Virtual Websites For Kids

Kids and social networking: Pros and cons

Post this, comment on that. Social media are a part of the daily routines of many adults and children. And  the identifiable pros and cons of social networking among kids are beginning to emerge, according to a presentation at the American Psychological Association meeting.

"While nobody can deny that Facebook has altered the landscape of social interaction, particularly among young people, we are just now starting to see solid psychological research demonstrating both the positives and the negatives," said Larry D. Rosen , Ph.D., professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and technology researcher.

Rosen says ongoing research and preliminary results of studies suggest a few trends in kids.

On the plus side: In a world full of distractions, social networking and technology can provide tools for teaching in a way that engages and captivates young minds. Online social networking can also help young people learn how to socialize with their peers; users also show more "virtual empathy."

"It's almost like social networks are training wheels for life in a lot of ways - it teaches you to express empathy and see how people respond," Rosen said. "It teaches you to also just develop your sense of self of who you are. You float things out on a wall post on Facebook and then sit back and look at the comments that you get. It's a place where you can grow and develop."

However, the downside is becoming apparent, too. According to studies, middle school, high school and college students looking at Facebook at least one time during a 15-minute study break made lower grades. In addition, many young Facebook users show more tendencies to be narcissistic.

"It's a continual onset of I, me, mine," he said. "Your comments back and forth to people all reflect on you, not them."

The new research suggests that overuse of media and technology can negatively affect health of children and teens, especially with psychological disorders- making users more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

"Everything you do on social networks, you're doing behind the safety of a screen," he said. "You're not paying attention...there's a real flesh and blood human being at the other end of cyberspace and your words might have consequences for that person."

Rosen suggests not having a computer program to monitor the child's social networking behaviors. He says parents who have such programs are wasting their time.

Try Out These Virtual Worlds for Kids for Free | Body And Spirit

The world is changing in more ways than we have ever imagined before. Even in the past the use of technology changed the way that we live to a great degree. Most of those changes however were brought about by machines. Today the biggest changes that are happening are brought about by the Internet and other developments in communications technology. The Internet has brought so many things to us today that we might be taking for granted, but in the past those things would have been virtually impossible. It has made instant communication possible. Because of the Internet the world has become a smaller place, with all the people from all over able to reach one another instantly.

But the things that have been brought about by the Internet is not all serious stuff. One of the things that it has brought us, which is on the lighter side are the virtual worlds for kids for free. So what are virtual worlds? These are websites where people can log in and take on a different persona, they can interact with other characters there. There are usually games, social events, and point systems that would make the virtual world as exciting as the real one. The great thing about a virtual world is that you can create a persona from scratch. You can let your imagination run wild and become a character who is so far from what you really are.

For kids this is a great opportunity for them to develop their imagination. Parents should look for a site that would be suitable for their children. They should consider a lot of things before they sign up their child to a virtual world. Here are some of the best virtual worlds for kids that are popular right now:

1. Club Penguin- This is a Disney virtual world where your kids can run around as penguins. They can interact with other penguins, or have a great time decorating their igloo.(Yes, these penguins live in igloos) This virtual world is for free but by becoming a paying member more features can be opened up for your child.- http://www.clubpenguin.com/

2. Webkinz World- This virtual world is one of the most famous on the Internet right now. This is actually a website for the stuffed animals of Ganz. Players in this world can play, dress, and feed their animals. There are also a ton of activities that your child can engage in while on the site. You need to purchase a stuffed animal to gain access, after that it’s for free.- http://www.webkinz.

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