Using a nationally representative diverse sample of 10- to 17-year-old youth, this study explores Black youths' Internet use, communication patterns, behavior, and victimization experiences via Internet and cell phone.
Findings yielded a number of differences between Black and non-Black youth, with Black youth using the Internet with more intensity and being more likely to gain access via cell phone. Notable within-group differences emerged, including the increased rates of sexual victimization and being sent sexual images via text for girls. With age, participants tended to communicate with more people they met online. In addition, the adolescent developmental task of exploring sexuality became more pronounced in the 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 age groups. (Publisher abstract modified)