenagers, the sharing of sexually suggestive images and text on mobile phones and devices.
Pew found 15 per cent of teens had received such images; only four per cent acknowledged sending such material. Teens surveyed indicated there was enormous pressure to participate in order to start or maintain relationships.
The study suggests such sharing is a form of relationship currency, and therein is one of the connections with media --- the notion that social networking participation requires a certain behaviour, that technology's capacity builds a pressure for a particular use.
