Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking

Practicing social skills. Kids get a chance to meet all kinds of people online. Because socializing via technology isn't as immediate as face-to-face interactions or telephone conversations, kids have a little more time to think about a situation before they respond. This is an opportunity for them to experiment with greetings, responses, etc.
Defined/guided social interaction. While online communication technologies increasingly allow for free-form interaction, social interaction can be narrowed (for purposes of scope and safety). Some examples of focused interaction online include buddy/friend lists, moderated themed chat rooms or message boards, and, for younger children, the opportunity for parents to help a child by typing or reading along some of the time. This can help children build skills and confidence that will help them become more independent as they mature.
Creating private social spaces. More and more public places are watched so closely by adults that kids (especially teens) feel they can’t gather in groups without parents or another authority figure keeping track of them. Traditional hangouts like shopping malls are increasingly becoming “off limits” to unsupervised teens. Similarly, the corner store, pizza place, and video arcade are either scarce, or are unsafe or unfriendly toward kids who just want to "hang out."
Identity experimentation. A child can create an identity online that is different from what he normally presents. For example, a kid who really likes comics can be the “king of all comic knowledge” online without being teased about it at school. Such a child can also find a peer group online that appreciates this aspect of him.
Frequent use of existing and emerging/changing technologies. Technology is evolving faster than ever before. As children learn to adapt to new technologies (or new applications of existing technologies), they will be better equipped to adapt to future technology. This will help them quickly assess the risks of communicating through these new methods and adapt their behavior to maintain control over their own safety.
Additional Benefits for Kids with LD and AD/HD
Marshall H. Raskind, Ph.D., Director of Research and Special Projects at Schwab Learning explains that online social networking can be a normalizing experience for kids with LD or AD/HD. Some research suggests that people are more willing to disclose personal information online because of the anonymity. This means kids with special needs can express themselves, including thoughts and feelings, more easily and without fear of the rejection they may experience in “real” life. [Visit SparkTop.org, Schwab Learning's website for kids, for examples of such creative expression.]

The Risks of Networking Online
The risks of networking online are becoming well-known, in part through media attention. Risks for children and teens include:
Sharing one’s personal information with the “wrong crowd.” Unsupervised online contact with adults, older kids, or manipulative kids can potentially lead to personal physical danger.
Bullying. This may occur online only, or it may spill over to offline bullying committed by a school mate who has located his victim online.
The “permanency” of online profiles. Once information has been shared on the Internet — it’s out there … forever! Retrieving information that others have read and captured is nearly impossible. Sharing one’s personal profile, words, pictures, and videos can potentially lead to future embarrassment, harassment, and even discrimination in employment and school admissions (although the latter concern is being addressed).
Misinformation. Kids can find inaccurate and misleading information about safe sex, drug use, and racism/hate online.
Additional Risks for Kids with LD and AD/HD
Dr. Raskind notes that kids who have learning and attention problems may be especially vulnerable to online risks if they have traits and tendencies such as:
Impulsivity. A child who is impulsive may react or even hit the “send” button before carefully reviewing his message and its meaning.
Misreading or misunderstanding social cues. A child who misinterprets messages from other kids online may react internally or externally in a way that is inappropriate. The combination of being oversensitive and perhaps having trouble reading could cause such a reaction.
Difficulty with written expression. He may also be at risk for expressing something in writing that doesn’t accurately convey what he intends.
Loneliness. A child who craves social acceptance may be more easily lured into an unsafe online relationship. Online predators look for kids who communicate low self-esteem, which makes them a more vulnerable to bullying or predators