The Girl Scout’s Research Institute recently released Who’s that Girl?, a new study about girls and social media. I am thrilled that more research is focused on the experiences of young girls online, especially since this population is often overlooked within technology studies. Here are some highlights from the study. The sample consisted of over 1000 girls aged 14-17:

-Within online venues, girls often describe themselves as funny, fun, and social. However, there is disconnect between their online and offline personalities. Girls often downplay their intelligence, confidence and kindness online.

-Girls with low self-esteem are more likely than girls with high self-esteem to construct a “sexy” and “crazy” persona within online settings such as social networking sites.

-68% of girls have encountered a negative experience within social networking sites. Bullying, name-calling, and gossip were common negative experiences.