Research and Writing

Instant Identity: Adolescent Girls and the World of Instant Messaging
by Shayla Thiel Stern -- Available now on Amazon.com
Based on ethnographic research and the actual Instant Messages of adolescent girls (aged 12-15) from different races, backgrounds and geographic locations, this book investigates how gender and identity are articulated by girls as they use Instant Messaging with their peers and examines the cultural implications of IM as they relate to this generation. Published by Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.

"This accessibly written book gives readers direct insights into how instant messaging has become a vital part of American adolescent girls everyday lives. Shayla Thiel Stern's method of inviting teenage girls to give her copies of their IM conversations breaks new ground for the study of digital media among teens. Her analysis of these conversations in light of feminist theory and cultural studies gives us a unique and sympathetic vantage point from which to consider [how] profanity, gossip, sexuality, friendship, parental relationships, and the negotiation of marketing messages continue to play important roles in the construction of teenage lives today. "

-- Lynn Schofield Clark, author of From Angels to Aliens: Teenagers, the Media and the Supernatural

"For readers -- feminist or nonfeminist -- Stern's book is not for the naive or faint of heart. Her revelations about the secret world of girls online highlights the parallel worlds of generations made more possible by personal technologies and social networking...Stern [has] give us [a] good resource to turn to as we continue to investigate how and why gender matters online."

-- Lana F. Rakow, professor, University of North Dakota, in Spring 2008 review for Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly

"It is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the role of technological developments such as instant messaging (IM) in the role of identity formation or those interested in beginning to understand adolescent girls and their communication practices."

-- Heather L. Gallardo, assistant professor, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, in May 2008 review for The Journal of Language and Social Psychology

For an updated list of publications and conference presentations, please download a c.v.