Eighth grade English. They are starting their Diary of Anne Frank unit, and as an intro, they had an article to read.
I was drawing the discussion out a bit. I didn't want to give them too long to work on the questions they had that went along with the reading. Students, especially middle schoolers, have a tendency to rush through questions just so they can have "free time" at the end of the period (read: time to go insane and make my job harder).
I mentioned that the Anne Frank Center was on Twitter (@AnneFrankCenter), and considering that they'd be studying not only the diary but the surrounding history and such, they might be worth a follow.
As soon as I said it, I realized the 13/14-year-olds might not be into Twitter. But the first group assured me that Twitter was still lit.
The next class, however, informed me that Twitter was for old people.
To the third group, I prefaced my remarks with, "I know Twitter is for old people..." They wanted to know who thought that. Facebook, they said, is for old people. Twitter, they said, is OK. It's great for memes.
As for the last group, they seemed to be divided. They agreed Facebook is for old people, but Twitter could be OK.
Which just goes to show that they don't even have a consensus as to whether or not Twitter is cool. Mostly, they stick to Snapchat, I think. At least, they will until the next big thing comes along.
Is SnapChat still cool? These platforms sure go out of still quickly!
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, although they talk about it a whole lot less than they used to.
DeleteWonder what the next cool thing will be. I remember when MySpace was the popular "hangout" for kids. My how times have changed!
ReplyDeletebetty
The next big thing changes like the weather. Is there any point in trying to keep up?
ReplyDeleteNot really. I wouldn't care, but in this case I was referencing it. The rest of the time it doesn't come up.
DeleteHi Liz - interesting isn't it ... I read an article about the changes - but of course forget where! Kids don't watch the tv like I do ... or get their news from the radio or tv ... or read articles on subjects and research to check things out ... so this really confirms things ... what next is another chapter to be written ...cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI love how it changes from class to class. It probably depends on the opinion of whichever kid is the most vocal.
ReplyDeleteThey're on both and just not telling the truth!
ReplyDeleteFB is for old people. hahaha, Yeah, I fit. It's the only social media I'm willing to use.
ReplyDeleteOh wow I'd think they're all on snapchat too though. I couldn't get into that so I just stick with Twitter & Facebook haha
ReplyDeleteI believe so. I've read articles deriding how idiotic the interface is for Snapchat. It's only comprehensible to the kiddos.
DeleteLack of consensus is a good thing. Thanks for the report. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt just means everyone is doing their own thing. I can accept that.
DeleteIt is a no-win thing, this every changing tech world. I am finally mastering FB and now I find it is for old people.
ReplyDeleteBut that's a good thing. We really don't want the kiddos messing up our social media :)
DeleteSocial media comes and goes. I do have a twitter account. But hardly stops in. Maybe I should every so often.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
FB is definitely for old people. Once we let our mothers on, it was done. So done. Don't tell them about IG.
ReplyDeleteNope, not gonna. Of course, you've got to understand that to teenagers "old people" refers to anyone who's graduated from college. Or is over 25. Or can drink legally.
DeleteYep...that explains so much about fb...I am old! Thanks kids.
ReplyDeleteJust understand, they have no concept of the term "old"...
DeleteFacebook is definitely for old people. My son (late 20's) will have nothing to do with it anymore! Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteDo we really want them there?
DeleteI've been fascinated to find younger people from overseas on FB. They are fellow fans of Palaye Royale. ~grin~ Blogging is also aging out. ~sigh~ Be well!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the kiddos prefer making videos...
DeleteA good one Liz. I am told a lot of young people aren't on Facebook or Twitter. It's generally the people who have recently joined who are most active on FB, and not many youngsters.
ReplyDeleteTwitter is smaller version of Facebook (in terms of how much you can post).
You are right, I think it's mostly Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp.
At least from what I've seen...
DeleteI heard that facebook was for old people a few years ago. I kind of get it. When I joined, it was for college kids only. Then they opened up to anyone. That ruined it for me.
ReplyDeleteWhen twitter came out, I refused to join it. But then I had an internship where they required it. Now, I love it. Sometimes, that is.
I hate snapchat though. Why would you put dog ears on your head? I just don't get it. I guess I will never be cool again.
I don't get Snapchat. And I refuse to try.
DeleteMy Barbarians aren't on social media yet (we won't let them have mobiles), but they don't seem too interested. I don't FB, but I use twitter a little. My favourite is Instagram (I'm hoping to get a bluetooth camera so I don't have to use my mobile anymore, it just isn't up to the job).
ReplyDeleteI think they're correct. It's all Snapchat for the youngies!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
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