Recent research has established online social lives as a significant aspect of adolescents' lives and development. The current study considered the relationship between adolescents' offline (i.e., 'real life') and online social worlds and their self-concept, which is a broad indicator of well-being during adolescence. In this quantitative study, 733 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 (M?=?15, SD?=?2.33) were surveyed about their online and offline social worlds and self-concept. Regression analysis revealed the moderating effect of online socializing in the relationship between offline social life and general self-concept, consistent with a 'Rich Get Richer' hypothesis of online use. Teens were surveyed on their online and offline social lives and self-concept.Teens with high socialization in both settings have highest self-concept levels.Teens socializing highly online but not offline have lowest self-concept levels.Offline social lives moderate link between online social lives and self-concept.We suggest online social lives primarily benefit socially successful teens.
['Shereen Khan', 'Monique H. Gagné', 'Leigh Mijin Yang', 'Jennifer D. Shapka']
Exploring the relationship between adolescents' self-concept and their offline and online social worlds