Mining PEW

Madden, M., Lenhart, A., Cortesi, S., & Gasser U.  (2013).  Teens and mobile apps
      privacy.  PEW Internet.  Retrieved on July 28, 2014 from        http://www.pewinternet.org/files/old- media//Files/Reports/2013/PIP_Teens%20and%20Mobile%20Apps%20Privacy.pdf.



This was an interesting report about teens and their mobile apps behavior.  According to the report, most U.S. teens have smartphones and tablets and download apps to these devices frequently.  However, teens are also being cautious about what apps they are choosing to download.  Most are only downloading free apps.  Furthermore, they are also either avoiding or uninstalling apps that require them to share their personal information due to privacy concerns on their part.  Girls, more so than boys, are also turning off any location tracking features that these apps may come with.  The report also indicates that most teens are downloading games or social media apps but they also download weather, news, and music apps.  Lastly, if the app is free the majority of teens say that they do not ask their parents for permission.

Personally, I am glad that most teens are downloading free apps and that they are taking the time and steps to keep themselves safe.  I was unaware of the location tracking devices but am glad that many kids know about them and are avoiding them.  As far as what type of apps teens are downloading, I always figured that they were downloading games, music, and social media apps.  I have to say that I was surprised that many are also using news and weather apps.

I think it's important for parents to have conversations with their children about apps.  They should also check their kids' phones and tablets on a regular basis to see what apps they have downloaded.  It certainly won't hurt anything to check.  Since many of the apps that are being downloaded are free, I think that some kids may think this means that they are all safe.

Length of Report:  20 pages
Count to date:  40/150 pages