Study: Many teens cherish online possessions

A new study suggests that parents who are worried about their children's dependence on digital technologies are justified in their concerns.

The report, which was conducted by researchers from Carnegie Mellon's Human-Computer Interaction Institute, is based on a study of 21 teenagers. The team concluded that items that were once considered coveted by adolescents, such as books, photographs and CDs, are being replaced by electronic equivalents.

According to the study's authors, the participants expressed more interest in virtual belongings, such as pictures on their social networking profile, over hard-copy images in a frame. A significant factor contributing to the results was the fact that other online users could post comments and observe their belongings.

Researchers said that this dependence on internet-based content can create dilemmas for adolescents, who may feel pressured to delete or remove items based on space constraints or other people's opinions.

Past studies have shown that teens who excessively rely on social networking sites may develop self-esteem issues or depression.

Adolescents who spend too much time online may benefit from the programs offered by boot camps for troubled teens.