What matters most to young people in the 2012 election? (Facebook is calculating this in its new campaign “What Matters Most†where users rank the top three issues that are most important to them and their picture and thoughts can be featured on a billboard in Times Square. Talk about putting the spotlight on your political views. In other Facebook news, more than half of users are “worried” about the timeline feature and only 8% say they like it. What’s more, nearly a third say they don’t know why they’re still on Facebook, but we don’t see many leaving the site anytime soon) (Mashable) (AllFacebook)
– The days of young people writing daily entries in their diaries are long gone (but for today’s teens, keeping a blog is even more therapeutic than a physical journal. Recent research reveals that writing on an online platform lets teens share their distresses while feeling like they’re part of a community, and in turn, they experience greater changes in moods. Sure, posting to a public platform opens writers up to cyberbullying, but also also to supportive commenters. But youth shouldn’t be too dependent on technology; a separate study reveals that tween girls who spend too much time online or on digital devices are more likely to develop social problems, such as learning learning less about emotions and failing to make eye contact, which impact their communication skills) (NY Times, reg required) (CNN)
– Still not sure why Millennials are nostalgic (for the 90s? This morning’s Twitter trending topic #IMissThe90sBecause explains why twenty-somethings are pining for the past. Tweets like “my decisions were so much easier — instead of career and future, I just had to choose between Spongebob and Rugrats” and “my biggest worry was whether my tamagochi would still be alive after school” reaffirm that Gen Y misses simpler times and the 90s really were all that. Hmmm, we wonder how many of the items they’re mentioning today will make a comeback…) (USA Today)
-Â Millennials have grown up during tough financial times (and despite the difficulties this has caused, including an ultra-competitive job market, they are influential in improving the economy. As Millennials settle down in the next few years, buy their own home or apartment, and have children, their increased spending will be critical to the turn-around) (Ad Age, reg required)
– As if there weren’t enough music competition reality shows already (we’re about to get another backed by none other than Simon Cowell. This time, however, Cowell is teaming up with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith to find the next big DJ since he feels “DJs are the next rock stars†— or at least they will be after appearing on his show! Speaking of the spotlight, we aren’t surprised there’s a surplus of talent competition shows since preteens want fame more than anything else, which is undoubtedly an effect of the YouTube culture in which they’ve grown up) (Billboard) (Huff Po)
– ‘Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menance’ is returning to theaters in 3D this fall (and this time around, its being positioned specifically as a kids movie in an attempt to secure the next generation as lifelong fans. As part of this tactic, Fox has arranged a kids focused junket where interviewers are asked to bring their children to ask the questions! We’re curious to hear their thoughts) (Badass Digest)
- Jimmy Kimmel is producing a Borat-esque comedy show (that is a blend of reality show and scripted comedy, featuring fictional characters in a non-fiction world. The producers are the same as those bringing us “Famous Yard Sale,†a show dreamt up by ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass in which celebs take a walk down memory lane in the process of auctioning off their memorabilia) (Hollywood Reporter)
– Ypulse is finally on Google+! (Come join our circle of professional friends)
