Eric Cantor’s Loss, Weekly Check-In On Congress, The Complicated Mix Of Teens And Social Media

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

Teens have always been social creatures, but now a lot of their social interactions happen online. While some people say social media is potentially dangerous, Veronica Rueckert and Rob Ferrett talk to one expert who makes the case that social media can help teens positively shape their identities. They also talk to a Wisconsin Republican about House Majority Leader Eric Cantor losing the primary election in his Congressional district and check in on what Congress is up to this week.

Featured in this Show

  • Teens Aren't Ruined By Technology, Author Says

    Teenagers today are often categorized as disconnected with others and the world around them, largely attributed to their dependence on social media.

    But new research suggests that the effects of social media on teens aren’t as dangerous as people suggests. Danah Boyd, principal researcher at Microsoft Research and author of “It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens,” has interviewed teens to find out what social media means to them.

    “They are actually just trying to make things work for themselves,” said Boyd. “(In many cases) it’s they’re only option for gathering with their friends.”

    Boyd argues that young people live more restricted lived compared to previous generation. The idea of go outside and play doesn’t work the same today as it once did, which makes sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram the easiest way to stay connected with friends.

    Contrary to many parent’s beliefs, Boyd said that most teens don’t inherently prefer social media over face-to-face interactions.

    “There is an important caveat though,” said Boyd. “They want face-to-face environments where parents aren’t surveying them.”

    Young people typically sites like Facebook as an unadulterated medium for personal connection and self-expression, said Boyd.

    Boyd suggests that parents should focus on teens understanding technological and media literacy of online environments, so they can safely navigate the Web.

  • What The Loss Of Eric Cantor Means To The GOP

    On Tuesday House Majority Leader Eric Cantor lost the primary election in his Congressional district to Tea Party candidate David Brat. Teh Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin discusses his reaction to this election and what it could mean for Republicans in the midterm elections this November.

  • This Week In Congress – June 11, 2014

    USA Today Politics and Congress Editor Paul Singer joins Central Time for his weekly update on happenings in Congress.

  • Teenagers And Social Media: An Often Complex And Complicated Equation

    Teenagers have always been social creatures, but many of their interactions are now happening through social media. Some say that all of this social media usage is dangerous, but one expert says teens can and do use social media to positively craft and shape their identities.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Chris Malina Producer
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • Rob Ferrett Interviewer
  • danah boyd Guest
  • Brian Schimming Guest
  • Paul Singer Guest

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