Almost 200 teens were the subject of an experiment conducted by a team of researchers. The team identified 190 profiles of 18- to 20-year-olds that contained three or more references to sexual behaviours or substance abuse. The teens received a letter with a message from a doctor explaining the situations that may be triggered by such information posted on the social networking sites. Besides that, the letter gave information about sexually transmitted diseases.

 

At the end of the study, the team noticed that those who received the letter were more likely to eliminate sexual references from their profiles and conversations. They were also more likely to make their pages private.

 

Dr. Megan Moreno, who conducted the experiment, explained that a lot of young people don’t realize that anyone beyond their friends would be interested in this personal information. When they found out that such conversations may attract sexual predators or may influence their future career (if business recruiters look for their profile) the situation changed. The cautionary message helped them realize the consequences of displaying risky behaviours, such as sexual information or other personal stories.

 

Results from the study are published in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.