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Hoop – Teens Connecting with Strangers

Hoop – Teens Connecting with Strangers

Guidelines, Hazards
Hoop describes the user experience as being able to make new friends locally or all over the world. What exactly is Hoop? When creating an account for Hoop, you only need your age, gender, country, Snapchat username, and a profile picture (up to 5 pictures). Then, Hoop provides you with endless profiles to view. If you find a profile you like, you can request to exchange Snapchat usernames and begin chatting on Snapchat. If you do not like a profile, you pass. Requesting a user’s Snapchat username requires you to use “diamonds.” You can either earn diamonds by performing certain tasks, such as gaining a certain number of friends on Snapchat that were initiated through the Hoop app, or you can purchase more diamonds. Hoop has no chat capabilities -…
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Teen Social Media and Mental Health

Teen Social Media and Mental Health

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Resources
We all want to feel loved. We all want to be seen and heard for who we are.   When we are beside our spouse, with our parents, amongst our family, friends, classmates and co-workers, we want to be acknowledged as a worthy person. As young people, the human brain is developing and learning to be able to live in an adult world. The need to feel loved and accepted is especially strong in teenagers. Many teens have turned to social media in an attempt to feel known, connected, and loved. This is evident by the number of teenagers using social media.  Universally, up to 95% of teenagers ages 13-17 use social media and as many as one-third say they are addicted! Social media provides a false feeling of love and…
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Media and the Mind: Pediatricians guide to screen time.

Media and the Mind: Pediatricians guide to screen time.

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Resources, Reviews
Like the snowflakes that fall from the sky, no two people are exactly alike. Psalm 139 tells us of God’s craftsmanship and knowledge of each individual He created. The psalmist praises,”I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each person's needs vary from one another. And our children are no exception. In fact, a child's brain needs guidance and instruction from caring adults at all ages. Screen time and media usage is an area of attentiveness adults must be aware of when raising children.  In an article covering this major topic, Mayo Clinic guides parents and caretakers on digital literacy, problems, developing rules, and teaching good behaviors with screens.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952 In a general Q & A article, the American Academy of Pediatricians reiterates the previously mentioned topics. They have also included a…
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Saturn Time Together App

Saturn Time Together App

Apps, Guidelines, Hazards, Privacy
Saturn is a scheduling app which targets high school students as their users and markets itself as a way to “control the chaos and live in the now.” After creating an account, students select their school and can take a picture of their schedule or manually enter their schedule into the app to get a personalized calendar. The app helps students to feel connected by sharing their schedules with each other and being able to make comments on the school bulletin board. Saturn also has a feature that allows students to privately message each other. When Saturn originally launched, there were limited safety features. Recently, more safety features have been added, such as needing a verified school email address to privately message other students and access other features of the…
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 Human Connections / Relationships vs. Tech Connections

 Human Connections / Relationships vs. Tech Connections

Reviews
The human body is remarkable in how all of its systems are intertwined into the composition of each individual. Some people are more outgoing and bubbly while others are content with being more solitary. Despite these differences in character, all humans need some interaction with others. This became very clear with Covid. The main theme during Covid  was to isolate yourselves to prevent the spread. A side effect of that was an increase in depression, suicide, alcoholism etc. This was largely due to the feeling of being isolated. We all need someone to connect with to fulfill our lives. Today, human connection is being lost due to the invention of technology, which more and more isolates us from actually talking face to face with another person. Technology is always changing…
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ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Chatbot News, Guidelines, Resources, Reviews
I Didn’t Write This Article; ChatGPT Did Title: The Pros and Cons of Artificial General Intelligence: A Parent's Perspective on ChatGPT Introduction Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has long been a topic of fascination and concern. AGI, unlike narrow or specialized AI, possesses the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, much like the human brain. ChatGPT, a prominent example of AGI, has garnered significant attention, sparking both excitement and apprehension among parents. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of AGI with a specific focus on ChatGPT from a parent's viewpoint. Pros of Artificial General Intelligence: 1. Education and Learning Enhancement: AGI systems like ChatGPT have the potential to revolutionize education. Parents can use such tools to supplement their children's…
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The Great Smartphone Debate

The Great Smartphone Debate

Cell Phones
When is it a good time to let your child have a smartphone? When do you know if your child is ready? What are good rules to enforce? Is it a want or a need? https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/the-great-smartphone-debate/ Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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Locket & LiveIn Apps

Locket & LiveIn Apps

Apps, Editorials, Reviews
Back in the day, a locket was a necklace given as a sentimental or romantic gift that one would cherish for years. It held a photo of a loved one that could be opened and remembered as often as desired.  Today, there is a new “locket”– an app downloaded to your device.  This Locket app is also a way to express sentiment. The Locket app is a photo sharing app, in which one can send photos somewhat similar to sharing a photo on Snapchat or WhatsApp. However the differences are as follows:  - The photos automatically appear on the other person’s home phone screen as a widget–you do not open an app to see the picture. It’s a bit like a private social media platform right there on your home…
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The Appetite for Man’s Heart

The Appetite for Man’s Heart

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Privacy
On Feb 10, 2023, Elder Klein presented a topic in Rock Valley at the NRC School, called The Appetite for Man's Heart.  Watch Elder Klein's presentation here. https://www.loom.com/share/7e1ac2383dcb4a15978b485d6429e2ba How to guide our children with the dangers of social media                         What is the aim of modern media?                                            -Missing                                 -Evolving                                              -Deceiving                                 -Individualizing                                    -Addicting                 We are empty/naked without our phones                 We can be blackmailed if we have ever shared something vulnerable online                 Exposed us to dangerous content                 Loss of Privacy. *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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