How Do Teens Interact With Each Other?

Teenagers interact with each other in many different settings which allow them to get to know one another better and explore new friendships, hobbies and potential romantic relationships. Friendships change as youth move into their teen years and start to prioritize time with their peers, as well as go to activities without adult supervision, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Furthermore, the formation of cliques may boost a teenager's self-confidence and sense of belonging, which can contribute to the identity he is desperately trying to define. Teenagers interact with one another through electronic communication, at school dances, on sports teams and in the car.

  1. Through Electronic Communication

    • The use of electronic communication is broad among teenagers and adults alike, and social media is becoming a more common way to communicate with one another. Ninety-three percent of teenagers use the Internet, and many see it as a social place where they can tell stories, share artistic creations and interact with their peers, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Texting is another popular way for teenagers to communicate. However, a June 2012 Common Sense Media study found that talking to one another in person is still a teenager's favorite way to communicate; 49 percent said they favored in-person communication, 33 percent preferred texting, 7 percent preferred social networking, 4 percent preferred the phone and 1 percent preferred communicating via social media sites like Twitter.

    At School Dances

    • Teenagers enjoy attending school dances, including prom and homecoming, and interact with each other through dancing to popular music. A modern and popular type of dance is "grinding," which is a sexually explicit dancing style where both partners move their hips together in a circular or figure-eight motion. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, author of "Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child's True Potential," states in a 2013 "Psychology Today" article that grinding happens in high schools all over the United States, and reflects a lack of boundaries in adolescent relationships because of its explicit, anonymous and sexual nature.

    On Sports Teams

    • Being on a sports team is a popular activity for many teenagers. Whether it be basketball, football, volleyball or gymnastics, being involved in sports may be beneficial to teenagers who learn the value of teamwork and commitment. The Child Development Institute reports that with TV, computers and video games becoming more common, it is easier for a teenager to isolate herself instead of getting out with friends. Sports gives teenagers the opportunity to socialize, and stay in shape while doing so.

    In the Car

    • Teenagers are just beginning to express independence, and one of the most significant transitions into adulthood for many teenagers is the privilege to drive. Driving may cause teenagers to take risks if they are surrounded by other teenagers they wish to impress. Healthy Children states that teenage driving accidents go up progressively with the number of teenagers in the car. Impulsiveness and the distraction that friends can cause are responsible for this statistic, since relationships with others may cause a teenager to take a risk he otherwise would not.

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