In the first stage, teens are mostly text-messaging or
instant-messaging friends and haunting sites such as Facebook — what the
researchers call a "lightweight means" of maintaining friendships. "Messing
around" begins when teens take an interest in media itself: composing music,
editing photos or shooting video, driven more by interests than a desire to be
with friends.
"Geeking out" involves using new media in an "intense,
autonomous and interest-driven way" that often leaves friends in the dust as
teens seek out experts for help.