Being a teenager and relationships mediated by social networks on the internet

Abstract

Objective: To inquire about the relationship between the appropriation and use of virtual social networks and the construction of self in school teenagers. Materials and methods: Qualitative study led by the guidelines of the grounded theory and the approach of symbolic interactionism. The study was carried out in the years 2016-2017 with 19 tenth grade students of a municipality in the east near Medellin, Colombia. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Results: The construction of identity in these adolescents occurs in interactions with their families, friends and interest groups, and mediated by virtual social networks. These social networks satisfy their information, knowledge, communication and entertainment needs, and reflect on the opportunities and threats associated with their use. Conclusion: Teenagers have an active attitude towards life and the appropriation and use of virtual social networks for interactions with others and, the search for information that satisfies their interests, opens a window to the world for them.