Geeking Out!

Have social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook been given a bad rap?

Cases of online bullying and sexual predation are well documented. However, was my generation any safer hanging out in Malls or cruising in cars? At least when teens are on computers they are typically at home, hopefully, under the watchful eye of a concerned parent.

Additionally, a three year ethnographic study sponsored by the McArthur Foundation has released findings indicating social networking sites help foster skills required to be successful in the 21st Century workplace.

The reports author, Dr. Ito, indicated youths were learning important digital literacy skills such as how to "create a homepage, communicate online, and craft a public identity".

She went on to say that a core group of teens are "geeking out" which is a term used to describe intense interest and study of a particular technological application. These youths often develop deep understanding of sophisticated tools through independent research and study.

To read more on this study from BBC News click here.
To read more on this study from Eschool News click here.