01Mar 2021 by nrcmmc
Reeling in Reels

Reeling in Reels

Apps, Filters, Hazards
Has the app TikTok appeared on your kids’ phone? Have you heard of TikTok on the news? Did you happen to read our previous article on TikTok? (click to read) Are you aware of the controversy over the app and it’s creators? Even if you were aware of all this, the piece of information you may not have connected yet is that Instagram’s feature ‘REELS’ is a spin-off of the popular video platform. When TikTok was going through its legal battles, Instagram saw it as an opportunity to create another feature to give its users something ‘to do’ on their app, which in turn promotes Instagram’s virtual popularity.  The following article from The Verge provides more information. https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/5/21354117/instagram-reels-tiktok-vine-short-videos-stories-explore-music-effects-filters  Not all Reels are created equal, and that is the problem. Many…
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03Feb 2021 by nrcmmc
Review of VSCO App

Review of VSCO App

Apps, Reviews
  In the current times, various social media apps such as TikTok and VSCO are gaining traction, particularly with teenagers. VSCO was created in 2012 but recently gained popularity when Instagram users with a lot of followers began using the #VSCO hashtag.  VSCO is a photo editing and media sharing tool. The free version gives users access to standard editing tools, such as white balance, exposure, contrast and a sampling of the available presets. Users can scroll and test out presets themselves or can tap on the “for this photo” feature, which displays a collection of suggested presets for each specific photograph. The free version also allows users to explore others’ photos and find inspiration in curated portfolios that include collections such as “humankind,” “editorial,” “summer,” and “style” to name…
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04Jan 2021 by nrcmmc
App Locker

App Locker

Apps, Cell Phones, Privacy, Resources
App Locker Another new term in modern media use--app locker.  You might be wondering, “What is an app locker?” It is as it sounds; basically, it is an app that can safeguard existing downloaded apps on your device, by ‘locking’ them.  App lockers help prevent children, or other parties, from delving into personal information. The ability to “lock” only certain apps using a pattern code or PIN code known to the user, is what makes this feature beneficial to smartphone users. When and who should you have an app locker installed on their smartphone or device? People who have kids. This is especially true if your kids use your phone for various activities like watching YouTube or playing kids games. Set up the applock correctly and you can keep your…
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