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MySpace v. Facebook

Over the past several years researchers and marketers have been tracking what websites teens use. First MySpace reigned supreme, but then Facebook emerged as the “mature” alternative. Users flocked to Facebook in droves, saying that MySpace was “trashy” and dangerous.

Since then there has been much chatter about why, how many, and which teens abandoned MySpace. Research suggests that there is a social and economic divide between MySpace and Facebook users—those on Facebook are more likely to be white, educated, and privileged. And although Facebook is the most popular social networking site right now, it’s getting older. Adults have discovered it and that makes it no longer cool. Will teens move on to something else?






Michelle Menillo, Educational Writer
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A Happy (And Safer) Halloween


Halloween is just two days away! While you've been making all of your last minute preparations—candy, costumes, and carving pumpkins—NetSmartz Workshop has been preparing to help you keep your child safer. Check out this list of Halloween safety tips and get ready for a safer night of fun.

NetSmartz Workshop
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Teens Talk Back: Facebook Relationship Statuses

Teen dating has gone digital. NetSmartz Intern Kasha Scott shares her take on the trend.

Everyone who has a Facebook page knows how important your “Relationship Status” is. Changing statuses account for 90% of the drama associated with Facebook. When people are asked about their relationship, the first question that many people are asked is whether or not they are “Facebook official.” The first way I find out about whether or not my friends are dating is often through Facebook. On the flip side, the first time I hear of a break-up will be by reading it on Facebook. A few of my friends have ended relationships by simply setting their status to “single” without telling their boyfriend or girlfriend.

While this trend tends to make the break-up more difficult than it should be, it definitely sends a message to the other person. Relationship statuses are a trend that is making teen dating more complicated than it already is. When do you change your relationship to say “In a relationship”? Is there a “relationship status talk” that couples need to have? Should there be specific rules about when to change your relationship status?

Not only are serious relationship status causing drama, but people are also marrying, engaged, and in open relationships with their best friends. For example, on Facebook under the relationship status, it will say “Sally is married to her best friend Nancy.” I believe that this also adds an interesting twist on the whole relationship status situation with Facebook. These relationships are simply among friends which is the reason I don’t really understand why the changes are being made. Is it for attention? Is it to mock the serious relationship status? Who knows, maybe this is a Facebook trend that will soon die out along with the quizzing craziness.





Kasha Scott, Intern


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