The author, a youth culture and technology expert, uncovers some of the major myths regarding teens' use of social media. She explores tropes about identity, privacy, safety, danger, and bullying. Ultimately, she argues that society fails young people when paternalism and protectionism hinder teenagers' ability to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through their online interactions.

Identity : why do teens seem strange online? -- Privacy : why do youth share so publicly? -- Addiction : what makes teens obsessed with social media? -- Danger : are sexual predators lurking everywhere? -- Bullying : is social media amplifying meanness and cruelty? -- Inequality : can social media resolve social divisions? -- Literacy : are today's youth digital natives? -- Searching for a public of their own -- Teen demographics.