The PEW Internet group have released a short report on the use of social networking sites by teenagers in the US.

The survey finds that more than half (55%) of all online American youths ages 12-17 use online social networking sites, and that older teens, particularly girls, are more likely to use these sites. For girls, social networking sites are primarily places to reinforce pre-existing friendships; for boys, the networks also provide opportunities for flirting and making new friends.

No real surprises here – but it’s helpful to have this sort of data available to us. I suspect the figures wouldn’t be that much different in NZ.