Dr Short was interviewed by BBC Newsbeat at the University’s Luton campus last week, following her analysis of research conducted for BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat by ComRes.

The report reveals that 36% of 15-18-year-olds admitted to meeting someone via social media, leading Dr Short, Director of the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research’, based at the University of Bedfordshire, to question what safety measures they are taking.

“The fact that a third have met someone they met online is worrying and concerning,” she said. “They have lost sight - to a degree - of the risk because anyone that you meet online, even if you negotiate with them [and] talk to them, they are still actually a stranger.

“You only know what they're telling you in chat. You only have the words on the screen.

“You don't know if they are who they say they are. Even though it feels a safe place, it's really important to never mistake an online contact for anything other than a stranger.”

ComRes interviewed 1015 British 15-18-year-olds - online between 21st and 28th August 2014.

The study also revealed that over a quarter of respondents consider their online friends and followers more important than real-life relationships.

In the wake of the research, Dr Short, Course leader for Psychology Counselling and Therapies, at the University produced her own analysis of the findings. Her report delves into the issues surrounding social networking and online identities, such as that 46% have felt jealousy online.

Almost half of all those asked revealed they find it easier to talk openly online, whilst more than 50% say it is important to check online notifications immediately. 

Her report concludes that a quarter of people said they wished they could give up social media.