- The tween dating scene — yes, there is one — is less about seeing each other face to face (and more about talking online and via text. Even if they go to the same school, they might talk for five minutes in the hallways, but trade hundreds of text messages day and night. When they do go out together, it’s usually with groups of friends) (WSJ, reg required)

- We hear the word ‘entrepreneur’ used nearly as often as ‘entitiled’ (to describe the Millennial generation. And with their values of social and global responsibility, they’re using their entrepreneurial skills for good. And it’s not just older Millennials who are getting involved; teens are doing their part too, leveraging their social media and technology skills) (HuffPo) (Differences)

- Millennials who are members of Amazon Prime (will soon have access to shows from many of their favorite networks, including MTV, Nickeodeon, Spike, and more, thanks to a new deal between the online retailer and Viacom. Viacom, which owns Paramount, is also giving Prime members access to movies, which makes Amazon’s collection of streaming content quite impressive…but is it enough to lure Netflix users?) (Publishers Weekly) (Reuters)

- Barbie is opening the sparkly pink doors to her dream closet (just in time for Toy Fair and Fashion Week. The expansive “closet” features several fashion vignettes and augmented reality mirrors that let fans digitally try on Barbie’s most iconic outfits. Also launching this weekend is a new site, BarbieWow.com, which allows users who can’t get to fashion week to experience Barbie’s dream closet online and buy items from a new branded apparel line) (MarketWatch)

- We’re used to hearing about books being adapted to other media (but this is the first time we’ve heard about an online role-playing game being adapted to a book! “Risen” features a mythical world of pirates and titans, and will be released in book form this spring by Penguin Children’s, timed to coincide with “Risen 2: Dark Waters,” the sequel game) (Kidscreen)

- We had to share this video of Holly Laurent’s remake of Lana Del Ray’s (“Video Games” as “Hunger Games.” The instagram-styled video and Laurent’s moody delivery is once again stirring our excitement for the forthcoming movie) (Flavorwire)

- We imagine Twihards of all ages will be flocking to Target stores nationwide on February 10th (when the retailer hosts a special DVD release party for the latest film in the franchise, “Breaking Dawn: Part 1.” Besides getting to buy the DVD the second it hits shelves, fans will see the world premiere of a scene from the final film, “Breaking Dawn: Part 2,” in stores that night. And if you’re starting to get sad that the movies are coming to an end, fear not. Nothing is official yet, but rumor has it that there may be more to the series… After all, vampires have long lives) (Entertainment Weekly) (E! Online)

- Understanding how teens communicate is at the core of marketing to them (and recent research from Ericsson ConsumerLab reveals valuable information for brands and marketers alike. From teens’ preferred method of communication — which is hanging out in person above interacting via mobile devices or online — to how technology plays into their dating lives, here are seven fun facts you don’t want to miss. Speaking of engaging Millennials, ComScore data show that Gen Y doesn’t respond to TV ads as well as older audiences, but they remember them longer. However, young audiences are more responsive to interactive media such as a program or website, which isn’t surprising since they get to be more involved) (PR Daily) (AdAge)

- The online music space is poppin’ (according to this infographic. Listeners streamed nearly 65 billion songs in 2011, watched more than 16 billion videos, and connected with artists on Facebook more than 3 billion times. That’s a lot of love for music! Speaking of attention-grabbing music videos, we enjoyed seeing Matthew McConaughey reprise his role as Wooderson from “Dazed & Confused” in this Butch Walker video) (ReadWriteWeb) (Popdust)

- We, along with most of the Web, can’t keep quiet whenever more ‘Hunger Games’ content is released (and this time is no exception; just look at the latest and last poster for the film showing off a fierce Katniss aiming her bow and arrow! And if that doesn’t catch your eye, there’s also a new promo picture of Katniss and Peeta in their opening ceremony costumes. Luckily we don’t have much longer to wait) (Celebuzz) (Collider)

- There’s no stopping Android! (The latest earnings reveal that 250 million Android devices have been activated so far, and 11 billion apps have been downloaded. With this much growth, we must admit that we’re impressed) (TechCrunch)

- The topic of Millennials in the workplace is everywhere these days (but given that in four years Millennials will make up about half of employees worldwide, there’s a lot to discuss. While young hires and older employees often encounter generational gaps, many of the stereotypes — such as Millennials’ reliance on and obsession with technology —  are over-exaggerated. And as Business Insider explains, entering the workforce during the recession has also impacted how Millennials view their jobs. They’re less loyal to a single company and want answers and access immediately, but they value hard work, enjoy being part of a team, and believe that luck plays into success) (Forbes)

- Action sports fans, rejoice! (YouTube has just launched several channels focusing on everything from skateboarding to urban mountain biking, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and BMX. We bet Millennial action sports fans will be excited about these four new shows, which feature popular athletes Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, and Jamie Thomas) (SocialTimes)

- Instead of our usual Friday fun, here’s an inspirational story/video we couldn’t pass up sharing… (Samantha Garvey, a smart and motivated teen, has achieved huge academic accomplishments including being a semi-finalist in the annual Intel Science Talent Search, all the while facing the challenge of being homeless. Yet Samantha maintains a positive attitude and has always made education a priority. She’s one Millennial you’ll want to keep watching!) (YouTube)

- 3D has been the rage in movies for a few years now (but many fans don’t see the point. But “Hugo” might be the movie to change that opinion. Critics are calling it a film that finally gets 3D, taking it from gimmick status to dramatic tool. Speaking of 3D, “Beauty and the Beast” is the latest Disney film slated for an upgraded re-release. The 3D version hits theaters January 13, 2012) (IndieWire) (Deadline Hollywood)

- As more and more TV and movie content is available online — legally — for streaming (it makes sense that viewing would also reach a record high, with the average person spending 21.1 hours last month watching streaming video. What’s more, Americans collectively saw 1.3 billion streaming ads, or 47 per person. While YouTube continues its dominance of the online video market, three TV networks also ranked among the top 10 in unique viewers: Viacom, NBC, and Turner, and CBS ranks among the top 10 with ads delivered, which suggests networks are finding a new audience — and source of ad revenue — online. One way Millennials in particular are watching streaming video is via gaming consoles, and Xbox is leading the way in making deals to get content to its Xbox Live community) (TechCrunch) (NY Post)

- Charlie Brown is cooler than Lady Gaga… (at least in terms of Thanksgiving Day specials. The classic “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” topped “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving” last week, but perhaps most telling of all, the holiday special to grab the most viewers was “Ice Age: Mammoth Christmas,” proving that turkey day is less a holiday itself than a kick off of the Christmas season) (EW)

- It’s time for Top 10 lists of 2011… (Here’s one on social media that includes a few up and comers that youth marketers should be on top of — Tumblr, GetGlue, and Pinterest. We can’t agree with listing Google+ at #1, though, as we’re still trying to find a use for it) (ReadWriteWeb)

- Darren Criss might be the best known member of Team StarKid (but fans are part of the franchise. The personal attention to fans and the group’s youth-culture fueled performances are what’s driving it to stardom) (Billboard)

- Fun fact of the day: six degrees of separation are down to 4.74 (thanks to Facebook. That’s how many connections it takes to tie any two random Facebook users to each other) (Newser)

- It’s no secret that cyberbullying is a problem plaguing Millennials (but new research from Pew highlights just how serious the issue has become. A staggering 9 in 10 teens have seen cruel comments on social networks, and a quarter of online interactions have led to in-person arguments. Technology can certainly be harmful for teens, however, 7 in 10 say their peers are mostly kind online and 65% feel that social networks boost their self-esteem) (USA Today)

- YouTube is among the many businesses to launch a branded page on Google+ (and the aptly titled +YouTube channel lets users live stream content, get news, and join hosted hangouts with celebs — group video chats. But despite Google+’s numerous efforts to be cool, it’s falling short and Slate is already calling the social network dead! We kinda agree since it is still failing to differentiate itself from Facebook, an issue we pointed out when the net debuted) (SocialTimes)

- Millennials aren’t the only ones staying up late to watch nostalgic programming on Nickelodeon… (their moms are too! The network found that women under 40 mostly watch TV at night and they miss the network that many of them grew up with. That’s why NickMom — a late night programming block from 9pm to 1am — is being created just for them. Think “Brady Bunch” reruns with pop up bubbles, talk shows, game shows, and other funny programs all about being a mom. We’re curious to see the content and if kids think what their moms are watching is cool) (WSJ, reg required)

- Millennials are self-starters who seek to share their ideas (and with the help of organizations like the Young Entrepreneur Council, they’ll get student debt relief while learning the ropes of running a business! The $10 million fund will provide mentoring, cover up to three years’ worth of loan payments, and even help pay for student housing. As student debt is increasingly an issue, we think it’s a great idea to help young people pursue their passions) (PFSK)

- We’re in the holiday spirit after hearing about Gaga’s Workshop (an elaborate boutique at Barney’s New York that’s selling toys, jewelry, candy, books, music, and more this season. Judging by Gaga’s sense of style, it will be a must-see shop! But before it opens, Barney’s is launching a 12-day countdown on its site with a monstrous Gaga showing shoppers what they can expect. The best part, however, is Gaga’s effort to give back; a quarter of all sales will go to her Born This Way Foundation. In other holiday news, Bieber’s new album “Under the Mistletoe” has already reached No 1. on the Billboard charts after 210,000 copies were sold in just a week. Even more impressive is that Bieber is the first solo artist under 18 to earn three No. 1s!) (Teen Vogue)

- New research finds that 60% of 18-29 year olds download apps (to their cell phones, and 40% of those use six or more apps at least once a week. They’re more likely than average to have apps to facilitate communication with friends and family, and they’re less likely than average to pay for apps) (Pew)

- College freshmen will be relived to learn that the ‘freshman 15′ (is more fiction than fact. In reality, students only gain about three pounds in their first year, not much more than the typical non-student the same age. For the students that do gain significant weight in college, it’s often heavy drinking that packs on the pounds) (Columbus Dispatch)

- Lady Gaga is organizing her efforts in the battle against bullying (by establishing a new charity. The Born This Way Foundation will focus on empowering youth “by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change”) (CNN)

- Klout’s “influencers” are getting perks from brands (that hope that putting products in the hands of social media mavens will get them extra mentions and spread the word. But there’s concern that the program isn’t meeting FTC regulations. Klout has been pushing its perks lately, which can run brands upwards of $25,000) (IndieWire) (PSFK)

- Internet access is the new employee benefit (according to a new report from Cisco that finds students and young professionals would take lower salaries to have better access to social media and the Internet while at work. Two thirds would even prefer an Internet connection over a car. Overall, serving young employees’ tech needs and expectations makes them better, happier workers) (Fast Company)

- Streaming video is growing rapidly and already accounts for more than half (of all Internet traffic, and will grow to 90% within the next three years as more online video content becomes available. Millennials are embracing the trend. They’re big fans of online video, especially when they reach college age, using it to substitute some of their TV viewing to accommodate their busy schedules) (SocialTimes)

- Finally, for a little mid-week fun… (Stephen Colbert visited Occupy Wall Street, attempting to usurp the movement for his own gain. He sat down with two key members of the movement — in his luxury penthouse suite — to see if he could get the inside scoop. Meanwhile, students are showing their support through the Occupy Colleges movement) (Gothamist) (HuffPo)

- As Apple and Google continue to compete for tech supremacy (music sales may be the latest battle ground. Rumors are swirling that Google is negotiating with record labels to add an MP3 store, a la iTunes, to it’s fledgling Google Music cloud service that allows users to stream their music from any connected device. At the same time, Apple is getting close to launching iTunes Match, which would compete with Google’s cloud service. In other Google news, Google+ traffic has leveled off after a spike in usage when Google opened the service to everyone. Still, with 40 million users, the service is far from doomed) (Billboard) (Mashable)

- While there is a stellar crop of young women making their way in Hollywood (there’s a drought of leading men under age 25, which is why the industry is pinning all its hopes on Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson. Who do you think will be the next up-and-coming actor under age 25 to set female fans’ hearts a-flutter? Speaking of Teams Edward and Jacob, check out Twilight Time Capsule, an online community where fans can connect with each other and share fan art and fan fiction) (NY Mag) (Hollywood Reporter)

- Fashion on college campuses is changing (reflecting a more sophisticated look. The New York Times paints a picture of fashionistas roaming colleges in designer duds, but we don’t know too many students across the country slogging to school in Chloe boots. The jeans and graphic tee look on which these so-called style mavens cast aspersions is still the wardrobe of choice for the typical student. We do agree, however, that students have more access to style inspiration than ever before; and for some, that means tracking down the Betty Draper look, while others aspire to mimic Kurt Cobain. We say to each their own) (NY Time, reg required)

- Is this the end of Lady Goo Goo’s musical career? (Lady Gaga has won an injunction against the animated Moshi Monsters character that mimics her style and music. The character can still appear in the Moshi Monsters site, but her music, parodies of Lady Gaga’s songs, cannot. This may impact Mind Candy’s plan to release an album on iTunes, but perhaps it will move forward with Dustbin Beaver…) (The Guardian)

- And finally for a little friday fun… (Check out this video from Heart2Heart, a boy band backed by Lance Bass, for “Facebook Official,” a song that actually uses the lyrics “would you confirm this request, agree to my terms of service…” It just gets better from there. Dance break! And if you need something to get that song out of your head now, check out Ohio University’s marching band breaking it down to “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO) (YouTube)

- Three quarters of 14-24 year olds say that digital abuse is a serious problem (for people their age, and 56% have experienced such abuse, up from 50% in 2009, according to research from MTV and Associated Press. What’s more, 41% of young people in relationships have experienced digital dating abuse, most commonly with their boyfriend or girlfriend checking up on them multiple times a day online or on their cell phones. Speaking of MTV, on a lighter note, the O Music Awards are back for fall with voting starting today. Celebrating the best in digital music, fans can vote for the Digital Genius Award, Most Addictive Social Music Service, Best Music Forum, and more. Winners will be announced during a live stream on October 31) (AThinLine)

- Young voters may have a significant role (in the 2012 presidential election. A record number of 18-24 year olds turned out for the 2008 elections, and this time around, they’ll be voicing their concerns about youth unemployment, student debt, and more. One way in which Obama has won over Millennials is through his attention to the issue of bullying, which even impressed Lady Gaga. Hollywood connections were influential for Obama in 2008, but Millennials are a generation more influenced by consensus than celebrity, according to Variety. No doubt youth marketers will be paying attention to campaign strategies targeting young voters) (FOX News) (MTV)

- We’re excited to hear all about the specs for Amazon’s new tablet, dubbed the Kindle Fire (when it is revealed to the public tomorrow at a press conference. It is slated for a November release, just in time for the holidays — but does it have a chance to surpass the iPad in holiday sales?) (Tech Crunch)

- It’s already starting to feel like ‘Rock Band’ and ‘Guitar Hero’ (are relics of the past, but music video games aren’t dead. They’re just living on in different formats — online and as apps — which continue to give fans a unique, interactive way to engage with tracks from their favorite bands) (Mashable)

- Under Armor first gained popularity with its tough guy image (but now it’s showing a softer side as it courts co-eds, the “96% of college girls who don’t get the scholarship but still want to work out.” The brand launched a campus program with ambassadors just for college women. Young women want more than just a good sports bra, they want workout wear that helps them look good going from the gym to the coffee shop) (MediaPost)

- And now for your daily dose of nostalgia, Pac-Man (is coming to TV as the star of a new 3D animated series slated to debut in 2013. Is there any childhood reference that marketers won’t try to reinvent for the next generation? In other TV news, “Glee” is no longer the front runner in social TV. Would you believe that title is now held by “Big Bang Theory,” which is getting big buzz as it moves into its fifth season?) (Kidscreen) (Ad Age, reg required)

- Social media is increasingly important for companies (since over half of 16 to 34 year olds like checking out brands on such sites and a third report that they like brands more if they’re present on social networks. In a recent survey, Millennials were asked if they think email will be as important in the future given the dominance of social media. They’re almost split about it since 44% think it will, and 40% think it won’t. But what do you think?) (eMarketer) (MediaPost)

- Back to school shopping is in full swing (and according to Ace Metrix, which measures ads’ creative effectiveness based on viewer reaction to national TV ads, the top BTS commercials this year are tech related. Computers, smartphones, and flash drives garnered more attention than clothing and school supplies, which makes us even more curious how spending will play out this year) (Ad Age)

- As college tuition continues to rise (fewer parents are willing — or able — to stretch themselves financially to send their kids to college. This may mean students will face more pressure to get scholarships, will be encouraged to graduate in fewer semesters, or can only go to less expensive schools) (Smart Money)

- NASCAR is roaring ahead with a college ambassador program (called NASCAR U CREW where two students from each of the select schools near racetracks will host events and lead on-campus marketing efforts to help the company interact with collegians. The student representatives will also lead social media efforts at their local track to get more Millennials interested in the sport and at the races) (NASCAR)

- Summer may be winding down (but not for the character Strawberry Shortcake. A slew of summery merchandise will be unveiled next month, including pop-up tents, lounge chairs, and activity mats. We know what young girls will be bringing to the beach next year) (Kidscreen)

- Department stores have high digital IQs (because of their impressive social media strategies, sleek site designs, and engaging mobile campaigns. Macy’s ranks as the most digitally driven retailer, followed by Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom, and Sephora. To remain digitally-savvy, however, brands should institute F-commerce, so customers can purchase products directly on Facebook. In other fashion news, teenagers prefer brands that value self-expression and aspiration, rather than ones with homogenous styles. They like to customize clothes and reflect their own values) (WWD) (Customer Management IQ)

- Rather than just creating another celebrity fragrance (since there clearly aren’t enough of those already, Selena Gomez has a smart strategy: she’s letting fans pick her perfume. They’ll vote online for their favorite ingredients and the most popular ones will be mixed together. She’s also giving away free samples to the first 50,000 people who vote. Between the customization, online engagement, and rewards, this has all the makings of a successful marketing campaigning. We wonder if it will do better than Bieber’s perfume. In other beauty news, the Muppets franchise is expanding into nail polish and some of our favorite shades include “Gettin’ Miss Piggy With It” and “Fresh Frog of Bell Air”) (MTV) (Jezebel)

- In another attempt for Facebook to rule the web (the social network is creating a photo-filter service similar to Instagram on its mobile app. Considering Facebook’s app is so popular already, this can only help the social network, but what will it do the same for Instagram? Millennials will also appreciate a new application, i2Symbol, that lets them put symbols in their Facebook posts. They’ve grown up using emoticons and other characters, so it seems like a necessary part of their digital language) (ReadWriteWeb) (AllFacebook)

- Skechers is the latest brand to get the happy meal treatment (thanks to a three-week partnership with McDonald’s where kids will get mini Skechers’ shoes. In a brilliant marketing move well aligned with back-to-school shopping, the Twinkle Toes sneakers — which look just like the life-size ones – come with a discount coupon to shop at Skechers) (MediaPost)

- Merriam-Webster Dictionary added over 150 words inspired by Gen Y and today’s changing culture (Among them are technology terms such as tweet, social media, crowdsourcing, and m-commerce. While we wonder about pop culture inspired words like bromance and cougar, it’s the terms helicopter parent and boomerang child being included that make us think better late than never) (CBS News)

- Lady Gaga has almost achieved world domination (considering she’s the 11^th most powerful woman, the top female entertainer, and she’s even ahead of Oprah! Sure, she has her weird ways, but it’s obviously working) (Forbes)

- Need another reason to watch the MTV VMAs (this Sunday? How about a sneak peek of the trailer for “The Hunger Games”? We’ll be glued to the TV…as if the promise of Lady Gaga opening the show, Beyonce performing, and Tony Bennett honoring Amy Winehouse wasn’t enough to captivate us) (Cynopsis) (Billboard)

- Facebook may have finally answered everyone’s privacy prayers (now that it is allowing users to set privacy settings at the micro-level. That means individual posts, photos, and tags can be set to private or public. Facebook’s sweeping changes extend to its Places feature, but don’t let the headlines fool you. Places isn’t going away…users can still share their location, but instead of going to the Places feature, they’ll be able to share via their profile where they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going) (All Facebook) (Tech Crunch)

- In other social media news, Funny or Die is giving (top Klout members early access to its hilarioius web shorts. Klout measures social media users’ influence over others in a variety of categories. Ticketmaster has also launched a new integration with Facebook that lets concert goers see where their friends will be sitting by letting them tag their seats at the event) (Mashable) (ReadWriteWeb)

- Millennials are notorious for wanting to have things (their way. Well, Coca-Cola is giving the entitled generation just that with its freestyle soda machines that allow people to customize their own blend of soft drink flavors. Want to test it out before you go into the restaurant? There’s an app for that!) (MediaPost)

- The Class of 2015 is off to college (and for the first time will be the head of a household, making lots of purchase decisions. Here’s some advice on how to hook this latest crop of Millennials from the very beginning) (Fast Company)