This week, the NY TIMES ran an article entitled TEENAGER’S INTERNET SOCIALIZING NOT A BAD THING. It’s based on a new report out from the MACARTHUR FOUNDATION.
“It may look as though kids are wasting a lot of time hanging out with new media, whether it’s on MySpace or sending instant messages,” said Mizuko Ito, lead researcher on the study, “Living and Learning With New Media.” “But their participation is giving them the technological skills and literacy they need to succeed in the contemporary world. They’re learning how to get along with others, how to manage a public identity, how to create a home page.”
It’s an interesting article and an interesting report. There are certainly plenty of other reports lamenting the time teenagers “waste” online, but in a society that is increasingly wired globally, it stands to reason that these activities may actually help our kids get ahead in the new business and social models that are emerging in the world…
According to the MacArthur Report, “…America’s youth are developing important social and technical skills online – often in ways adults do not understand or value.”
What do you think? Is this a good trend? How do you balance your kid’s activities? Weigh in by commenting below!
LINKS:
– MacArthur Foundation, Press Release, “New Study Finds Time Spent Online Important for Teen Development”
– Full, Final “Digital Youth” Report
Ben Murphy, founder of The Father Life, is an Adventure Athlete, Writer, and Wellness Advocate who used to be obese. You can ask him your questions at www.BenMurphyOnline.com. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and three daughters.