LinkedIn has always been the social network site that was closest to the "original" (or pre-Web 2.0) idea of networking – the professional kind. So, since a lot of people start thinking about callings and careers before they're 18, it makes sense that LinkedIn should be open to high school students. This week the social site announced it would open its doors to people 14-17. LinkedIn also … [Read more...] about LinkedIn adds teens & university profiles
The anonymity factor
A sidebar to the first and second parts to what has turned out to be a series on digital bullying & self-harm: Although anonymity has long been a source of safety, especially in political and human rights situations, it has been cited largely as a source of danger where teens and social media are concerned. Ask.fm, a social media that allows anonymous posting, figured prominently in early … [Read more...] about The anonymity factor
Reflexive responses to digital bullying & self-harm not helpful
Readers, as new information has emerged in the UK's recent teen suicide case, I felt it might be useful to you if I gather together some insights, wisdom and context on "digital self-harm" from the past several years into one place. So here's Part 2 (Part 1 is here)…. If what Ask.fm executives reportedly said about the hate messages on Hannah Smith's page is true – and it's very likely to be – … [Read more...] about Reflexive responses to digital bullying & self-harm not helpful
Teens & social media: Parents’ other job
An interesting myth about social media is the one about tension between teen privacy and teen safety. Because of all the scary messaging about the Internet that has been in circulation for almost two decades, many parents seem to believe it's their job to monitor their children's Net use closely. The assumption is that privacy (from parents) jeopardizes their safety. That assumption deserves to … [Read more...] about Teens & social media: Parents’ other job
Most US teen Net users seek out privacy advice: Study
Privacy in social media is important to US teens (and undoubtedly all teens). We knew this but just got further confirmation today from the Pew Internet Project's new study, "Where Teens Seek Online Privacy Advice." "The majority of teens set their profile to either fully or partially private," the authors report, and it they can't figure out how to manage their settings themselves, they get … [Read more...] about Most US teen Net users seek out privacy advice: Study