Follow the rules and no one will get hurt: performing boundary work to avoid negative interactions when using social network sites

Abstract

Social network sites (SNSs), like Facebook, have widespread appeal among emerging adults, yet they also present the potential for negative interactions. Interviews (N = 227) with emerging adults from Wave 3 of the National Study of Youth and Religion reveal the boundary work emerging adults undergo to limit negative SNS interactions and how they navigate the dynamic and permeable boundaries between positive and negative interactions. This work includes following three informal rules meant to limit negative interactions: do not share excessive personal information, do not spy on or stalk other users, and make online friendships with people one already knows. Several important implications result from this boundary work: crossing boundaries can have negative offline and online consequences, following the informal rules helps stabilize SNS communities by limiting the potential and severity of harmful interactions, and SNS may be popular among emerging adults but some disenchantment is not uncommon and some emerging adults may not use SNS as a result.

Keywords:

• social network sites
• emerging adults
• symbolic boundaries
• boundary work
• social interaction

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the John Templeton Foundation for their generous funding of the NSYR and to the anonymous reviewers whose feedback improved this paper.

Notes on contributors

Brian J. Miller is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Wheaton College. His recent published research articles look at the role of character in suburban growth and development, the meaning of the term McMansion, and the relationship between religiosity and SNS use among emerging adults. [email: [email protected]]

Peter Mundey is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame. His dissertation explores the relationship between religion and consumerism. Other research interests include megachurches, religious giving, prosperity theology, emerging adults, and social networking sites. Mundey has also been a research assistant for projects affiliated with Notre Dame's Center for the Study of Religion and Society, including the Northern Indiana Congregations Study, National Study of Youth and Religion, and Science of Generosity. [email: [email protected]]