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Downside of Texting
Texting, the routine typed messages zipping between cell phones, has become the latest emblem of the teenage world. From Saudi Arabia to the Philippines to the United States, texting has gained popularity largely because it is secretive and provides a sense of group identity. However, some experts are worried that the shallowness of constant texting to the exclusion of face-to-face interaction or even phone conversation will cause developmental problems in young people.
1,000%
The Increase in the number of couples who live together without marrying since 1960— Associated Press, May 11, 2007
Wireless companies are creating new packages for parents to purchase that allow unlimited text messaging in response to phone bills of epic proportions from their kids overusing the text feature. Parents are likewise having a hard time understanding this new standard of youth culture and its implications for the future (Margaret Pressler, "For Texting Teens … When the Phone Bill Arrives," Washington Post, May 20, 2007).
Given these concerns, instead of texting, be sure to also develop camaraderie through face-to-face conversation. This will help build stronger bonds of friendship as well as the use of language skills.
Internet Privacy—Impossible
Privacy settings on Web sites like MySpace and Facebook are proving to be less than confidential. Employers are searching such Web sites to find information on potential employees. For young people applying for work, realize that photos, writing or activities on the Web are open to those who know how to look—even if they are under a privacy setting. "Think of it as being in a very large, public place like Yankee Stadium, taking the microphone and broadcasting your personal information to 50,000 people there. If you don't want everyone in the stadium to know the details of your personal life, then keep them to yourself," suggests Theresa O'Neill, a career counselor at Rutgers University–Newark (Wayne Parry, "Private Photos? Not on the Internet," Associated Press, July 13, 2007).
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