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: New Reality Shows Feature Tech Start-Ups, Students Apply To More Colleges, Pinterest Board Covers

Check out the rest of today's essentials on kindergarten tweeters, the hottest apps, Invisible Children's Kony 2012 Part 2: Beyond Famous, and more...

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…

The Interest in Pinterest: A Millennial’s Perspective

Today’s post comes to us from Laura, a Youth Advisory Board member who is active on Pinterest…

Ypulse Essentials: Kids' Choice Award Nominations, Tweens And Tablets, Pinterest Is Addictive

We just got an eyeful of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award nominees (and we think these awards will…

Ypulse Essentials: The Superbowl Sets A Twitter Record, Verizon & Redbox's Streaming Service, Gen Y & Investments

We’re still buzzing about the Superbowl (including the actual game, halftime show, ads — view all of them…

Ypulse Essentials: Shopping With Social Media, Kindle Fire Steals Market Share, Teens Take On Twitter

Pinterest is growing rapidly and has quickly become the #5 social network (in terms of driving retail traffic, behind…

Ypulse Essentials: Lego Gets Social With ReBrick, eBooks Win Over Tots But Not Teens, Oscar Noms Are In

Lego has built its way into the social media world (with its new fan community, ReBrick, where users…

Counting Down To 2012, One Trend At A Time: Twitter Takes Over

We follow youth culture and media trends closely throughout the year, and we’re seeing some significant shifts…

Ypulse Essentials: Amazon's Children's Imprint, Twitter Time Capsule, JCPenney's Geniuses

Amazon gets on the kids’ book bandwagon (buying rights to 450 Marshall Cavendish titles, but it doesn’t plan…

Ypulse Essentials: Twilight Prom Dresses, Teens' Internet Activity, Walmart Wants Cord Cutters

Although there’s only one movie left in ‘The Twilight Saga’ (hysteria for the franchise isn’t going…

Ypulse Essentials: Twiday Is Here, Boomerang Grads Deprive Economy Of Money, From Facebook To Twitter

It’s finally here! Today is Twilight Friday (and “Breaking Dawn Part 1” has already set a franchise record…

YOUTH PULSE, INC.
299 BROADWAY, 19TH FL
NEW YORK, NY 10007