(is not only better at engaging teens than email — texting gets a 100% open rate! — it also leads to a dialogue. Sometimes, however, that takes an unexpected twist with teens texting to ask for help with personal problems. DoSomething is gathering data from those responses to map where and how teen issues are springing up in order to help curtail the problems) (TED)
– Kraft Mac & Cheese really appreciates its Facebook fans and to say thanks to all the users who “liked” its status earlier this week (the brand created a special message via song. The YellowJackets, an a capella group featured on NBC’s “The Sing Off” sang about how users broke the brands’ “like” record and even named people who “liked” the post in this personalized video! Although it’s a little cheesy, we “like” this clever message aptly called “Likeapella!”) (Mashable)
– Disney announced several new web shows at the digital-video upfronts this week including ‘Talking Friends‘ (a series based on the popular iPhone game “Talking Tom Cat.” We have a feeling it will be successful as it already has a huge following. The same goes for YouTube star Christina Grimmie who will get her own web show, “Power Up,” about gaming culture. But Disney is also focusing on web programming for parents including “Moms Of…” about mothers of famous people and “Dadster,” a reality show about a group of stay-at-home dads. In other TV news, MTV announced five new showsincluding “Underemployed,” “Wake Brothers,” and “Catfish,” based on the film of that title. But we’re most excited for Teen Wolf: The Hunt, a Facebook app that will let fans interact with the characters in real time!) (AdWeek) (Broadcast and Cable)
– We were a little surprised to hear that only 6% of teens use email daily (and that 39% never use email, yet it makes sense — texting, IM, and interacting on social media are their preferred methods of communication. Teen email usage however increases among those with smartphones since they’re connected to their phones at all times. Check out Pew’s full report here) (MediaPost).
– Unlike previous generations, Millennials don’t think they have to stick with one career for their whole lives (and in fact, they don’t plan to. They embrace the opportunity to figure things out and try different jobs without being confined to one field. But applying to jobs can be daunting and frustrating as Millennials explain. They’re mostly annoyed when job postings don’t include salaries and when companies don’t get back to them, even to say no. They wish for an answer, just so they can know if they have a chance) (Forbes) (YouTern)
– There are plenty of online spaces for teens and adults to show off their creativity and DIY projects (but what about kids? That’s why DIY, an app and online community for children, formed and serves to show off kids’ ideas and talent. Users get their own online portfolio to present their projects and a platform to see others’ works and show their support) (The Next Web)
– The It Gets Better Project has had a tremendous impact online, but now the message will be delivered in-person (through a nationwide tour of “It Gets Better” the performance! In partnership with the organization, members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of LA are spreading the message through music, theater, and multimedia, using influential songs that are popular on the radio to reach youth. They’ll focus on educating communities where the It Gets Better message is needed most and follow up with outreach on the local level. And through their performances — which may even reach schools — they’ll talk to people who made videos to understand how their lives have changed because of it) (Kickstarter)
– And finally for a little Friday fun… (check out this hilarious video of a family singing “Bohemian Rhapisody” on the way to school. It’s become a part of their daily routine that the whole family seems to enjoy, including the little boy who knows almost all the words!) (MSN)
