Minority Student Initiative - Meagan E. Scott

Meagan E. Scott is a first year doctoral student at Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Tampa. She presented this poster: Role of Online Communications in Peer Interactions Among Juvenile Delinquents: What Does this Mean for Their Rehabilitation?
Congratulations on your presentation, Meagan!

Abstract:
As the prevalence of social media continues to rapidly grow in our society, research should
examine how this influence could be affecting the rehabilitation of juveniles and youths-at risk. The poster presented aimed to explore the potential of this influence, as well as the management of peer-to-peer interactions via online communications. Research suggests that juveniles are utilizing social media platforms as a means of having and saving “face”. This idea of “face” proves to be essential in prompting gang activity and facilitating online peer interactions (Lim, Chan, & Basnyat, 2012). As peer interactions continue to primarily happen online, it is crucial that clinicians have a deeper understanding of the role online communication plays in peer relationships, as well as examining if correspondences on popular online platforms (i.e.: Facebook) could be used to aid or inhibit rehabilitation for juvenile delinquents. Future implications could allow clinicians to incorporate online interactions in a meaningful way without compromising recovery. In addition, by better understanding the role online communications play in peer interactions, clinicians may be able to target at-risk-youth and minimize their exposure to negative stimuli, possibly resulting in fewer criminal cases and increased well-being. As the reliance of the internet continues to grow, this poster analyzed the mentioned goals, ultimately supporting the idea that online interventions could be used as a useful tactic for client growth and rehabilitation.

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