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)
Ypulse Essentials: Apple's New iPad, Generations In The Workplace, Twitter Is Growing Faster Than Facebook
We followed along with the announcements from Apple’s iPad event (during which it announced an improved…
Ypulse Essentials: Tim Tebow Reads America A Bedtime Story, Hunger Games District IDs, Bonnaroo Announces Lineup
‘Charlotte’s Web’ tops the list of the 100 best books for kids (according to Scholastic’s Parent &…
Ypulse Essentials: 'Smash' Gives Back, The Tablet Takeover Begins, Declining Population Of U.S. Children
As part of its promotion for ‘Smash’ (NBC is launching an intitiative with 20 underserved schools across the country…
Ypulse Essentials: Where Netflix Stands As A TV Net, 2012 Is The Year Of Social Curation, Chris Columbus's Kid Lit
Netflix may have had its share of problems in 2011, but if it were a TV network (it would…
Counting Down To 2012, One Trend At A Time: Cord Cutting & Cutting Back
We follow youth culture and media trends closely throughout the year, and we’re seeing some significant shifts…
Ypulse Essentials: Xbox Is The Future Of TV, Google+'s 17%, Sony's Pre-Release Digital Downloads
Microsoft is billing its upgrade of the Xbox Live platform (as the “future of TV.” The new user…
Ypulse Essentials: Facebook Phone & Kindle Fire Models, Spotify Loses Labels, Toy Of The Year
Codenamed ‘Buffy,’ the fabled Facebook phone (is going to be a reality in a year or…
Ypulse Essentials: The Reality of Cord Cutting, Technotoys, Universities Embrace Google+
Cord cutting is becoming a reality (as cable nets recognize young viewers aren’t interested in expensive multichannel…
Ypulse Essentials: Household Spending On Streaming, Halloween Highlights, National Princess Week
DVD sales continue to tank (while household spending on streaming video services, such as Netflix, and DVD rentals…
Ypulse Essentials: Disney Signs Streaming Deals With Netflix & Amazon, Be A Material Girl, 'Beavis & Butt-Head' Revival Ratings
Despite Netflix’s series of mistakes (more and more networks are teaming up with the streaming service to…
Ypulse Essentials: 'Hunger Games' Posters, Redbox Pulling A Netflix?, Kids And TV Consumption
Every time ‘Hunger Games’ content hits the Web, the Internet goes into a frenzy (which happened…
Ypulse Essentials: Non-Traditional Entertainment Enters Malls, Gen Y Start Ups, H&M's New Goth Line
With the economy slumping and consumers spending less, it’s no surprise that malls (are filling vacant retail…
