HOW TECHNOLOGY REDUCES THE RISK-TAKING OF HOMELESS YOUTH

Abstract

BACKGROUND Homeless youth are at extreme risk for HIV/AIDS. Their risk taking behaviors have consistently been linked to their engagement with risk-taking peer networks. Modern communication technologies such as social media, cell phones, and email have changed what it means to be homeless. Youth today are not limited to connecting only with other high-risk youth, in person on the streets. Now, technologyusing youth are able to connect to pro-social networks comprised of family and friends who are not involved in the high-risk activities of street life.