Las redes sociales digitales como espacios de sociabilidad de los adolescentes. El caso del colegio Escolapios de Aluche

Virtual sociability affords teenagers unlimited possibilities when building relationships with their peers in comparison with the limited social skills in the offline world, where informal social spaces are becoming more restricted. This project focuses on the role of virtual social networks in the socialization of teenagers and on the main social practices. A qualitative methodology has been selected; four different discussion groups among teenagers between 11 and 18 years old have been established. Opening a profile on social media is regarded as an initiation rite for adolescents and it represents a crucial function in their social inclusion. These networks enable them to increase their number of contacts and to interact on the same level as anyone who has a profile on social media. One of the main social practices is to observe and gossip, especially through pictures and videos associated with their daily lives. This helps them with socialization and identity-building. The project also highlights the importance of these social practices in improving their social skills and gaining recognition from others.