Nudity the Norm Online for Teens?

Today the ladies of The View discussed a survey released by CosmoGirl.com that states that 22% of young girls have posted or emailed nude or semi-nude photos of themselves online. Students used to be "kicked out of school' for this behavior", said Barbara Walters, "But now they are not."

Walters then proceeded to state that these girls will find it very tough to get a job or get into grad school. But I ask, if this is the norm, will everyone be penalized for a few risque photos online? I know of some very intelligent and even professionally genius people who have a few questionable party photos of themselves online.
So are the norms of society changing? Similar to say, the acceptance of divorce or interracial marriages in our culture? Or is this merely a testing, experimentation period of time where youth has not yet learned the proper and healthiest boundaries to abide by online? Similar to, say the sixties drug revolution where an overwhelming number of youth experimented with drugs as a somewhat accepted cultural norm.

So what do you think about this? Are teens allowed to experiment--or are parents not doing their job? Or is this the new norm?

Read the full report here.

"Facebook" for Kids. Really.

A new website in the UK called School Together Now, is like Facebook for kids. Really. It allows children, parents and schools to register for their social networking site as young as age, (wait for it)....

THREE!

3-7 is the youngest available bracket. Hook them while they are young right?

Says the site:

"Chat, share secrets, swap stories and hang out with friends all on Schooltogethernow.com. Our site is designed to be fun and safe to keep you returning to it and to keep mum and dad happy!"

I guess it does set a precedent for a new advertising market. Getting those pre-tweeners and even their younger siblings could mean money in the bank for the site-who says it self square ads for as little as ten euros a month. I'd wait to let the site develop before getting excited (or angry).

But hey, Facebook for kiddies, we all knew it was coming.

I'm just waiting for the Playskool Cell Phone. With babble-n-type texting and one-touch speed dial diaper changing.

http://schooltogethernow.com/index.html

Facebook Blamed for Low Reunion Turnout

This an interesting article about how people are deciding NOT to attend their high school and college reunions simply because they can satisfy their curiosity on facebook. Ten year reunions have been the hardest hit.

It's true. If you can view, interact and gawk at your once classmates, why show up at a live party with the in-person faces? Heck, you could save hundreds on travel reservations and dining if you simply stay online.

In fact, why not just hold an online chatroom reunion and save thousands on an actual LIVE reunion!

...I hope you can note the sarcasm in my text.

I certainly think that people can create an un-realistic online perception. And you certainly can't give someone a hug online. (Or a good snarling eye roll to that bully whose once fit physique has turned to mush.)

But do read the entire article here:

Turnout falls for 10th reunions; Facebook effect?

Here's an excerpt:

""They're just not going to their reunions as much," said Wanda Diroll, who owns Creative Reunions in Torrance, Calif., and is also president of the National Association of Reunion Managers.
Professional reunion planners aim to get 30 percent of a graduating class at the gatherings. While 20-, 40- and 50-year reunions remain popular, at least four association members have stopped planning 10-year reunions altogether, Diroll said."