Young people with physical disabilities and online social networks: New opportunities for the development of social skills?

Abstract

In recent years, online social networks asserted themselves as a very important form of communication. Accessibility, availability and anonymity are attractive features for many users. These networks could facilitate the development of social skills since they allow interaction with other internet participants.In this paper we have compared the range of social skills in young people with physical disabilities, users and non-users of online social networks, and their perception of how the social networks can enhance social skills. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between the use of online social networks and the perceptiont hat said networks help improving social abilities. A total of 134 young people with motor disabilities participated, 89 social-networks users and 45 non-users, (M = 22.25; DT= 4.33), who completed the Social Skills Scale. The results indicated more developed social skills in young users of online networks. In addition, a positive relationship between the use of online social networks, the belief that their use increase social skills and the development of these skills was identified.The results of this study can be useful as they highlight that social networks could fulfill a facilitating role of social interactions in social skills training programs.