Effect of Age on the Use and Impact of Social Networks in the Dominican Youth
Emmanuel Silvestre, Raquel Michelena, Oliver Cruz

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to describe the effect of age on the use and impact of social networks in the Dominican youth. The data was gathered through an online survey from a sample of 435 subjects. The questionnaire was built after a qualitative phase with four focus groups. The research included as independent variables Socioeconomic status, Sex and Age, but here we only reported the results related to differences among the considered groups of age: 11-15, 16-20, 21-25 and 26 to 35 years.The group from 11 to 15 years showed a more positive attitude to social networks, as well as more vulnerability, than the older users. Although the majority of the users said social networks increase acquaintances, but no close friends, limits physical socialization, cause addiction and social isolation, the youngest ones said that the networks help us to know us better and to approach others.

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