Only 67% of High School Seniors Say They Definitely Want to Marry Someday
What? According to a study by Pew Research Center, only 67% of seniors in high school say they absolutely want to get married someday, down from 80% in 1993.
So What? The biggest drop was among teen girls. Just 61% said they want to get married, down from 83% in ’93. (The change among teen boys from nominal: 74%, down from 76%.) And sadly, only 51% of all teens surveyed thought it was “very likely” they’d stay married to the same person their whole life.
Now What? The reason for this drop-off—or, more likely, reasons—was not explored in this study. But it might be worth talking about with your own high schoolers, especially as they enter adulthood and head off to college. Does your child want to get married? Why or why not? Do they think they’ll stay married if/when they take that leap? What do they think marriage entails? What does the Bible say about marriage?
Mogging Isn’t Bad, Until It Is
What? “Mogging,” as defined by Merriam-Webster, means “to move away,” “to depart,” “to walk slowly and steadily” or “to jog.” However, in the world of internet and teen slang, it also means “to outclass.”
So What? That slang definition originated in gym culture (according to Parents), but it has spread across multiple online platforms—including the “manosphere, an online community that often [spreads] misogynistic ideas”—since the early 2000s. And while most teens are probably using the terms in a joking, teasing way, it can take on heavier meanings.
Now What? If your kid is using “mog” derogatorily—that is, if they’re showing off or trying to dominate over someone—then it’s probably worth a lengthier conversation. It’s also worth noting that the term is comparable to “maxxing,” wherein teens trying to maximize their looks, hair, muscles, etc. in order to boost their popularity.
Character.AI Introduces ‘Stories’ for Minors
What? On Tuesday, Character.AI—known for its highly customizable AI chatbots—blocked its chatbot features for minors in response to increasing allegations that these virtual characters have adversely affected teen mental health. According to The Verge, “Character.AI is currently facing a lawsuit that accuses the AI platform of contributing to a teenager’s death by suicide.”
So What? As an alternative, Character.AI has introduced“Stories,” which it describes as a “safety-first setting,” allowing kids and teens to engage in “guided narratives” with its AI characters (essentially choose-your-own-adventure stories). Amanda Silberling writes for TechCrunch that Stories are “less psychologically dubious than roleplaying with chatbots.”
Now What? Experts warn that Stories could still have a negative impact on teen mental health, so parents should still exercise caution. Teen users commenting on a Character.AI subreddit were largely disappointed by the change but understood its necessity. And many are hopeful that Stories will be less addicting than the company’s interactive AI chatbots.
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