Study concludes that time spent online is not wasted on kids

The MacArthur Foundation has released a report concluding that the Internet enables pretty much the same social interaction, albeit in a new medium. Indeed, the report notes that at its best, the Internet allows youths to participate in something akin to a meritocracy where age isn't a concern. The results of the report were based on studies performed over the course of several years, and include more than 5,000 observation hours and nearly 700 interviews, among other data sources. Ars Technica, which read the report, noted that online media seemed to provide the chance for youths to hone their communications skills. Indeed, kids described how they were able to craft (and hone) ambiguous messages.

For more on this story:
- check out this article from Ars Technica