Allen et al. (2010) conducted a longitudinal study previously examined in this
review. These researchers also explored Internet communication and the adjustment of
young adults. Their data displayed a positive relationship between pre‐adolescents with
positive friendships and young adults number of friends and support received from friends
on their online profile. Preteens who exhibited negative friendships were less likely to
connect with friends on their webpage. This research suggests continuity between face‐to‐
face relationships and how people behave online. “In a well‐known cartoon for The New
Yorker, a dog in front of a computer says to his canine companion ‘on the Internet nobody
knows you’re a dog.’ On the basis of the current findings, however, it is perhaps more
accurate to say ‘on the internet, you behave like the dog that you are’” (Allen et al., 2010, p.
55)