The public discussion about "online reputation" has gotten darker, as "public shaming" appears in more and more headlines. We may think it's tough to be a celebrity, having everything one does – good, bad or anything in between – go viral. But it's even tougher not to be, if you post something negative online. Because when you're not a celebrity, it seems only bad stuff goes viral, not just every … [Read more...] about From public shaming to public compassion
Youth
Youth participation’s growing momentum
It's exciting to see the signs of adult support for youth voices and participation multiplying. It's important and it's time. Here is just a sampler of this encouraging trend: Agency for citizenship. In Internet safety circles, we're seeing increasing focus on citizenship (online and offline) rather than on safety alone – safety as a means to competent participation and expression in … [Read more...] about Youth participation’s growing momentum
Sexting & the plummeting teen pregnancy rate
Don't believe anything you hear about sexting causing an increase in teen pregnancy. There is no way it can be true. How can I say that? Because teen pregnancy in the US has plummeted since 2007. "For five years now, America's teen birth rate has plummeted at an unprecedented rate, falling faster and faster. Between 2007 and 2013, the number of babies born to teens annually fell by 38.4%," … [Read more...] about Sexting & the plummeting teen pregnancy rate
Millennials’ startup: Social change in a social-networking skin
How fitting for a social network service for social good to launch on Martin Luther King Day. Created by millennials to have "a positive ripple effect," its name, RIZZARR.com, comes from the Spanish verb "rizar," which means "to ripple or ruffle the surface." "Our goal is to provide a positive, globally connected platform where both inspirational news and content from Millennials are shared" by … [Read more...] about Millennials’ startup: Social change in a social-networking skin
Kids’ top social media picks: New resource for parents
Here's a super starting point for a conversation with your children about social media: NetAware, a brand-new set of reviews of kids' top social media services. It's not the first such resource for parents, but two things set it apart: These are kids' own top social media picks. This isn't adult guesswork. Because part of its mission is to "ensure the voices of children are heard in … [Read more...] about Kids’ top social media picks: New resource for parents