Abstract
The aim of this paper was to provide an insight into some of the previously established findings regarding the factors associated with adolescent risky behavior on social networks, with a critical review of the research methodology in this field, as well as recommendations for future research. The paper examines some of the predictors of risky behavior on social networks - gender and age of adolescents, their concerns about online privacy, their personality traits, emotional and behavioral problems, as well as parental and peer mediation of adolescents’ online activities. The models that are most often used in order to explain adolescent risky behavior on social networks, with an emphasis on the Prototype Willingness Model, which attempts to explain risky behaviors that are not planned or rational, are explained as well. The shortcomings of previous research dealing with the verification of the Prototype Willingness Model for the explanation of risky behavior in the online context are highlighted, and the need for further research is explained. The lack of developed measures for assessing relevant constructs, the lack of longitudinal designs, as well as the fact that only a small number of studies take into account a larger number of factors potentially associated with adolescent risky online behavior have been stated as the biggest limitations of the previously mentioned research. Research progress in this field is of extreme importance, since the application of obtained results can contribute to the quality and success of preventive programs aimed at safer online behavior of children and adolescents.