Peer Influence and Social Networking Websites: Applying Differential Association and Social Learning Theories to Online Interaction

Timothy McCuddy

Peer Influence and Social Networking Websites: Applying Differential Association and Social Learning Theories to Online Interaction

Timothy McCuddy

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Differential association and social learning theories explain how individuals learn deviant behavior through traditional in-person social interaction. Online social networking has paved the way for the younger generation to interact with their peer group using a distinctly different method. The purpose of this research is to take an exploratory approach in examining the relationship between online interaction and personal behavior. The current study examined 583 University of Memphis undergraduate students' self-reported personal deviant behavior, as well as the deviant behavior found within their online social networks. Results support the hypothesis that exposure to deviant behavior on online social networks is a predictor of personal deviant behavior. Moderating variables were introduced via multivariate analyses and were found to affect the strength of the relationship between the two sets of behaviors.

Original language	American English
Qualification	Ph.D.
Awarding Institution	Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Supervisors/Advisors	Bert Burraston, KB Turner, Advisor, External person
State	Published - 2013

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Cite this

@phdthesis{7c457237166347aba95bd191b9669eca,

title = "Peer Influence and Social Networking Websites: Applying Differential Association and Social Learning Theories to Online Interaction",

abstract = " Differential association and social learning theories explain how individuals learn deviant behavior through traditional in-person social interaction. Online social networking has paved the way for the younger generation to interact with their peer group using a distinctly different method. The purpose of this research is to take an exploratory approach in examining the relationship between online interaction and personal behavior. The current study examined 583 University of Memphis undergraduate students' self-reported personal deviant behavior, as well as the deviant behavior found within their online social networks. Results support the hypothesis that exposure to deviant behavior on online social networks is a predictor of personal deviant behavior. Moderating variables were introduced via multivariate analyses and were found to affect the strength of the relationship between the two sets of behaviors. ",

author = "Timothy McCuddy",

year = "2013",

language = "American English",

school = "Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice",

}

TY - BOOK

T1 - Peer Influence and Social Networking Websites: Applying Differential Association and Social Learning Theories to Online Interaction

AU - McCuddy, Timothy

PY - 2013

Y1 - 2013

N2 - Differential association and social learning theories explain how individuals learn deviant behavior through traditional in-person social interaction. Online social networking has paved the way for the younger generation to interact with their peer group using a distinctly different method. The purpose of this research is to take an exploratory approach in examining the relationship between online interaction and personal behavior. The current study examined 583 University of Memphis undergraduate students' self-reported personal deviant behavior, as well as the deviant behavior found within their online social networks. Results support the hypothesis that exposure to deviant behavior on online social networks is a predictor of personal deviant behavior. Moderating variables were introduced via multivariate analyses and were found to affect the strength of the relationship between the two sets of behaviors.

AB - Differential association and social learning theories explain how individuals learn deviant behavior through traditional in-person social interaction. Online social networking has paved the way for the younger generation to interact with their peer group using a distinctly different method. The purpose of this research is to take an exploratory approach in examining the relationship between online interaction and personal behavior. The current study examined 583 University of Memphis undergraduate students' self-reported personal deviant behavior, as well as the deviant behavior found within their online social networks. Results support the hypothesis that exposure to deviant behavior on online social networks is a predictor of personal deviant behavior. Moderating variables were introduced via multivariate analyses and were found to affect the strength of the relationship between the two sets of behaviors.

M3 - Doctoral Thesis

ER -