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How To Impress Kids at the July 4 Barbeque

by Switched Staff on July 4, 2008 at 10:07 AM

It's barbecue time. Time for fireworks, friends, beer, hot dogs, and your teenage cousins to make fun of you. Instead of trying to convince them that Winona Ryder really was the cool chick in the 80s, why not ask him or her about sites? You'll sound like the coolest, in-the-know tech-savvy uncle (aunt, grandma, etc.) at the party.



Facebook and MySpace

Let's get these out of the way. They may be obvious, but just a simple mention of MySpace or Facebook could turn your teenage friend white with fear that you've seen his or her page. Instead, mention that you know of some pretty cool template sites that can make his or her MySpace page really groovy (don't use that word).

The conversation will surely lead to the teen saying that MySpace really isn't very cool anymore. Don't fret or sound too enthusiastic about any of your Web 2.0 knowledge -- play along and mention that you've heard Facebook, while infinitely more usable than MySpace, has probably jumped the shark.The site has become one of the world's most popular social networking sites, and its moment of cool may have passed. Still looking for a little cred-booster? Name-drop social-networking sites like Virb, Pownce, and Flickr and see how the kids react.


Tags: features, summerfeatures

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