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Teens Actually Do Protect Their Online Profiles

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the wisdom-of-the-young dept.

Thib writes "A study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project reveals that the majority of teens pay attention to what they are revealing about themselves in their online social profiles. For instance, while many routinely use their first name or include a picture, 'fewer than a third of teens with profiles use their last names, and a similar number include their e-mail addresses. Only 2 percent list their cell phone numbers.' The study comes to light just as state legislatures once again begin to mutter about the dangers of online predators. From the article: 'According to Pew, 45 percent of online teens do not have profiles at all, a figure that contradicts widespread perceptions that the nation's youths are continually on MySpace.'"

9 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. Great by abscissa · · Score: 5, Funny

    Personally, I think this is fantastic news. People expose themselves on the Internet far too often and quite often volunteer information which they really should not.

    --
    Geoff Robertson
    3304 Celeste Ave.
    Dupage, IL 39182
    (630) 555-1221

  2. Not only are kids *much* smarter by mpapet · · Score: 2, Funny

    than some politicians want to make them sound, it's a thinly veiled attempt to legislate morality. (again)

    How about the politicians concentrate on some more important issues? Trade balance? Fiscal policy.

    --
    http://www.maxineudall.com/2010/02/should-economists-be-sued-for-malpractice.html
  3. Thanks CNN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dashiell Feiler, a 16-year-old high school junior, said he keeps his profiles open, but uses at most his first name and last initial. He said people who find him tend to be friends anyway, but he left off his full name as a precaution.
    This has got to be one of the most ironic statements I've read in a while.
  4. Re:"Only" 2 percent by maxume · · Score: 2, Funny

    So just how hard do you pound the 98% with the sense to look after themselves up the ass to make sure that dipshit and dumbass don't get in trouble?

    --
    Nerd rage is the funniest rage.
  5. Re:We Have Brains! by QuickFox · · Score: 3, Funny

    We Have Brains!

    Maybe we can finally that prove Yes, finally you can that prove you have brains!

    us teens can actually think for themselves Indeed, why don't people realize that you can they do that?
    --
    Terrorists can't threaten a country's freedom and democracy. Only lawmakers and voters can do that.
  6. Re:We Have Brains! by poopdeville · · Score: 2, Funny

    You are now a member of my foes list, teenie.

    --
    After all, I am strangely colored.
  7. Re:"Only" 2 percent by EdelFactor19 · · Score: 4, Funny

    SO? 1 out of 5 dentists still think chewing sugarless gum after meals isn't a good idea... and that's 20 percent.

    --
    "Jazz isn't dead, it just smells funny" ~Frank Zappa
    EdelFactor
  8. Re:AHA! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    This, of course, is something an idiot kid would say.

  9. *Actually* by matt+me · · Score: 2, Funny

    The word *actually* is only used by teenagers, and it means 'not'. eg

    "No teacher, the dog *actually* ate my homework"
    "They *actually* had sex in a bush"
    "I hear they *actually* published Duke Nukem Forever."