Parents, don't worry... your kids go online to learn from one another! 

Michael Barkoviak - November 21, 2008 8:20 AM

Research funded by the MacArthur Foundation indicates teenagers in the United States who spend time on social networking web sites are developing social skills that can help them later as adults.

The $3.3 million study included interviewing participants, reading online blogs and diaries, and collecting around 10,500 profiles of young people on Facebook and Neopets.

"It might surprise parents to learn that it is not a waste of time for their teens to hang out online," said Mizuko Ito, researcher and lead author of the report.  "There are myths about kids spending time online - that it is dangerous or making them lazy.  But we found that spending time online is essential for young people to pick up the social and technical skills they need to be competent citizens in the digital age."   [DailyTech...]    [Comments...]