A Preliminary Investigation of Risks for Adverse Outcomes of Relationship Seeking on Social Network Sites (SNS): A Descriptive Study of Women Over 50 Seeking Relationships on MySpace in Hillsborough County, Florida

Carla VandeWeerdThe Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FLCorrespondence[email protected]

Jaime CorvinDepartment of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Martha CoulterThe Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Elizabeth PerkinsFlorida Center for Inclusive Communities, Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Robin TelfordThe Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Ali YalcinIndustrial and Management Systems Engineering Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Jaime MyersThe Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Bonnie YegidisSchool of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

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Abstract

In contrast to younger populations, little attention has been paid to the increase in seniors using Internet-based venues to find relationships and the potential risk for adverse outcomes this poses. This study examined data collected via an online survey from 45 ethnically diverse women aged 50+ “seeking relationships” on MySpace. The majority of women reported a relationship with someone they met online (85%). They also reported experiencing adverse events including financial exploitation (40%), threats (55%), and physical harm (38%) by someone they met online at levels greater than traditional relationship seeking in the general population. Directions for future research are explored.

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A Preliminary Investigation of Risks for Adverse Outcomes of Relationship Seeking on Social Network Sites (SNS): A Descriptive Study of Women Over 50 Seeking Relationships on MySpace in Hillsborough County, Florida

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A Preliminary Investigation of Risks for Adverse Outcomes of Relationship Seeking on Social Network Sites (SNS): A Descriptive Study of Women Over 50 Seeking Relationships on MySpace in Hillsborough County, Florida

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