Sexting. Cyberbullying. Narcissism. People--and especially the media--are consumed by fears about the effect of social media on young people. We hear constantly about the dangers that lurk online, and about young people's seemingly pathological desire to share anything and everything about themselves with the entire world.

Examines how young people really feel about social media. Pairs large online survey data with in-depth, personal interviews with students from 13 college campuses across the US.

Ms. Freitas's detailed survey adds substance to her compelling thesis. Her interviews with 184 randomly selected, diverse students from 13 colleges - public and private, selective and less so - covered faith, parents, selfies, sexting and individual social-media histories... Some of her interviews contain real gems. One woman reported being so attached to her phone that, mugged for it on a bus, she pursued the muggers and to get it back gave them $150.