Final answer:
The statement that online messaging among preexisting friends often boosts perceived intimacy is true. While social media aids in forming new friendships and intimacy, it also introduces challenges like cyberbullying and relationship quality issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the given statements about online interaction among friends, the first one is true: Online messaging between preexisting friends often increases adolescents' perception of intimacy in the relationship. This is supported by research indicating that texting can deepen one-on-one relationships. Furthermore, social networking sites like F_acebook play a significant role in both the formation of new friendships and the consolidation of existing friend groups among American teens. Social media platforms are integral to how teens communicate and engage in social relationships including the creation of new friendships, and the expression of self-identity. This is particularly relevant when we consider symbolic interactionism, which highlights the role of communication and symbols in the creation of social realities.
However, it is important to note that digital media also leads to new challenges, such as cyberbullying and F_acebook Addiction Disorder. There are also concerns about how the dominance of text messaging over voice conversations can impact the overall quality of relationships. Despite these potential negative impacts, the enhancement of intimacy in relationships and the formation of new friendships via social media remain significant aspects of the digital age's influence on social interactions.