Introduction

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge in making and modifying

tools, machines, techniques, systems and methods of organization.1 Because of the easy

access to technological devices many teenagers are swallowed in the hi-tech world of

social networking sites and have made it part of their lifestyle. This is seen with the

leading networking sites including Facebook which has over 1.2 billion profiles, Twitter

which has over 200 million user, Instagram which has 150 million users and MySpace

which has 50 million users.

Although these sites were made with good intentions, they have lead to negative

impacts on many users especially teenagers. They are tremendously influencing their

lives in many ways including their behaviour. A study in 2009 had shown that 54% of

adolescents frequently discuss high-risk activities including sexual behaviour, substance

abuse or violence using MySpace.2 Teenagers now have the need to have an online

identity and this is affecting them in many ways that will be explored in this research.

Purpose of Research
The researcher was inspired to do this topic because it is a very pressing issue

throughout the world as we live in a modern society where everyone has access to social

networks which is creating a cyber world in which many teenagers are totally engulfed

in. This study has much educational value as it will alert and raise awareness of the

change in teenagers’ behaviours due to social networks and help them, their parents and

teachers on how to deal with such changes. Having gained knowledge through a scientific

research, this study will be able to assist educational institutions in understanding the