Social Media Destroys Empathy? Sorry, That's B.S. by Erik Sass

Adults always think "kids nowadays" are somehow qualitatively worse than previous generations; unsurprisingly, this comparison is implicitly flattering to the adults, who remember their childhoods as clean-scrubbed, healthy, respectful and studious little angels. Typically, once we have judged today's kids we start casting around for explanations as to why the little weasels are the way they are -- which is to say, not as good as us. Of course, the rules of this game forbid considering the most obvious explanation -- whatever negative characteristics they have probably reflect their parenting, or lack thereof -- in favor of more marginal environmental ...Read the whole story

What High School Politics Can Teach Us About Social Media by Sarah Larcker

Consider an analogy: It's your first day at a new high school. You want other kids to like you and talk to you. You want to be part of the "in" crowd and you want to make a good first impression. You see a group standing together, and you walk up to join the conversation. Now, there are several ways you could do this, but only one of them will be beneficial for your social life. ...More