Essentials
From the WTF Files...the latest danger of technology is supposedly "smartphone face," which people get from leaning forward and staring at their phones too much. Plastic surgeons say the "syndrome" is recognizable by an elongated face, sagging jowels, and lines that run from the corner of the mouth to the chin. (The Week)
The first batch of nominees for the Teen Choice Awards 2012 are in and "Vampire Diaries" leads the way with 6 nods, followed by the Biebs and "American Idol" with 5 noms each. But we're most excited about the newest categories: Choice Book and Choice Electronic Dance Music Artist. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Social media is becoming increasingly important in the job search and hiring process; more than 50% of companies look at potential hires' profiles to see if they are a good fit with the company's culture. Moreover, nearly 80% of college students are OK with companies contacting them directly on social media. (All Twitter)
Here's more proof that Pinterest is an essential platform for brands: according to Shopify, users are buying products they pin and spending $80 on an average purchase, which is double that of a purchase from a Facebook user. (Fast Company)
We're glad to hear that fewer teens and young adults are smoking today, which is partially attributed to an increase in cigarette taxes. Daily smoking dropped to 16% among 18-25 year olds in 2010, yet one in 12 adolescents still smoke as do one in three young adults. (Bloomberg)
Millennials want the latest technology so what are they doing with all their old, perfectly good gadgets? Giving them to their parents and older members of their family, hence the name hand-me-ups. Buzz Marketing Group is noticing this trend where Gen Y is teaching and supplying older adults with tech, as well as tech-savvy skills. (Huff Po)
It's no surprise that 76% of young voters say that jobs and unemployment are the top issues that concern them. Moreover, less than half of 18-29 year olds who are registered to vote say they'll definitely do so in the upcoming election. (Best Colleges Online)
Facebook's IPO was finally revealed at $38 per share! The price sets a total value for Facebook at $104 billion, meaning it has greater worth than any other U.S. company at its stock market debut. (CNN)
The CW is expanding its web presence with The CW Digital Studio, a platform for original online content including animation, game shows, comedy, and more that will be available on CWTV.com. Stay tuned for a roundup on the Upfronts next week and insights about which TV shows will likely attract Millennials. (The Wrap)
Three-quarters of parents consider tablets beneficial to kids and an equal percentage feel they help foster creativty. Moreover, more than a quarter have downloaded apps for their children according to this helpful infographic. (Mashable)
The Industry Perspective: Reaching The Female Gamer By Ignoring Stereotypes
Girl gamers are being overlooked by the video game industry. There are plenty of them out there, but…
The Girl Gamer Perspective: Marketing Messages Miss The Target
Julia is our gaming expert on the Youth Advisory Board, and as a girl gamer, she’s frustrated…
YAB Review: "Skyrim," The Latest Game In The Elder Scrolls Series
Today’s post comes to us from Julia, our resident Youth Advisory Board gamer. She’s been immersed…
YAB Review: Dragon Age 2
Today’s Ypulse Youth Advisory Board video game review comes from Julia Tanenbaum. Our resident YAB gamer steps…
YAB Review: Sims Medieval
Today’s Ypulse Youth Advisory Board video game review comes from Julia Tanenbaum. Our resident YAB gamer steps…
Get Gaming And Get Smarter: Educational Value In Video Games
For years we’ve been hearing how video games are bad for kids — they don’t finish their…
Ypulse Best And Worst Of 2010: Games
Ed. Note: For our list of the best and worst in games of 2010, we asked resident gamer Youth…
YAB Review: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Ed. Note: Today’s Ypulse Youth Advisory Board review comes from Julia Tanenbaum. Our resident YAB gamer steps…
Guest Post: Today's Gamers, Tomorrow's Programmers @ GDC Online
Today’s Ypulse Guest Post comes from Chase Straight, a recent Youth Advisory Board alumni and online community…
Guest Post: Technology, Toys, And Reaching Kids—Insights From The 2010 Engage! Expo
Today’s Ypulse Guest Post comes from Shann Biglione, a digital media advertising expert, who reports back from…
YAB Interview: Smart Bomb Interactive on National Geographic Animal Jam
Today’s Ypulse Youth Advisory Board interview is with Art Roche, Joi Podgorny and Jennifer Puckett, the brains…
My First E3: Nintendo Ruled, Microsoft & Sony Failed To Impress
After passing along the biggest buzz out of the E3 [Electronic Entertainment Expo] in Essentials last week, we’…
