Abstract

The results of a study exploring the relationship between perception of risk and lived experience by adolescents in online environments are presented. Adolescents reported perceived safety and control over content regardless of negative experiences and social gratification received. The study involved 370 students aged 14 to 18 from four secondary education centers in Segovia (Spain). The results show that three out of four adolescents had encountered some kind of negative experience in social networks, but these episodes did not influence their risk assessment. Preventative actions and acceptable behaviors are proposed for adolescents in social networks.