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Youth Culture Window

Looking to stay current with what's going on in recent youth culture? Here's a glimpse through a porthole into the lives of teenagers today.


Lost Love (2/2/2012)
Heartbreak at the Top of the Charts
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith

Loss is never easy, regardless if it’s money, a prized possession, or time. But when a loving relationship is ripped apart, the pain seems insufferable, especially for young people. Interestingly, exactly half of today’s Top 10 songs are addressing that pain.

But how does it suggest we deal with lost love?

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Lost Love, (2/2/2012)
Heartbreak at the Top of the Charts
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Connecting with a Connected Generation, (1/19/2012)
Does It Happen Online or Offline?
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Teens Struggle to Tell the Truth, by David R. Smith (1/12/2012)
And Parents’ Habits Aren’t Helping
Losing Out to Lust, by David R. Smith (1/8/2012)
How Pornography is Impacting Today’s Youth
The New College Campus Life, by David R. Smith (12/30/2011)
What the Class of 2016 Should Expect
The #1 Hits of 2011 (Part Two), (12/16/2011)
The Biggest Names in Music Left A Big Mark
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
The #1 Hits of 2011 (Part One), (12/9/2011)
The Biggest Names in Music Left A Big Mark
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
A(nother) Hi-Tech Christmas, by David R. Smith (12/2/2011)
Pricey Gadgets are at the Top of Teen’s Wish Lists…Again
Teenagers as Digital Citizens, by David R. Smith (11/21/2011)
Some are Good...Some are Not
Social Media Mania, by David R. Smith (11/10/2011)
Americans – Young & Old – Captivated by Facebook
Tipsy Teens, by David R. Smith (11/3/2011)
What's (Really) Behind Teen Drinking?
Are Teenagers Really Having Less Sex?, by Jonathan McKee (10/21/2011)
And How to Continue This Trend
Let Me Help - Here's My iPod, by David R. Smith (10/15/2011)
How Kids Use and are Influenced by Music
Sexy and I Know It, (10/6/2011)
LMFAO’s New Song Reveals What’s in Their Pants
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
The Gay Gap, by David R. Smith (9/30/2011)
Generations Divided Over the Issue of Homosexuality
New TV Shows for Fall of 2011 (Part 2), by David R. Smith (9/22/2011)
The Good, The Bad, and The Really Ugly Continues
New TV Shows for Fall of 2011 (Part 1), by David R. Smith (9/16/2011)
There’s Good, There’s Bad…and Plenty of It
The Social Network Showdown, by David R. Smith (9/9/2011)
Google Has Thrown the Gauntlet at Facebook
4 Observations from the 2011 MTV VMA's, (8/29/2011)
And What They Teach Us About Pop Culture
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Back to School Means Big Bucks, by David R. Smith (8/18/2011)
Designer Duds and Digital Devices Own the Classroom
2011 Teen Choice Awards, (8/8/2011)
A Glimpse into the Porthole of Pop-youth Culture
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Liquor and Lip Gloss, by David R. Smith (7/22/2011)
The Affect of Alcohol on Young Girls
Turning a Profit on YouTube, by David R. Smith (7/15/2011)
Teens Find Interesting Ways to Make YouTube Pay Them
MTV’s Wins… Family Values Lose, by David R. Smith (7/8/2011)
“Teen Wolf” Proves Itself the Alpha Male of MTV’s Lineup
The Truth Behind the Numbers, (7/1/2011)
How Much Time Are Young People Really Soaking-in Media?
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
The Gay Movement's Recent Growth, by David R. Smith (6/23/2011)
How Young People Are Playing a Role in the Movement
Short Skirts, Short Shorts, and Short Shirts, by David R. Smith (6/16/2011)
One Third of Young Girls’ Clothes are “Sexy”
Inside the 2011 MTV Movie Awards, (6/6/2011)
And the Winner is…MTV!
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Look at Me Now, by David R. Smith (5/26/2011)
Chris Brown Ramps Up His Comeback
American Idol the Family Show?, by Jonathan McKee (5/21/2011)
How Much is Too Much?
Summer Movie Lineup - Part II, by David R. Smith (5/12/2011)
The Films Hoping to Draw Teenagers This July & August
The 2011 Summer Movie Lineup - Part I, by David R. Smith (5/5/2011)
The Films Hoping to Draw Teenagers This May and June
The Impact of Technology on Teenagers, by Jonathan McKee (4/29/2011)
Exploring Media Saturation and Its Effects
Lady Gaga "Vomits" Judas, by David R. Smith (4/22/2011)
Choosing Between Traitor and Savior
Horror Kicking It Up a Notch, (4/14/2011)
Scream 4 Captures and Reflects Today's Teenagers
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Did You See the One About...?, by David R. Smith (4/8/2011)
Making Sense (and Use) of the Web's Viral Videos
Drugs and Alcohol, by David R. Smith (4/1/2011)
Still Popular with Teens Thanks to Media
Raising the Bar, by Jonathan McKee (3/27/2011)
Parents Teaching Their Kids Lasting Values
Abstinence is Up, but Consequences Not Down, by (3/11/2011)
8% More 15-17-year-olds Abstaining Than 5 Years Ago
Hollywood’s Take on Relationships, by David R. Smith (3/3/2011)
The Relationship Lessons of Today’s Movies
YouTube's How-To Videos, by David R. Smith (2/25/2011)
Instruction on Everything from
"Funny" to "Fatal"
Clear Messages in Today’s Top Music, by David R. Smith (2/18/2011)
A Close Look at This Week’s Top 5 Songs
Born This Way, (2/3/2011)
The Theological, Moral, and Scientific Revelations of Lady Gaga’s New Song
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Lil Wayne’s Big Plans, by David R. Smith (1/28/2011)
Goodbye Prison, Hello World
Skins, by David R. Smith (1/19/2011)
MTV’s New TV Program Shows a Lot of It
The Dominance of Video Games, by David R. Smith (1/14/2011)
And What it Means for Today's Teenagers
The New Face of TV, by David R. Smith (1/6/2011)
What Does the Silver Screen Hold for 2011?
The #1 Hits of 2010, (12/17/2010)
The Music and Messages of This Year’s Top Songs
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
The Best Christmas Gift, by David R. Smith (12/3/2010)
Giving Kids What They Need...And Want
Voices of the Bullied, by Jonathan McKee (11/18/2010)
And Where Bullying Really Stops
The Gospel According to Hollywood, by David R. Smith (11/12/2010)
Young Theologians and Their New Message
The End of Their Rope, by David R. Smith (10/29/2010)
The Devastating Effects of Student Bullying
Technology: The Modern Day Pied Piper, by David R. Smith (10/21/2010)
Are Teens Better or Worse Because of It?
In the Dark, by Jonathan McKee (10/11/2010)
A Sobering Peek into a Public High School Dance
Faith of Our Fathers, by David R. Smith (10/1/2010)
The Spiritual Inheritance of Today’s Teenagers
The Recession’s Unlikely Silver Lining, by Dave Urbanski (9/23/2010)
and How to Get Your Kids to
See It (and Buy In)
To Glee or Not to Glee, by Jonathan McKee (9/18/2010)
What does the “M” In MTV Stand For?, (9/13/2010)
A Recap of MTV’s 2010 VMAs
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Unforgettable “Moments”, by David R. Smith (9/3/2010)
A Preview of the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards
What Kids (Really) Want, by David R. Smith (8/26/2010)
Their Greatest Desire May Surprise – and Change – You
It’s Good to Be Katy Perry, (8/19/2010)
But Is She Good for Our Kids?
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
A Bitter Taste of Pop Culture, by Jonathan McKee (8/10/2010)
The 2010 Teen Choice Awards
Extended Adolescence, by Dave Urbanski (7/23/2010)
Twenty-Something "Kidults" Just Won't Grow Up
Blurred Reality, by David R. Smith (7/15/2010)
Teens’ Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
Is Your Teen a Narcissist Magnet?, by Lisa Charlebois L.C.S.W. (7/10/2010)
(Or Drawn to Them?)
Move Over Mario, by David R. Smith (7/2/2010)
Video Games Then and Now
Banning Best Friends, by Dave Urbanski (6/25/2010)
Reacting (or Overreacting) to Teen Relational Problems
TV Shows for Well-Endowed Misfits, by David R. Smith (6/19/2010)
MTV’s Infatuation with Male Genitalia
Pushing the Limits, by Jonathan McKee (6/7/2010)
The MTV F***ing Movie Awards
Look Out: Filth Straight Ahead!, by David R. Smith (5/27/2010)
A Preview of MTV’s 2010 Movie Awards
Teen Summer Jobs In Danger...Not Extinct, by Dave Urbanski (5/21/2010)
Tips for Teens Facing An Idle Summer
Monkey See, Monkey Do, by David R. Smith (5/14/2010)
Who’s to Blame for Kids’ Sexual Dilemma?
Miley or Britney… I Can’t Tell?, by Jonathan McKee (5/7/2010)
Miley’s Days as a Positive Role Model Long Gone
2010’s Summer Movies (Part Two), by David R. Smith (4/29/2010)
Summer Movie Showdown (Mid June to August)
2010’s Summer Movies (Part One), by David R. Smith (4/23/2010)
Summer Movie Showdown (May to Mid June)
The Scope of Sexting, by David R. Smith (4/16/2010)
How Big Is It and How Big Will It Get?
Spending Habits of Young People, by David R. Smith (4/9/2010)
What – If Anything – Are They
Learning From Us?
A Night to Remember, by David R. Smith (4/2/2010)
Just How Important is Prom to Teens?
Move Over Jonas Brothers, by David R. Smith (3/25/2010)
Music Sensation Justin Bieber Steals Hearts…and the Spotlight
Text Messages to Die For, by David R. Smith (3/19/2010)
AT&T Plans to Save Teen Drivers’ Lives
Low Expectations for Love, by David R. Smith (3/12/2010)
A Close Look at Billboard’s Newest #1 Song
Stressed Out, by David R. Smith (3/4/2010)
Are Today’s Kids the Most-Stressed Generation?
Media Consumption: Part IV
The Lure of Glowing Screens, by David R. Smith (2/26/2010)
Kids & Parents Have Different Take on Tech
Young Dare Devils, by David R. Smith (2/20/2010)
Extreme Sport "Parkour" Rises in Popularity
Media Consumption: Part III
Kids Are Reading Less Nowadays, by David R. Smith (2/12/2010)
But Publishers Are Selling More Books Than Ever
Dad, can I download this song?, by Jonathan McKee (2/4/2010)
A Parent’s Perspective on Teaching Discernment
Media Consumption: Part II
Kids Listening to Much More Music, by David R. Smith (1/29/2010)
While Parents Seem “Tuned” Out
Media Consumption: Part I
A Consuming Generation, by David R. Smith (1/22/2010)
Kids’ Media Usage Has Dramatically Increased
Teens Lighting Up Less, by David R. Smith (1/15/2010)
But Still Getting Their Tobacco Fix…And More
The Buried Life, by David R. Smith (1/8/2010)
New Show on MTV Asks Important Question
The New Form of Phone Sex, by David R. Smith (1/2/2010)
Beyoncé’s Newest Song “Video Phone”
The #1 Hits of 2009, by David R. Smith (12/11/2009)
A Review of 2009’s Top Songs and Their Message
Culture’s Confusion Over Sex, by David R. Smith (12/4/2009)
And The Impact It’s Making On Teens
Fireflies from Owl City, by David R. Smith (11/28/2009)
Is That a Christian at the Top of the Charts?
Twilight Goes ‘Emo’, (11/12/2009)
Bella’s Self Destructive Dependence on Edward
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Do Threesomes Come in Threes?, by David R. Smith (11/4/2009)
Youth Media Ups the Ante with Sexy Trios
“I’m Trying to Talk to You!”, by David R. Smith (10/30/2009)
Getting the Attention of Teenagers
"Say Aah" …and, "What’s in Your iPod?", by Jonathan McKee (10/21/2009)
Pediatricians Advised to Learn About Kids’ Media Use
Sexy Apps for SmartPhones, by David R. Smith (10/16/2009)
A Guide to Parental Controls as the Number of Dirty Downloads Increases
Teen Sex Escalation, by David R. Smith (10/9/2009)
Parents Have Ammo to Reverse the Trend
Goo Goo Over Gaga, by Jonathan McKee (10/2/2009)
Responding to the Enticement of Lady Gaga
Unbelieving Teens, by David R. Smith (9/25/2009)
Are There More of Them Today?
How Low Can You Go?, by Jonathan McKee (9/14/2009)
What Kids Saw at The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
“My Kid Doesn’t Do That!”, by David R. Smith (9/4/2009)
Teens’ Actual Use of the Internet vs. Parents’ Perceptions
What Happened to the Good Girls?, by David R. Smith (8/28/2009)
One Song Says They Went Bad
Teens and Cell Phones, by David R. Smith (8/13/2009)
The Effects of Mobile Tech on Kids
Is Love Blind?, by David R. Smith (7/31/2009)
ABC’s New TV Show Weighs In
A Bloody Cry for Help, by David R. Smith (7/19/2009)
Teenagers and Deliberate Self-Harm
First Borat...Now Brüno, by David R. Smith (7/10/2009)
Another Vulgar Import
No Need to Study, by David R. Smith (6/27/2009)
New Ways to Make an "A"
The Sex Text Hotline, by David R. Smith (6/13/2009)
Teens Use Tech to Have "The Talk"
A Glimpse of MTV's "Junk", by Jonathan McKee (6/1/2009)
The 2009 “MTV Movie Awards” Recap
The Golden Popcorn Crowd, by David R. Smith (5/22/2009)
What to Expect from the 2009 MTV Movie Awards
Family Finances, by David R. Smith (5/15/2009)
Does Talking With Teens About Money Help?
Hollywood’s Upcoming Blockbusters, by David R. Smith (5/9/2009)
The Heroes and Villains of Summer, 2009
The Pain Over Posted Pics, by David R. Smith (5/1/2009)
Many Teens Regret Some Online Behavior
Living in the Red, by David R. Smith (4/24/2009)
Many Young People Buying into Debt
The Elephant in the Room, by David R. Smith (4/17/2009)
The Growing Problem of Teenage Obesity
Fact or Fiction?, by Jonathan McKee (4/11/2009)
Salvaging Truth from Media Hype
What Happens to Right and Wrong Online?, by David R. Smith (3/27/2009)
A Look at the "Virtual" Morals of Teens
Trading the Surf for Service, by David R. Smith (3/13/2009)
Young People’s Spring Break Activities are Shifting
Are Parents Obsolete?, (3/5/2009)
Don't Underestimate the Influence of Parenting
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Christian Chameleons, by David R. Smith (2/28/2009)
Are Teenage Believers Blending in
with Culture?
Why I Allowed My 12-year-old to See Rated R... but Not PG-13!, by Jonathan McKee (2/20/2009)
What Films are Actually Appropriate?
Celebrities Gone Wild, by David R. Smith (2/13/2009)
Seizing Teachable Moments in the Chaos
'Nick & Norah' Push PG-13, by Jonathan McKee (2/6/2009)
The Content Behind ‘Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist'
The 2009 Grammys, by David R. Smith (1/30/2009)
Do Adults Like the Same Music as Teens?
When Girls Don't Like Themselves, by David R. Smith (1/23/2009)
Girls' Game Plan for Low Self-Esteem
If You Seek Amy, by David R. Smith (1/16/2009)
Does Britney’s New Song Say What I Think It Says?
The Ups and Downs of Teen Romances, by David R. Smith (1/10/2009)
What's Really Going On With Significant Others?
I Promise To Wait Till Marriage, Unless…, by David R. Smith (1/2/2009)
Virginity Pledges and Sex Practices Amongst Teenagers
Top 10 Most Downloaded Songs of 2008, (12/20/2008)
A Run-Down of the Good, the Bad, and the Really, Really Ugly
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
Mobile Porn, by David R. Smith (12/12/2008)
Teens Using Cell Phones for X-Rated Purposes
A Double Shot at Love, by David R. Smith (12/5/2008)
See Ya Tila, MTV's New Dating Show
Promises to be Twice as Sexy
This Generation has Found Its Voice, by David R. Smith (11/21/2008)
Too Bad It Is Kanye West's
I'm in Love with a Vampire, (11/7/2008)
The Subtle Messages of Twilight
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
TTYL, Mom and Dad, by David R. Smith (11/1/2008)
Do Cell Phones Help or Hinder Communication?
East High Wildcats Rock Theaters, by David R. Smith (10/27/2008)
High School Musical 3 is a Hit with Teens
The Blame Game on Drinking Games, by David R. Smith (10/18/2008)
Who's Responsible for Underage Drinking?
MTV's Top 10, by Jonathan McKee (10/3/2008)
The Top 10 Musical Artists
That Capture Our Kids' Attention
Sex...With Mom and Dad, by David R. Smith (9/26/2008)
New MTV Show Helps Families Have "The Talk"
Distracted Teenage Drivers, by David R. Smith (9/19/2008)
Studies Show Texting and Driving Don’t Mix
Teenagers' Risky Internet Habits, by David R. Smith (9/12/2008)
What Parents Don't Know CAN Hurt Kids
A “Tamer” VMA?, (9/8/2008)
The Night Belonged to Britney, Lil Wayne, and…God?
by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith
The Moonmen Are Back!, by David R. Smith (8/29/2008)
What to Expect from MTV’s 2008 Video Music Awards
Jesus Takes the Big Screen… Again, by David R. Smith (8/22/2008)
The Misrepresentation of Jesus in Hamlet 2
Back To School Blues, by David R. Smith (8/15/2008)
Concerns for the Upcoming School Year
The 2008 Teen Choice Awards, by Jonathan McKee (8/5/2008)
A Porthole into Their World
And the Winner Is…, by David R. Smith (7/24/2008)
The 2008 Teen Choice Awards Preview
Promise Rings or Promiscuity, by David R. Smith (7/13/2008)
The New TV Show for Teens Has Both
The Hottest Virtual Teenage Hangout… A Little Too “Hot”, by David R. Smith (6/28/2008)
A Virtual Pick Up Joint Where Authenticity is Scarce
www dot WhatAreTheyReallyDoing dot com, by David R. Smith (6/21/2008)
An Inside Look At the Online Lives of Teens
Usher Takes A Stand… or at least… Does it Standing Up, by David R. Smith (6/13/2008)
Mixed Messages from His New Album
The Class of 2008, by David R. Smith (6/7/2008)
Does Their Collegiate Future Affect Their Faith?
No Limits, by Jonathan McKee (6/2/2008)
A Glimpse of Pop Culture through the Lens of the MTV Movie Awards
When Texting Becomes “Sexting”, by David R. Smith (5/23/2008)
Beyond “LOL” and “OMG”
Modern Day Pinocchio's, by David R. Smith (5/16/2008)
Most teens have a bad track record with truth
The University of Platonic Love, by David R. Smith (5/9/2008)
Colleges Offer Coed Roommates Options
It’s My Parents’ Fault!, by David R. Smith (5/3/2008)
(Isn’t It?)
Grand Theft Auto 4, by David R. Smith (4/26/2008)
2008’s Biggest Video Game Is Already Disturbing the Peace
The Ruckus Over Rap Music, by David R. Smith (4/18/2008)
MTV & BET in Trouble With Parents...Again!
Fight Club Rules, by David R. Smith (4/11/2008)
What’s the appropriate response to teenage violence?
Is Hollywood’s Hottest Boy Band Clean?, by David R. Smith (4/4/2008)
The Jonas Brothers in the Spotlight
Kids Wear the Pants, by David R. Smith (3/28/2008)
But Mom and Dad Buy Them
I Don’t Like Me, by David R. Smith (3/21/2008)
Girls’ Low Self-esteem Has Dangerous Side Effects
Is Church Attendance A Big Deal?, by David R. Smith (3/15/2008)
Americans Making Big Shifts in Religious Affiliation
Do Bad Lyrics Really Affect Teenagers?, by David R. Smith (3/8/2008)
The Source's Music Survey
Watch Your *#%~@& Mouth!, by David R. Smith (2/28/2008)
Foul Language Amongst Teens On The Rise
Classroom Blues, by David R. Smith (2/22/2008)
Students No Longer Saved By the Bell
Great News Mom and Dad!, by David R. Smith (2/15/2008)
Young People Say YOU Make Them Happy
Video Games Make the Big Bucks, by David R. Smith (2/9/2008)
Outselling Music and Other Media in 2007
TV Goes Sexy, by David R. Smith (1/31/2008)
And damaging teen girls in the process
Gen Y: Red or Blue?, by David R. Smith (1/24/2008)
Millennials poised to impact ‘08 presidential election