- It’s no secret that Millennials rely on their parents for financial support (with nearly a quarter saying their parents pay for their cell phone, and 20% say their parents pay for food, Internet, and insurance. Yet this is putting a strain on Boomers, many of whom are supporting their parents as well. In fact, 71% of boomers said they helped pay for their children’s college tuition or loans, 55% let them live at home rent-free, and 53% helped their children buy a car, which has slowed down many of their retirement savings) (Business Insider) (MSNBC)

- In Pepsi’s latest foray into entertainment (the brand has partnered with Michael Jackson’s estate to feature MJ in its ads, place his picture on cans, and offer remixes of his songs, which Pepsi drinkers can access by scanning codes on the cans. Between the pop culture connection and obvious nostalgia, they hope to bring Pepsi to the top of consumers’ minds, particularly Millennials) (Huff Po) (USA Today)

- Reverse psychology may be the solution to discourage Millennials from texting and driving (as this Belgian advocacy group discovered. They challenged young potential drivers to text while driving through a training course. The drivers quickly realized how difficult and dangerous it is, which will hopefully prevent them from trying it when they’re on the road for real. We’re glad that so many companies are helping to prevent this problem, considering that 67% of Millennials admit to having sent texts while driving, according to Ypulse research) (Mashable)

- Unfortunately less than half of Millennials feel informed about skin cancer (and 1 in 5 women aged 18-24 do not apply sunscreen. We were saddened to hear these stats from Total Beauty Media Group and hope that as summer approaches, Gen Yers are more careful and take preventative measures to be safe in the sun) (PR Web)

- Superhero movies are taking over the screens this summer (including cellphones! We’re talking about Sony’s Amazing Spider-Man augmented reality app which lets fans interact with the hero online and in the real world by scanning features on social channels — including the movie’s website, retail locations, and online platforms like Entertainment Weekly and Activision — to unlock 3D animations. And as we mentioned earlier, Walmart is also offering superhero AR apps that make the characters come to life in stores. Speaking of major super heroes, Ryan Gosling — who has saved a women’s life and broken up fights — is now getting his own comic book. Kapow!) (Kidscreen) (Refinery29)

- And finally for a little Friday fun… (Here’s a look at the new product Instagram is rumored to be rolling out after receiving a $1 billion payout from Facebook. Funny, we think we had one of these years ago…) (The Verge)

- E! Entertainment is taking a stab at scripted shows as well as music programming (in hopes of providing a “pop of culture.” Several of these shows sound very Millennial including “Dorothy” — a modern day spin on “The Wizard of Oz” and “Upstarts,” set in Silicon Valley during the dotcom bubble. But E! isn’t moving away from reality shows anytime soon, also announcing “Opening Act,” a singing competition show where unknown online artists will be surprised with a chance to open for big name stars. Speaking of singers, tween sensation Cody Simpson will appear in a choose your own adventure-style YouTube movie out this summer on Warner Music’s YouTube Channel, which will contain concert footage and a behind-the-scenes tour. Warning: teenage girls are about to go crazy!) (AdAge) (Vulture)

- Some 60% of parents spy on their teens’ Facebook accounts (which makes sense given how problematic cyberbullying has become. Moms snoop on their kids’ account the most as they seek to protect their children, and American parents do so more than those in other countries) (MSNBC)

- Social good is essential for youth brands today (as Millennials expect companies to engage in such behavior. Gen Y want to be a part of change and wear a badge of good global citizenship, so they’re drawn to brands like Starbucks, Pepsi, and Toms which promote these values) (MediaPost)

- Even publishers are finding ways to make use of Pinterest (as it continues to be a top platform for brands. Scholastic and Chronicle lead the way with their strategies to build relationships with readers and create fun, engaging boards aimed at moms and teens. In other publishing news, are US YA book covers too basic? A blogger makes a good point in her visual analysis of American covers compared to those released in other countries. What do you think? Tell us in the comments) (Publishers Weekly) (GalleyCat)

- Many students complain about math saying that they’ll never use half the things they learn later in life (and a whopping 61% of middle schoolers would even prefer to take out the garbage than do their math homework. Yet Mathalicious aims to change that with a weekly video series called Math52 where problems will be presented in creative ways and are applicable to teens’ everyday lives. Sounds like a formula for success!) (Good.Is)

- Remember the talented choir group from Staten Island that performed at the Oscars in 2011? Well they just premiered a documentary of their journey (called “Once in a Lullaby: The PS22 Chorus Story” at the Tribeca Film Festival this weekend. We’re amazed by these students and all their hard work!) (Huff Po)

- As if the job market wasn’t daunting enough for Millennials (new data from the Associated Press reveals that half of college grads are either unemployed or underemployed in positions that don’t utilize their skills or knowledge. No wonder students are stuck in debt, living at home, and uncertain about their futures. Yet despite it all, they remain optimistic) (Newser)

- To reach Millennials, the product should be the marketing (which means brands need to be clear about their offerings and find ways to entice consumers. After all, having a focused message and providing value, happiness, and good products are what matter most to Millennials) (MediaPost)

- Pinterest quickly rose to the top becoming one of the fastest-growing social networks, but now the bookmarking and sharing site is losing users. This makes sense to us (because Pinterest is a niche network. Many users may have joined to see what all the hype was about, but then decided it wasn’t for them and their particular needs and jumped ship) (Business Insider)

- A group of sixteen Millennials were selected through a national competition to lead a discussion (about their generation, their values and the upcoming election. The result: some unique findings about Gen Y including their thoughts about figuring out who they are and what their legacy will be for future generations. As one student student wisely put it, “we have yet to write our own history, but one day it will be there”) (The Daily Pennsylvanian)

- We’re excited about Nickelodeon’s original movie “Rags” (which is a twist on a Cinderella story about an orphan who aspires to become a singer and befriends a pop princess. With Nick Cannon producing this project — which features some big name teen stars — we think the flick has huge potential. In other kids’ entertainment news, Scott Helmstedter, the Chief Creative Officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, explains what we can expect from SeaWorld Pictures and the company’s new wave of transmedia experiences) (Market Watch) (Cynopsis Kids)

- Pinkstinks, a campaign formed by two mothers, aims to break gender stereotypes in marketing toys to kids (meanwhile challenging the norms of society. Now the duo has another mission: stopping the marketing of makeup to preschoolers since it creates a culture of necessity. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below…) (The Guardian)

- It’s official, archery is popular thanks to Katniss Everdeen! (Sales are spiking as kids everywhere are asking for bow and arrows, as well as lessons inspired by the heroine) (Huff Po)

- Young women value having a high-paying career (with two-thirds of 18-34 year olds considering it very important, if not one of the most important things in life, compared to 59% of guys the same age who feel this way. But this doesn’t mean women are compromising their personal lives; 39% feel that having a successful marriage is a priority and nearly 60% feel this way about being a good parent. Clearly Millennial women want it all! But with all this pressure they’re placing on themselves, it’s no wonder they’re the most stressed generation) (USA Today) (Business Insider)

- Hulu is adding four original shows to its lineup (in hopes of attracting big advertisers and becoming an even larger entertainment hub with content that can’t be found on TV. Most of these upcoming programs are aimed at Millennials including a comedy about flawed superheroes, a series about struggling musicians, and a show about friendships on the basketball court) (AdAge)

- Gen Y isn’t as religious as older generations (with one in four Millennials saying they are “unaffiliated” when asked about their beliefs, yet of this percentage, 55% practiced a religion during their childhood. It seems like Millennials are losing faith, but we wonder if this will change as they get older) (WaPo)

- Ever wonder what teens are texting about all the time? Well now you can know thanks to “The Blackberry Project” (a four-year study conducted by a psychology professor at the University of Texas-Dallas who provided 175 teens with wired phones to capture all their text messages, emails, photos, and IMs sent from Blackberrys over 48 months. Students didn’t hold back with their texts even though they were being monitored and the database offers an authentic look at teen’s texting language. In other innovative Millennial research strategies, NBCUniversal is releasing a documentary called debuting “Y Now” about how Gen Y behaves, what they believe in, and how they differ from other generations in order to inform marketers about all things Millennial) (Forbes) (NY Times, reg. required)

- The Olympics have their own social network this year (called the Olympics’ Athlete Hub where users can connect with athletes, see photos, and participate in live chats! Talk about #winning an online fan base. Brands are also going for the gold this year by adopting creative social media strategies around the games to build buzz online, gain more fans, and hopefully drive sales) (Wired) (Reuters)

- Brands are testing the waters using Facebook’s Open Graph to create clever apps for fans, and we’re impressed with what RayBan (came up with. Using graphics drawn by Chris Martin, the app scans your Facebook profile and creates a mini movie feature your life as one of “Tomorrow’s Legends.” Fans can then share their own personal movie on Facebook or on RayBan’s site, and they can download the title card of the movie with their name alongside Martin’s graphics) (Creativity-Online)

- Kids spend their summers cruising around on the bikes, and who wouldn’t want a little bike bling (to customize their ride! From handlebar streamers to hamburger shaped bike bells, there’s no limit to the creative ways kids can trick out their two-wheelers!) (I Heart Daily)

- And finally for a little Friday fun… (with Earth Day approaching, we had to share this cute and hilarious video of kids auditioning to narrate the BBC program “Planet Earth.” Unfortunately children won’t be narrating the actual program that airs this weekend but enjoy their adorableness here as they talk about animals and nature!) (Mashable)

- Coachella is a right of passage for Gen Y and a cultural experience (which says a lot about Millennials’ group-oriented attitude. There isn’t as much of a barrier between artist and fans today, and as Swedish House Mafia took the stage this weekend, an electronic dance music revolution was in full force. It’s also a good venue for marketers to reach Millennials and test out brand advertising strategies. Speaking of Coachella, check out pictures from the show and fashion at the festival, which has become almost as important as the music) (The Lefsetz Letter) (CNN) (Flavorwire) (Refinery 29)

- While Millennials can generally be categorized as optimistic, tech-savvy, and team-oriented (such attitudes don’t accurately describe all Millennials as Boston Consulting Group points out. Instead, they tend to fall in six groups including Hip-ennials, Millennial Moms, Anti-Millennials, Gadget Gurus, Clean and Green Millennials, and Old School Millennials, with Hip-ennials — mostly females who are careful spenders and constantly seek information — making up the largest group) (MediaPost)

- It’s no secret that kids have tremendous purchasing power in their families (with three out of five parents involving their children in car-buying decisions. This creates an even bigger need for auto companies to appeal to youth — as many have sought to do so in recent months — since their opinions carry heavy weight. Speaking of which, Jeeps, Chevrolets, and Fords are kids’ favorites respectively. In other car related news, teen girls are twice as likely as teen boys to use cell phones or other devices while driving and 10% more likely to partake in other distracted behaviors) (AdAge) (Examiner)

- Fast-food restaurants aren’t selling nearly as many kids meals as they have in the past (which can be attributed to cheaper items a la carte, such as on the dollar menu, and children’s lack of interest in the toys. Families are focused on value and are instead sharing meals more. But children are also outgrowing kids meal toys at an earlier age which many credit to technology) (Chicago Tribune)

- HBO’s new program ‘Girls’ premiered last night and so far it seems like an accurate representation of Gen Y (and what it’s like to enter the real world in a time of uncertainty. It’s daunting as the characters suggest, but we think the program sheds light on important issues and will serve as “the voice of this generation, or at least, a voice of a generation” as Hannah would put it) (WaPo)

- We love the idea of Swipes for the Homeless, a nonprofit that students at UCLA formed (when they noticed how many leftover meal points their peers had at the end of each semester. Instead of letting the points go to waste or stocking up on unnecessary snacks, students can donate their points to those in need with each swipe being comparable to a meal) (Good.Is)

- As Gen Y struggles with student loans and debt, a Millennial shares her perspective on why she avoids owning a credit card (and only has a debit card instead. This is common among her peers, but she recognizes both the pros and cons of it) (CreditCards.com)

Prom spending is soaring with families paying $1,078 on average this year (up from $807 last year. Between dresses and tuxes, hair, makeup, and limos, the single night has become extremely pricey as teens want the red carpet treatment. Stay tuned for our prom piece next week on how the occasion has evolved with students asking each other in more elaborate ways, girls dressing more mature, and the impact of social media) (USA Today)

Millennials rely heavily on Wikipedia as a quick source of information (and thankfully, it’s about to become more reliable through the Wikipedia Education Program. Under this worldwide project, academics will write entries and students will fact-check them for credit. Wikipedia hopes this will improve the accuracy of entries and teachers will eventually let students cite the source in their papers) (Fast Company)

The iconic candy brand Mike and Ike’s has developed a clever marketing strategy (where the pair have parted ways to generate reactions among young consumers. The name “Mike” or “Ike” will be crossed out on packages with reasons why they’ve separated, creating personalities around the candy characters. Moreover, fans will be directed to the brand’s Facebook page to react to the news of their split) (NY Times, reg required)

Teenage girls are finding jobs faster and easier than teenage boys (which is largely because they’re more interested in retail jobs and there’s more of these opportunities available. 2.25 million teenage girls are employed compared to 2.08 million boys, yet teen employment rates are down overall) (Buzzfeed)

Disney XD has ordered a live-action comedy series called “Crash and Berstein” about a 14-year-old boy and his puppet (which although is much different than the network’s current programming, sounds promising and entertaining. In other youth media news, Smosh, owned by Alloy Digital, is entering the animation world with a new YouTube channel called Shut Up Cartoons. It will launch animated web series aimed at 12-24 year olds later this month) (Kidscreen) (Variety, reg. required)

With so many social networks gaining traction today (it’s no surprise that usage is splintering as niche networks appeal to people for different purposes. Facebook still remains the most popular, but Millennials are logging on to multiple sites to fulfill all of their needs, which no single site can provide. Speaking of social media, more and more retailers, including Amazon and eBay, are adding Pinterest buttons to their product pages so that users can share items while browsing their site. Even Harrod’s has a Pinterest contest where users can create a mood board on the site, and the winning one will be made into a store window display) (MediaPost) (BizReport)

Bieber’s song “Born to Be Somebody” is featured in the new trailer for “Bully” (which is being rereleased today with a PG-13 rating. We hope his involvement will further encourage young fans to see the movie and stop bullying. Speaking of Bieber, MTV Insights explains the success behind the viral video that he, Selena Gomez, and other teen stars made to Carly Rae Jepsen’s song “Call Me Maybe”. It’s authentic and amateur, showing viewers that artists aren’t all that different from them, and that they consider fans their friends. And if you’re in LA, check out Carly Rae’s free concert this Saturday night at Universal CityWalk) (Deadline) (THR)

And finally for a little Friday fun… (we’re impressed by Caine, a nine-year-old boy who built his own arcade out of cardboard boxes, which he turned into a mini business. A filmmaker discovered him and made a movie about it which has since has gone viral!) (Huff Po)

- Employers can learn a lot about Millennials and their work habits if they ask interview questions (which focus on their generation in particular. Denise Restauri, the Founder and CEO of AllyKattz, as well as a contributor to Forbes, spoke with several of our Youth Advisory Board members to understand what types of questions employers should be asking and what applicants’ responses reveal. Hint: Most of these Millennial questions are about social media!)

- With so many mediums to choose from, it’s no surprise that Millennials switch from one media platform to another (a whopping 27 times an hour. In other words, they’re multitasking a ton and are engaged on several devices simultaneously. But they also get distracted easily and want constant entertainment, which puts more pressure on companies to capture their attention) (AdAge)

- We’re excited for the upcoming YA post-apocalyptic trilogy from Chris Weitz (director of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “Golden Compass.” Having been a writer, producer, and director for several Millennial movies, he’ll now create his own series where a catastrophe kills everyone but teenagers. They must learn to live in a world with no heat, running water, TV, video games, Internet, and adults, which creates “nostalgia for pop culture and technology” as Weitz explains. In other book news, the ALA just released its most Frequently Challenged Book List of 2011, which includes “The Hunger Games” series, “TTYL,” and the “Gossip Girl” books) (Deadline) (Publishers Weekly)

- It’s about time that there’s a way to dispose of your old cell phone while being both eco-friendly (and earning money. Meet EcoATM. People can drop their phone into a slot at the machine and the kiosk will buy it back, but first it gives them an option to donate the money to charity. Moreover, users can decide if they want their device to be sold on the global market or recycled, which combines several attitudes and actions that matter most to Millennials) (Good.Is)

- The New York Times Learning Network and Teen Ink are holding a teen essay contest on bullying (where students can write either about how bullying exists today or how to address it. The contest aims to further teach people about the ongoing problem among youth and find ways to end it. In other anti-bullying news, Common Sense Media and Disney’s Friends For Change have teamed up to fight the issue among young students by airing PSAs featuring Disney Channel and Disney XD stars, as well as by providing tips) (NY Times) (LA Times)

- Sephora just received a major makeover (including an updated site with Pinterest and Instagram integration, and an in-store system where shoppers can use iPads to check out its beauty offerings online and watch videos. Taking a cue from Apple to manage its queue, sales associates will have iPod touches to check out customers throughout the store. These new offerings are sure to make this favorite brand among Millennials even more appealing!) (Mashable)

- Mattel just released photos of Katniss Barbie who’s dressed in her arena outfit (complete with bow and arrows and a Mockingjay pin, much to our approval! We’re glad she’s being depicted as the tough female heroine we all love, showing off her beauty, brains, and badass attitude. Speaking of Barbie, she’s also running for President! What can’t this girl do? The doll seeks to inspire girls and make them involved in their communities, and, of course, she’s well dressed in clothes designed by Chris Benz) (EW) (NY Daily News)

We’re glad that the movie ‘Bully’ has finally received a PG-13 rating (making it much easier for teens — the ones who need to see it most — to watch the film in theaters or at school. Unfortunately The Weinstein Company had to remove offensive language to get this rating, which takes away from the reality of bullying, but at least the movie will be more accessible with a re-release next week. Speaking of “Bully,” check out DoSomething’s creative new campaign tied to the movie if you haven’t already. In other film news, Millennial movies are taking over the box office this weekend including “American Reunion” and “Titanic 3D” which should excite those with 90s nostalgia!) (Deadline) (EW)

Given how tough the job market is, we’re not surprised that a quarter of 18-34 year olds have moved back home in recent years (and that a whopping 40% of 18-34 year olds currently live with their parents. But being at home sweet home has its advantages — a quarter feel it has positively affected their relationship with their parents while half feel it hasn’t made a difference, and more than half of 18-24 year olds are still largely linked to their parents financially) (Pew)

Nail art is nothing new among Millennials (but like us, The NY Times has noticed that nails are no longer an afterthought in fashion. Rather, they’ve become an essential everyday accessory much like a bag or basic makeup. Everyone has their hand in nail design these days with cool colors, innovations, and celebrity tie-ins, which makes sense as nails are a way for people to express themselves without doing anything too drastic.

Speaking of style, fashion and music have always been closely connected (but combining the two is even more crucial these days in order for fashion companies to understand and appeal to Millennials. Musicians are appearing in campaigns, and reflecting the identity of brands and the lifestyle they represent in more meaningful ways. Even luxury brands are taking note to make their marketing more social) (Stylelist) (WWD)

Pepsi has certainly brought its marketing campaign to the next level in promoting its PepsiNext drink. The beverage brand has teamed up with Funny or Die (to host an online taste test starring its fans. People can sign up to “taste” the drink on PepsiNext’s Facebook page and Funny or Die comics will select users and search through their profiles to try and understand their personality. The comedians will then impersonate each participant in a video of them “taste testing” the product, which they’ll post back on the users’ wall and the brand page. Talk about some crazy marketing that combines personalization, humor, and even a little stalking) (MediaPost)

We have to agree with this adorable little girl who questions why marketing to kids is so gendered (and why girls are taught to buy pink and princess things while boys are taught to buy superhero toys. “Why can’t they get whatever they want?” as Riley astutely asks, reaffirming that today’s kids are extremely aware of marketing tactics, even at a young age) (PSFK)

And finally for a little Friday fun…(check out this video Red Bull made starring Mike Schneider — a professional fingerboarder. “He’s got his fingers on the pulse of innovation” as one of his fellow pro-skaters states in the video. We love this clever marketing move to show how connected Red Bull is with Millennials and to stay ahead of trends) (Hypebeast)

The Angry Birds franchise continues to soar with a TV show debuting this fall (featuring 2-3 minute episodes that will be available on mobile devices, tablets, and TV screens. There’s no escaping those angry birds! In other TV news, MTV2 is launching a new show called “Hip Hop Squares” which is a reboot of the classic show “Hollywood Squares” but is considered more “party” than “game show!” We’re eager to see the show which features Millennial favorites like Nick Cannon, Mac Miller, and Kat Graham) (THR) (Deadline)

More and more kids are becoming published authors these days (as their parents pay for them to have self-published works. Sure this celebrates students’ writing and enables kids to have more opportunities, but it also creates unrealistic expectations with parents as biased publishers. What do you think of this trend?) (NY Times, reg. required)

Mattel announced that it will finally make a bald Barbie to honor kids who have lost their hair because of illness or cancer (after a public Facebook campaign that got more than 150,000 “likes.” It’s clear that there is enormous interest in such a doll, which Mattel has decided to donate to hospitals treating children, rather than sell in stores. The doll, a friend of Barbie, will come with wigs, hats, scarves, and other fashion accessories, and aims to comfort for kids during a tough time) (Time)

We sound like a broken record saying that brands have to be engaging and authentic in order to attract Millennials (but it’s true! Companies that stand for something, as well as admit when they make mistakes, are the ones that stand out to Gen Y. Moreover, Millennials like brands that take the time to understand them and not just regard them as tech-savvy — a term that’s been overused to define their generation. Several brands have succeeded in appealing to this audience by focusing on Millennials’ desire for discounts, as well as their perpetual state of nostalgia by offering retro-pricing. Yes, some places are actually selling items at prices that reflect the companies’ origin!) (Mediabistro) (MTV)

Millennials’ interest in Pinterest continues to increase (as it offers features that they appreciate, including a platform to categorize things, and a system of visual organization. Moreover, Millennials like being able to express themselves online and can do so through images in an interactive manner on the site. In other social media news, Disney’s Marvel Studios has a creative Facebook campaign to promote the upcoming movie “The Avengers.” The cities with the most Facebook likes will host free advance screenings nearly a month before the movie’s release, which is a smart strategy to boost interest both on- and off-line) (Conduit) (All Facebook)

- Comedy Central just launched an election news and political humor app that corresponds with its Indecision election blog (to poke fun at coverage throughout the race. Among the many offerings is news presented via images and jokes, as well as a tool for users to react to live events in real-time, aptly called “Peanut Gallery.”) (Mashable)

- In Google’s latest effort to rule the tech world, it’s releasing branded tablets which it hopes will compete with iPads (and will be sold through its own online store. Yet there’s already enough tablets out there, so we can’t see this being wildly successful. With so many consumers watching video on iPads, ABC is teaming up with Nielsen to start measuring it effectively. Disney is also busy working with mobile gaming company DeNA to make its mobile games available worldwide!) (WSJ, reg. required) (MediaPost) (TechCrunch)

- We were glad to learn that nearly 60% of 18-29 year olds follow local news closely (but were surprised that they follow national news slightly less. Nevertheless, Millennials seek to be informed and use their mobile devices the most to obtain information. Check out Pew’s research for more on how Millennials consume local news and how their habits compare to older adults) (thanks to Derek Baird for the tip)

- Pinterest isn’t just a positive place for consumers to share (and receive inspiration; it’s also a practical marketing platform for brands as 21% of users have purchased an item they found on the site. The engaging format with endless ideas makes online shopping even more tempting! In other social media news, check out the top talent on Twitter from musicians and TV personalities to actors and athletes, most of whom are Millennial favorites) (The Next Web) (AllTwitter)

- We’re “wonderstruck” by Taylor Swift’s latest marketing move to promote her perfume (on social media. Taylor launched a “13 Days of Wonder” Sweepstakes on Facebook where fans can win a gown inspired by the designer dress she wore in the commercial, simultaneously promoting her fragrance and the feelings it’s meant to evoke. In other style news, “Snow White and the Huntsmen” is the latest movie to get a fashion line inspired by the clothes seen on screen. Universal Pictures and the Home Shopping Network have teamed up to sell the collection — featuring jewelry, apparel, and home accessories — for 24 hours on multiple platforms. Speaking of tech meets style, check out FashionPlaytes.com, a website where tween girls can design their own clothes) (FMM) (NY Times, reg. required) (CNN)

- Alloy Entertainment has selected its first book under The Collaborative, its book packaging model that accepts manuscript submissions from outside authors (and has teamed up with HarperCollins to publish “How to Love,” a YA novel that combines romance and mystery. We’re already excited about the story that comes out in 2014. In other book news, John Green’s “The Fault In Our Stars” is headed for the big screen with the writers of “500 Days of Summer” signed on to the project) (Publishers Weekly) (Deadline)

- And finally for a little Friday fun…(keeping up with the ‘Hunger Games’ hysteria, check out these hilarious PSAs making fun of the Capitol and its rigid rules. Remember, “If You See Something, Jabberjay Something!” The must-see movie has also sparked an interest in archery as fans of the series admire Katniss’ skills with a bow and arrow) (CollegeHumor) (Jezebel)

- Using your phone while at the movies usually elicits lots of scorns and “shhhs” but if it were up to Millennials (texting, tweeting, and checking Facebook would be tolerable at theaters. Engaging with social media and entertainment simultaneously is important to them — after all, that’s what they do when watching TV — so it makes sense that the majority of 18-34 year olds would like to use their phones for similar purposes while at the movies. In fact, they think it would enhance their experience, which makes us wonder if theaters might actually allow this) (Fandango, thanks to Derek Baird for the tip)

- Disney just launched Disney Junior, a channel for preschoolers (that will eventually replace Soapnet. This marks a big change for ABC as it steps away from soap operas and focuses more on 2-7 year olds, who will have their own 24-hour network, a lot like Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. In other children’s TV news, check out some of the top cartoons that are sure to reach SpongeBob status) (LA Times) (Adweek)

- The Internet has been buzzing about the ‘Hunger Games’ earning $152.5 million at the box office this weekend (which is the third-highest total ever for opening weekend! But besides that impressive feat, here’s some interesting info about the audience which had a more balanced male-to-female ratio than “Twilight” and included a substantial proportion of viewers who were 25 years or older. ABC Family secured the basic cable rights to the movie, as well as “Catching Fire,” which seems like the perfect home since it’s one of the top Millennial networks. Speaking of the movie, check out this comical video of Beanie Babies starring in “The Hunger Games,” but warning: it contains spoilers!) (Variety) (MLive) (Deadline) (Mashable)

- Spinning tops known as Beyblades are a top toy today (and although they sound simple, the plastic and metal objects are spinning all around the world! It’s a fun and quick form of entertainment, and the ability to collect them and compete against others has led to Beyblade mania) (NY Times, reg required)

- Paranormal romances and dystopian novels have taken over the YA world the past few years (but it sounds like the new “it” genre will be…thrillers! Publishers Weekly reports that this seems to be the next big trend from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which makes us think that vampire stores are finally dying. We can’t wait to see what horror is in store)

- If Tony the Tiger or Chester Cheetah taught us anything (it’s that brand mascots can be extremely influential. And today, companies are finding them useful as they can serve as the voice for a brand on social media. Mascots encourage consumers to be fans and lets people put a face to the brand) (AdAge)

- Pinterest is enormously popular, even in the classroom (as teachers find creative ways to incorporate it into assignments, encourage collaboration, and embrace visual learning) (Mashable)

- Happy Hunger Games! (We can’t believe it’s finally here! In yet another smart marketing move for the movie, Fandango sent subscribers an email from President Snow directing them to watch the film, as a decree from the Capitol to citizens of Panem. The world is indeed watching with the film raking in $19.7 million in midnight showings — the highest ever for a non-sequel, and it’s estimated to earn $135 million during opening weekend!) (Rolling Stone) (Entertainment Weekly) (Box Office Mojo)

- Speaking of popular YA novels, the trailer for Stephenie Meyer’s ‘The Host’ has arrived (and it looks promising — and thankfully nothing like “The Twilight Saga.” But if aliens taking over Earth isn’t your thing, try these books that have potential to reach ‘The Hunger Games’ heights!) (Vulture) (THR)

- Although SXSW is over (there are still plenty of lessons to learn from it about marketing to Millennials. Check out how luxury brands used the event to attract young shoppers in cool and chic ways) (FMM)

- We’re looking forward to MTV’s new shows (including “The Heights” which is a “Real World” meets “The Hills” set in NYC, and “This Is How I Made It” about stars’ rise to fame. The line up is sure to be a hit among Millennial fans of the network and helped it reach 100 Million Facebook likes as Ad Age explains. The network is also working with General Motors to help “MTV-ify” the brand and attract young buyers) (Deadline) (NY Times, reg. required)

- And finally for a little Friday fun… (in honor of the ‘Hunger Games,’ check out this parody video for “We Found Love in the Hunger Games” of Rihanna’s hit song. The lyrics are catchy, but it’s kinda weird seeing powerful scenes like the Reaping set to a party beat)

- In an interesting marketing move to increase movie sales, Fox has created “wallscapes” in malls (where users can scan a QR code on the wall that will direct them to buy a movie online, and it will be shipped to their house. It’s an eye-catching concept, but we doubt it will be very effective among Millennials since they prefer to have access to movies rather than own them, and they aren’t very interested in QR codes. In other movie news, Yahoo! has teamed up with Fandango to start selling movie tickets on its site, making it a full film destination for reviews, trailers, and tickets!) (CNet) (TechCrunch)

- It’s no secret that teens text a lot (but the latest research from Pew reveals that they send 60 texts a day! Girls text more than boys, as to be expected, with 14-17 year olds increasing their usage the most. Interestingly enough, the stat has become a trending topic on Twitter) (Mashable)

- The “Hunger Games” hysteria continues thanks to Lionsgate’s numerous online marketing tactics (that have created enormous hype online, making the movie impossible to ignore. Through savvy strategies, it’s a blockbuster that the world will be watching! USA Today talks to fans ages 17-74 about why this series is so hot, er on fire! Their answer: it’s relatable for all readers!) (NY Times, reg. required) (Salon)

- We’ve seen a lot of media coverage for a study suggesting Millennials really are a self-centered, entitled generation (focused on money and ignoring social good. But this doesn’t sound like the Millennials we know, whose actual behavior — as opposed to attitudes — reflects high rates of voting, volunteering, and community engagement) (USA Today) (HyperVocal)

- Although it’s been an extremely difficult job market for Millennials (it appears that the market is recovering, with employers planning to hire nearly 10% more grads this year than last. Hooray for more openings! But with lots of competition, collegians are beginning their job search earlier and earlier) (LA Times)

- In an effort to engage millions of people with an incurable case of Bieber Fever (Justin is letting fans choose the cover art for his anticipated new album out next week. They’ll decide via a tweet battle, which makes sense coming from the star who got his start on social media!) (THR)

Along with Vevo’s sleek new site (the music video platform now offers users personalized music video recommendations! As part of a partnership with Echo Nest, Vevo users can log in with Facebook, and Echo Nest scans their activity on the social network, as well as their iTunes Library, to understand their music history and taste. We bet Millennials will appreciate this feature as it makes music discovery and song sharing even easier) (Fast Company)

Despite all the warnings Millennials have received about the dangers of smoking (they don’t seem to be listening to the message. According to a new report from the U.S. Surgeon General, 1 in 4 high school seniors smoke cigarettes. Luckily one of every 3 kids who smokes will quit, but sadly one of the remaining two will die from tobacco-related causes. We’re glad companies like Vans are trying to prevent this problem by working with truth, a youth smoking prevention campaign, to educate Millennials about the truth of tobacco and the risks it poses) (ABC News) (MediaPost)

One of the most impressive things about Suzanne Collins’s ‘The Hunger Games’ trilogy and the upcoming movie is that they appeal to all audiences (from teen girls, and yes teen boys, to even full-grown men. Scholastic and Lionsgate have worked carefully and strategically to present their products to all audiences without alienating loyal fans, and because of that, the whole world will be watching on March 23^rd! Speaking of which, the film’s producer Nina Jacobson tells Publishers Weekly about the process of adapting the book and how to keep loyal fans happy) (WSJ, reg. required)

As more and more luxury designers create capsule collections and kids’ clothes (we should have seen Diane von Furstenberg’s Gap Kids collection coming. Although the line — which will be out next week — is adorable, especially child-size printed wrap dresses and leggings, we have to admit that $120 for a Gap Kids’ dress is a little much, especially since children outgrow clothes so quickly. In other style news, as Millennials are extremely interested in beauty brands, it’s no surprise that such companies have a dominant role on social media, which in turn is largely impacting their sales) (NY Mag) (All Twitter)

The Nickelodeon-formed boy band, Big Time Rush, are debuting their Big Time Movie — no really, that’s what it’s called — this Saturday at 8pm (and we love that they’ll be covering Beatles songs during their adventures in London. Check out a clip from the flick! Speaking of boy bands, although we called it a little while back, Jezebel has confirmed that boy bands are indeed back. As trends are cyclical, it makes sense that they’re cool again providing fun, simple, feel-good music for tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings) (EW)

And finally for a little Friday fun… (this cute video from the perspective of a 5-year-old on the playground makes us nostalgic for our childhood. The little girl’s mom strapped an iPod Touch to her for an afternoon of running around, playing on slides, and wanting to join in with the “big kids”) (Gothamist)

Want to understand Millennials? Then you have to speak their language (according to a recent MTV study aptly titled “What Millennials Are Just Sayin.’” Along with incorporating words from digital culture into their everyday vocab, today’s youth want to be witty, original, and optimistic when they speak) (Broadcasting Cable)

Lindsay Lohan brought in huge ratings while hosting ‘SNL’ this weekend, making it the second best performing show this season (despite mixed reviews. People may have tuned in hoping for a train wreck, but there were a few genuinely funny highlights, including “The Real Housewives of Disney” skit in which Lindsay, Kristin Wiig, and the gang dressed up as princesses and proved to be anything but enchanting — yet entirely entertaining. Talk about some animated drama!) (Mashable)

Speaking of clips that have us LOLing, check out the preview for the ‘Punk’d’ revival (in which Justin Bieber tricks Taylor Swift into thinking she ruined a wedding. If this short clip is any indication, this show will be hilarious! Even Hallmark has Bieber Fever and is launching a line of Justin Bieber greeting cards to hit select stores in April and May) (Cambio) (USA Today)

While flash sales and deal sites are immensely popular among shoppers of all ages (a new emerging trend called cash mobs, or as Good.Is puts it, “the anti-Groupon,” is catching on to help out small businesses. Shoppers come in groups to pay cash for full-price goods at a local store that needs support and lacks marketing resources to provide them with business as well as media coverage. Speaking of stores, more and more retailers, including Millennial driven ones like Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, are spraying their shops with subliminal scents as another method of branding) (Adweek)

Warner Music Group is creating a youth-centric YouTube channel called The Warner Sound (which will serve as an online entertainment network and feature original shows. We think many of their programs, including “Staged” which uses song lyrics as the scripts and an interactive adventure starring Cody Simpson, will be smash hits among Millennials. In other music news, it’s the battle of the British boy bands as Popdust compares two of the UK’s most successful imports, One Direction and The Wanted. See, we told you to keep an eye on them, especially since One Direction will be performing at the Kid’s Choice Awards and will be hosting Saturday nights on Nickelodeon this month. And in other music news, Moshi Monsters scored a record deal with the first album scheduled for released in April) (Pop & Hiss) (Popdust) (Kidscreen) (TechCrunch)

And for some much needed Monday fun… (We’re loving Bullet magazine’s feature on four famous YA authors as they share secret notes about adolescence and angst. Check out what Judy Blume, Jess Mowry, Dyan Sheldon, and Francesca Lia Block scribbled down)

- Although the Oscars is considered the top award show, we think Bullett Media has a point that the Grammys have become more culturally relevant (serving as a mega concert and award show whereas the Oscars didn’t even feature the Original Song performances this year! And this year the Grammys even had a better following on Twitter than the Academy Awards. Nevertheless, there were some entertaining moments during the Oscars like Angelina Jolie’s leg having a lead role and sparking an Internet sensation via legbombing memes. Yet overall, this year’s Oscars were lacking in both surprises and innovation; as our Youth Advisory Board member Amanda explains, it’s time for a change) (All Things Digital) (LA Times) (Oobly)

- Good news Potter fans! (OverDrive will distribute the Harry Potter series in eBook and audio book format in more than 18,000 schools and libraries around the world. There’s no word yet on when they’ll become available, but we think this is a great way to share the magic of Harry Potter! In other publishing news, Figment, an online reading and writing community for teens, is taking over HarperCollins’ Inkpop as of next month, merging both online writing platforms particularly popular with teens. Speaking of teen reads, we love Lucky Magazine’s fashion spread inspired by past and present YA novels from “The Babysitters Club” and “Goosebumps” to “The Hunger Games” and “Twilight”) (Huff Po) (GalleyCat)

- The term ‘Millennial’ says a lot about its generation (and isn’t just a reflection of the time in which individuals were born. Rather, Millennial refers to Millennium, a monumental time which is a lot like Gen Y as their abilities, size, and attitudes are also a “big deal”; a modern version of the “Greatest Generation.” Moreover, the mark of a new century signals hope and this is exactly what Millennials stand for — they’re an optimistic group despite the difficult times they face as they enter the working world. Nielsen however thinks they should be called Generation C for connected, but we have to disagree that this isn’t a revolutionary realization) (MediaPost) (Mashable)

- In what’s definitely an interesting marketing move to promote safe sex (Planned Parenthood is distributing condoms in college health centers with QR codes allowing students to anonymously check in and reveal where they’ve practiced safe sex. Asking students “Where Did You Wear It” is pretty personal and although they don’t publicly display the address — we’d hope not! — the check ins are mapped out by users’ general location. Reminding students to practice safe sex is important, but we’re not so sure this is the best way to get the message across…) (The Blaze)

- Although science is often considered a more male-dominated subject, a study from the Girl Scout Research Institute reaffirms (that girls like science too! In fact, nearly three-quarters of girls are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math but fully 60% say they know more about other types of careers and almost this same percentage believe there is a gender barrier for such career paths. Yet that doesn’t stop females who are passionate about the sciences since eight in 10 feel confident they are smart enough to have a career in these subjects!) (iHeartDaily)

- According to Gen Digital’s latest survey on Millennials’ favorite celebrities and athletes, Mila Kunis is at the top of the list for both males and females (with Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams, and Ryan Gosling also ranking as top picks. They mostly prefer stars who stay out of trouble and are good role models with Tim Tebow coming in as males’ favorite athlete. Speaking of celebrities, last night during a post-Oscars special, Jimmy Kimmel debuted a hilarious spoof trailer — which has since gone viral — for “Movie: The Movie,” a joke film merging every genre and starring dozens of A-listers. Sadly “The Movie” is not a real film, but speaking of star-studded casts, DreamWorks Animation cast Ryan Reynolds, Maya Rudolph, Paul Giamatti, Snoop Dogg and a slew of other celebs to lend their voice to the upcoming flick “Turbo” about a speed racing snail) (Gen Digital) (Hollywire) (EW)

Having grown up with the Harry Potter series, the stories hold a special spot in Millennials’ hearts, and JK Rowling’s tales taught fans valuable lessons (that undoubtedly shape their outlook today. This morning’s Twitter trending topic, #ThingsHarryPotterTaughtMe, reaffirms just how magical her stories are in conveying Millennial attitudes of optimism, happiness, and hope. Tweets like “happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light” is further proof of Harry Potter’s power. Speaking of Millennial’s favorite books, “The Hunger Games” is sure to be triumphant at the box office considering it’s already broken the record for the highest sales on the first day a film’s tickets become available, and hundreds of showings are already sold out. The world will indeed be watching on March 23^rd!) (LA Times)

We just learned that Togetherville, a social networking site for tweens, is shutting down (as of March 11, according to the site’s homepage. Disney purchased the site about a year ago and hasn’t given much of an explanation as to why it’s closing up shop, though it could be an attempt to drive Togetherville’s traffic to Disney-branded tween sites. In other Disney news, “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Muppets,” and more are headed to China now that The Walt Disney Company and You On Demand have signed a deal for Disney to bring many of its movies there as part of a Netflix-like subscription plan. See, it really is a small world after all! This news, however comes days after DreamWorks Animation declared it wants to become the Disney of China, which should make things interesting) (KLS) (Deadline) (CNBC)

Get ready for another outbreak of Bieber Fever (as Justin’s collaboration with The Far East Movement has hit the Web and is already receiving enormous buzz. The song titled “Live Your Life” is a party anthem that’s sure to cause a lot of fist-pumping! Note: it’s a lot more mature than Bieber’s typical tunes like “U Smile.” But besides this track, Bieber has new material of his own out in a few weeks and a second book in the works. What can’t this kid do?) (EW) (GalleyCat)

We’re excited for Odd Future’s Adult Swim show “Loiter Squad” to premiere next month (especially after seeing the latest previews for the program and the pranks they’ll pull. In other TV news, “Friday Night Lights” actress Aimee Teegarden just landed the lead in The CW’s “The Selection,” an upcoming show based on a Hunger Games-esque book series that’s set 300 years in the future. Between the program’s dystopian premise and the producers who hail from “The Vampire Diaries,” we think this is one show Millennials won’t want to miss!) (THR)

And now for a little Friday fun…(we’re laughing out loud hearing little kids’ predictions about the Oscar winners. It’s a good thing they can’t vote since they named “Dolphin Tale” and “Jack and Jill” as some of their favorite films of the year. And oh yea, Selena Gomez will nab Best Actress of the Year for sure!)

Lastly, a special thanks to all of our Twitter followers for helping us hit the 10k mark! We’ve more than doubled our following in the past year thanks to you! And if you aren’t following us already, be sure to add us at @Ypulse.

The return of boy bands isn’t an entirely new observation, but it’s certainly notable as numerous groups are rising to the top of the charts, capturing the attention of youth and Millennials, meanwhile employing essential marketing strategies for young artists today. Currently, One Direction, a British boy band formed on “X Factor,” and The Wanted, a British group considered the bad boys of pop music, hold the 12^th and 13^th spots, respectively, on the U.S. iTunes singles chart. They both have made it in America, a difficult feat for any international artist, let alone a boy band since the term often conjures a negative stigma and stereotype.

But all of that’s changing today for a multitude of reasons, including a wave of 90s nostalgia where Millennials miss the culture and comfort from the decade in which they grew up. And a key part of the 90s of course was the dominance of boy bands in the music scene – including the merchandise, choreographed dance routines, and mass hysteria over musical heartthrobs. And as Millennials now long for simpler times with catchy lyrics, feel good songs, and, of course, attractive artists, a new crop of boy bands are there to fulfill their needs, as well as introduce another generation of tweens and teens to this adolescent experience.

There have been signs of this emerging trend for a while now. Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block made a comeback last year, merging as NKOTBSB to tour the US, UK, and Australia. Even before that in 2005, the Jonas Brothers started a successful run with their music, a hit TV show, a concert tour, 3D concert movie, and the Camp Rock movie franchise. They perhaps paved the way for the resurgence of boy bands, but now it’s a full on phenomenon yet again.

Several groups have shown just how relevant boy bands are today. Here’s a rundown of the top acts right now:

We chatted with The Wanted, in October about their rise to the top and their savvy, yet authentic, social media strategies. They just completed a sold out U.S. tour, are currently doing an arena tour in the UK (with a smart interactive marketing tactic), and prior to their success in the states, opened for Justin Bieber and Britney Spears. Their hit song “Glad You Came” will even be featured on this week’s episode of “Glee,” and the group, which began by performing at schools and nightclubs in the U.K., are now international popstars with an album coming out in the U.S. in the next few months, along with a rumored duet with Rihanna. This seems to be just the beginning of their American invasion.

Then there’s Big Time Rush who have had a hit show on Nickelodeon since 2009 — about the formation of a boy band and their everyday adventures — and they’ve become stars like the characters they play on the show, producing music and touring (much like the marketing model of “Hannah Montana”). They’ve made it well…big in the past few years and have a Big Time Movie (literally) out next month about their international stardom.

As is the case with Big Time Rush, TV has launched many of today’s top boy bands including the aforementioned group One Direction, who were formed by Simon Cowell on the UK’s “X Factor.” Although they didn’t win the competition, they’ve gone on to find fame at the height of the boy band resurgence and are hugely popular in the UK and will soon be in the U.S. as well. In fact, they’re opening for Big Time Rush on a U.S. tour that just kicked off, and they’ll appear on an upcoming episode of “iCarly.” Their first single, “What Makes You Beautiful,” rose to #10 on the U.S. iTunes chart within a day of its release, reaffirming that boy bands are indeed back.

Allstar Weekend, a pop rock boy band, has also risen to the top after being contestants on a Radio Disney special, “Next Big Thing” in 2009. They didn’t win the competition, but the program launched them as a group, and they’ve since toured with Millennial favorite Selena Gomez, appeared on the Disney show “Sonny With a Chance” (now “So Random!”), and are currently touring North America on their own.

Besides having an excited fan base who support today’s boy bands both in person and extensively online, these new artists stay relevant to obsessed teenybopper and Millennial fans through social media, which creates a closer connection and correspondence that wasn’t available to them at the height of the former boy band era. The resurgence is also due in part to how boy bands have changed; many of today’s groups don’t have choreographed dance routines like The Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, 98 Degrees, or other 90s successes. Instead, they focus on music, and in some cases, instruments, thus reworking the perception of boy bands. With a modern update, more avenues of promotion, and mass appeal, it’s no surprise that boy bands are back with promise to reach even bigger proportions than before!

Being addicted to Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks may not be such a bad thing (since more than half of teens say such sites make them more aware of others’ needs, which is a big increase from 44% who felt this way last year! And even though social networks can lead to problems such as cyberbullying, nearly 70% of 13-17 year olds feel there’s more benefit than harm to being on them. Speaking of which, did you know social media has been around since the 1970s? Yup, check out this infographic for proof and see how social sharing will change in the future) (HuffPo) (Mediabistro) (Mashable)

The Muppets may not be hosting or singing at the Oscars (as many Millennials had hoped, but Kermit and Miss Piggy will be presenting this year after countless pleas from fans. Although they’ll be entertaining — just like Miss Piggy was while interviewing stars at the BAFTA Awards — we wonder if and when the Muppet mania will ever end. The Oscars are sure to be quite a show this year since Cirque du Soleil is also returning…we just hope they don’t set the stage on fire again) (Variety, reg. required) (YouTube) (Reuters)

The band OK Go has always led the way with viral videos (and their latest creation, a Chevy-sponsored commercial for the song “Needing/Getting” is no different! Check out Ad Age’s interview with the band’s lead singer Damian Kulas on Millennials and music, corporate sponsorship, and more. And in other music news, it’s been a big week for Adele after she stole the show at the Grammys, but despite her continued success, you won’t find her music on Spotify. She was willing to have her songs streamed for paid users only, but Spotify decided against it since it also offers free streaming with ads. Clearly there are still kinks in the system) (Fast Company)

In what’s sure to be one of the most dramatic and, well, strange teen reality shows yet, Oxygen has ordered a pilot called “Teen Weddings,” (a program that follows teen couples from the planning stages to the alter to a post-honeymoon catch up. We don’t even know what to say about this one…and we kinda wonder if any of the stars will also end up on MTV’s “Teen Mom”) (Deadline)

Financially, it’s a hard time for Millennials as they face record levels of student debt and a high unemployment rate (yet as three Gen Yers explain, they still remain optimistic about the future. Finding a job isn’t just a challenge for American youth, Millennials in London are struggling too. In fact, 1 in 5 16-24 year olds in England are not in education, employment, or training, and as the NY Times explains, there’s a lack of adequate apprenticeship programs for under 25 year olds) (BillMoyers)

And finally for a little Friday fun… (check out this cool cat dressed like a hipster and jamming out to dubstep! The video has gone viral in less than a day, which is no surprise since Millennials have a fascination with hipsters, enjoy electronic music, and like LOLing over cats online; it’s pretty much the perfect formula for success!) (BuzzFeed)

Wanting the best for your kid is one thing, but some parents are taking it too far bringing the term ‘helicopter parent’ (to a whole new level. According to a recent study by Michigan State University, one-third of employers received resumes from parents on behalf of their kids and even more mortifying is that 4% of parents came to interviews with their child! Wait, who’s applying for the job again? But on the other end of the spectrum, many parents understand that it’s a tough job market and they don’t expect their children to be fully financially independent by 22, which could be why Gen Y remains optimistic about the future) (Business Insider) (MSN)

We can’t promise that “The Vow” will rake in the biggest ticket sales this weekend (but we’re fairly certain considering it features two of Millennials’ favorite stars, nearly 70% of women under 25 and 49% of women over 25 have a “definite” interest in seeing it, and experts estimate it will bring in $30 million this weekend! So if you don’t want to be around flocks of girls fawning over Channing Tatum, we suggest seeing another flick. Speaking of movies, we’re excited that “Wet Hot American Summer” is getting a sequel with the original cast! But if you’re more into vampire films, good news: Millennial Woman of the Year Selena Gomez will lend her voice as Dracula’s daughter in Adam Sandler’s animated movie “Hotel Transylvania.” See, we told you this vampire phenomenon wouldn’t be short-lived) (Chicago Tribune) (Vulture) (Celebuzz)

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner (MTV is spreading the message to Get Yourself Tested – GYT, a campaign that encourages young people to talk openly about STDS and testing. Check out the new interactive video experience which offers talking tips, facts, a quiz, sweepstakes, and more. So what are you waiting for…get yourself tested!) (MTV)

Why is Jane Austen still relevant to readers today? (Join YA authors Shannon Hale, Elizabeth Eulberg, and E. Lockhart in a live chat this Monday night as they answer questions and talk to young readers and writers about her cultural relevance 200 years later! In other book related news, it sounds like we’re headed towards e-textbooks, but it still may take a while) (Figment) (Publishers Weekly)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: tweens are key to the beauty business (as they try to form their own identity. Nearly 40% of 9-17 year old girls wear lip gloss/stick daily, with a third wearing mascara and 27% wearing eyeliner this often. Yet despite their desire to grow up, their moms’ opinions still matter; almost three-quarters rely on their moms to help pick out products) (MarketWatch)

Coke or Pepsi? Domino’s or Pizza Hut? (Check out the list of brands teens are most loyal to from gaming to soda. Speaking of Gen Y’s favorite restaurants, Chipolte is debuting its first TV ad after the success of its animated YouTube video set to Willy Nelson playing Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” Between the video’s message about sustainability and the popular song, it’s clear that the food chain gets Millennials) (MediaPost) (Mashable)

And now for a little Friday fun… (we’ve been fans of eight-year-old singing sensation Sophia Grace and her sidekick Rosie since they first debuted on “The Ellen Show,” and they’ve continue to charm us with each and every performance. Check out the latest video of the adorable twosome rapping and don’t miss them interview artists at the Grammys this weekend! Speaking of Internet stars, today marks the one year anniversary since Rebecca Black’s “Friday” first hit the Web. “It’s Friday Friday, gotta get down on Friday” — sorry we had to!) (YouTube) (Buzzfeed)

- Verizon and Redbox are ready to take on video streaming services (including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon with an upcoming subscription system for online and mobile viewing. Between their online offerings — which claim to be more affordable than any other service — and the kiosks to rent physical DVDs, we don’t think Millennials, or anyone, will want to pass this up! Speaking of movies, Millennial films ruled the box office this weekend with “Chronicle” raking in $22 million — largely due to its social media push — and Daniel Radcliffe’s “Women in Black” close behind with $21 million) (Fast Company) (Hollywood Reporter) (Chicago Sun Times)

- Millennials are worried about their money and claim that they want to steer clear of the stock market (with fully 40% saying they’ll never invest in stocks, yet their actions prove otherwise…at least among those with an employer-sponsored retirement plan. We wonder if this is just a lack of knowledge on their part) (WSJ, reg required)

- Are We There Yet? (National Geographic Kids is launching a Web based reality show of that name for kids by kids where pairs of young siblings travel and educate viewers about different countries and cultures. We think this is a cool way for children to learn about the world! But that’s not all for National Geographic; it’s also releasing a series of apps called “Live and Learn: Animals” for preschoolers to learn about nature) (Voxxi) (Kidscreen)

- As bloggers are increasingly influential (they’re moving from the front rows of fashion shows to the catwalk with the first all blogger fashion show debuting at NY Fashion Week! The runway show, organized by Polyvore, features some of the most influential fashionistas on the Web. In other fashion news, as prom season approaches, Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice, the new spokesperson for Donate My Dress, reminds girls to give their old special occasion dresses to those in need. You can also do good by working with Glamour Gals, an organization that brings generations together as teens give elderly women makeovers) (Refinery29) (Yahoo) (Shine)

- As accepting and progressive as some Millennials are (this story shows us that anti-gay groups still exist and bullying is most certainly a problem for today’s teens. But as Gen Y knows, “it gets better,” and we’re glad that MTV is airing a special with Dan Savage to further highlight this campaign) (Rolling Stone…thanks to DeBaird for the tip!) (MTV)

- There seem to be trailers for everything these days from movies and TV shows (to games and books, but the latest clip is for um, a magazine article. Will digital promos be the way to save print?) (NY Times)

- According to the rumor mill, Amazon is opening its first physical store (in Seattle which is said to be modeled after Apple. We really hope this is true!) (TechCrunch)

- Considering how influential bloggers are (it’s no surprise that Tumblr wants to highlight users’ content, and will soon do so via an official Tumblr news site! A team of writers will cover the top news from the Tumblr world, making it easier for readers to discover the latest trends and key interests among the site’s bloggers. Think of it as a way to see what everyone on Tumblr is talking about — kind of like Twitter trending topics. In other social media news, check out this infographic that highlights how colleges and universities are using social media to enhance education and connect with students, as well as how they can improve their digital strategies) (NY Times, reg required) (Mashable)

- Many Millennials are disheartened to discover that having a college degree (doesn’t mean they’ll get a job with an annual salary or benefits. Instead, in today’s tough job market, they’re lucky to be paid $10 an hour. Major companies are even laying off full-time employees to hire temporary or hourly workers. College students are struggling financially too and some are even making use of food-stamps if they work 20+ hours a week and meet the income limits) (Forbes) (Consumerist)

- We can’t wait for the Superbowl this Sunday (mostly because we’re excited to see all the creative ads that engage viewers. Speaking of which, here are 5 lessons from Frito-Lay’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ann Mukherjee, about how Doritos successfully employed participatory marketing and how other brands can too) (Fastcocreate)

- It’s a little troubling to see that today’s teens can’t answer basic questions about American history, politics, and geography (which isn’t a good sign for the next generation of leaders. However, in other ways, Millennials have proven that they’re ready to lead. They unite with peers by sharing their thoughts and findings online, consult and value friends, family members, and strangers’ opinions, and more) (Huffington Post) (MediaPost)

- Tween girls are a key consumer of make-up (and we’re not just talking about lip gloss. They’re an important market for beauty brands to tap into as they’re too young for their mom or sisters’ products but they want to experiment with style. Brands like the Material Girl beauty collection are just right for them — and their budgets. Drug stores and mass merchandisers are also taking notice, selling more beauty lines specifically for young girls. Heck, there are even salons and spas just for tweens!) (MSNBC)

- Jeff Bethke, the 22-year-old spoken word artist who made a YouTube video titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” (has quickly garnered 17 million hits and thousands of comments — good and bad — as he presents a critical view on organized religion. His video differentiates between Jesus and the constructs of the church in an accessible manner, and as one person expressed in the comments, many Millennials presumably share his sentiment. What do you think of his rap?) (CBS) (Daily Beast)

- Check out the most notable books of 2012 according to the ALSC (and start reading!)

- And now for a little Friday fun… (you’ve probably seen the new trailer for “The Hunger Games” but what about for “The Hunger Pains?” The parody video has us LOLing as we wait for the real movie to come out. And we can’t forget the hilarious parody video of Twilight’s “Breaking Dawn: Part 1” expressed entirely through song. Trust us, you’ll be laughing too, even if you’re not a Twi-hard!) (Entertainment Weekly) (Teen)

The days of youth pouring their thoughts in their diary are long gone (but for today’s teens, keeping a blog is even more therapeutic than a physical journal. Recent research reveals that writing on an online platform lets teens share their distresses while feeling like they’re part of a community, and in turn, they experience greater changes in moods. Sure a public platform can result in cyberbullying, but data shows that commenters can be supportive and writing online helps teens tremendously. But youth shouldn’t be too dependent on technology; recent research reveals that tween girls who spend too much time online or on devices are more likely to develop social problems. If they interact more via a screen than in person, they learn less about emotions and don’t focus on eye contact, which impacts their communication skills) (NY Times, reg required) (CNN)

Still not sure why Millennials are nostalgic (for the 90s? Well the twitter trending topic #IMissThe90sBecause should clear that up as Gen Y explains everything they miss from that decade. Tweets like “my decisions were much easier–instead of career and future, I had to choose between Spongebob and Rugrats” and “my biggest worry was whether my tamagochi would still be alive after school” reaffirm that Gen Y misses simpler times and the 90s really were all that). Hmmm, we wonder how many of the items on this list will make a comeback) (USA Today)

Millennials have grown up during tough financial times (and despite the difficulties this has caused including an ultra-competitive job market, they are influential in improving the economy. As Millennials settle down in the next few years, buy their own home or apartment, and have children, they can change the troubling state as AdAge explains)

As if there weren’t enough music competition reality shows already (we’re about to get another backed by none other than Simon Cowell. This time, however, Cowell is teaming up with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith to find the next big DJ since he feels “DJs are the next rock stars” — or at least they will be after appearing on his show! Speaking of the spotlight, we aren’t surprised there’s a surplus of talent competition shows since research reveals that preteens want fame more than anything else, which is undoubtedly an effect of the YouTube culture in which they’ve grown up. And in other entertainment news, Jimmy Kimmel is producing a Borat-esque comedy show that we’re sure will be a hit among Millennials and NSNYC’s Lance Bass is creating “Famous Yard Sale” which is similar to MTV’s “Cribs” but celebs auction off their memorabilia) (Billboard) (Huff Po) (Hollywood Reporter)

In one of the most interesting movie marketing strategies yet, ‘Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menance’ is returning to theaters in 3D (but is being positioned solely as a kids movie in an attempt to secure the next generation as lifelong fans. And as part of this tactic, Fox has arranged a kids focused junket where interviewers are asked to bring their children to ask the questions! We’re curious to hear their thoughts) (Badass Digest)

While 2012 is well underway (check out some of the top trends we’ll see among Millennials this year — and have already seen so far — which will further help in marketing to this generation. Millennials will increasingly become DIYers as they appreciate the process of making something rather than just buying it, and they value experiential activities from attending concerts to participating in volunteer trips. We’ve been predicting some of these for a while now too!) (Business Insider) (MediaPost)

We’re a little alarmed that only a quarter of tweens wear sunscreen regularly (according to a new study from Stephen Dusza, a researcher at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. He surveyed hundreds of fifth graders about their sunscreen usage and then resurveyed them three years later, finding that sunscreen application sharply declined from fifth to eighth grade while interest in tanning — particularly among girls — rose. In fact, 40% of eighth graders go outside to get a tan and they associate “getting color” with being healthy. Maybe it’s time to stop watching “Jersey Shore” and start learning more about skincare!) (CBS News)

With the Superbowl quickly approaching, the Internet has been buzzing about the ads we’ll soon see (many of which are Millennial centric, especially Matthew Broderick’s highly-anticipated commercial where he’ll reprise his role as Ferris Bueller…yup you read that right! We’re not sure what he’ll be sponsoring, but the teaser clip has already gone viral. If Bueller isn’t your thing, check out this comical ad for Audi playing on the vampire obsessed culture we live in; no seriously, the cars’ headlights are a vampire slayer! But the cutest campaign of all is Coca-Cola’s where its infamous polar bears will react to the game and ads in real time. They’ll chill on their snowfa watching the game and provide commentary via TV ads, Facebook, Twitter, and on CokePolarBowl. And don’t worry, the bears will evenly cheer on the Giants and Patriots!) (Washington Post) (AdAge) (Mashable) (Adweek)

As if there weren’t enough music competition reality shows already (we’re about to get another backed by none other than Simon Cowell. This time, however, Cowell is teaming up with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith to find the next big DJ since he feels “DJs are the next rock stars” — or at least they will be after appearing on his show! Speaking of the spotlight, we aren’t surprised there’s a surplus of talent competition shows since research reveals that preteens want fame more than anything else, which is undoubtedly an effect of the YouTube culture in which they’ve grown up) (Billboard) (Huff Po)

Wonder Woman, Hello Kitty, Smurfette, and other cartoon characters are beauty icons who’ve inspired make-up collections that are not only popular among young girls (but among twenty and thirty-somethings too. These famous fictional figures brought into the beauty world by brands like MAC and Too Faced evoke nostalgia and allow woman to feel youthful while also sophisticated. Such collections are enormously popular today, suggesting that you’re never too old to watch cartoons, or in this case, get style inspiration from them. In other fashion related news, loungewear, casual clothes, and yes, even sweatpants and pajamas are favored among tween and teen girls, who like the layered and effortless look even though they’re still putting a lot of effort into their outfits. Such items, which are often staples of a college students’ wardrobe or typical dorm apparel, are being worn in middle and high schools. They’re not too tight or too short, which have been problems in the past, but such clothing is causing some frustration among adults who think this look is messy) (NY Times) (WSJ)

While texting, Skype, FaceTime, and other technologies enable constant communication (recent research shows that tween girls who spend too much time online or on devices are more likely to develop social problems. If they interact more via a screen than in person, they learn less about emotions and don’t focus on eye contact, which impacts their communication skills) (CNN)

Google Music is now allowing users to download songs they have stored in the cloud on multiple computers (when they sign into their account and they can even download their WHOLE library! We’re pretty surprised that record companies are allowing this since that’s the whole reason megaupload was shut down. This would make music sharing way too easy, so we’re giving it until Monday until someone freaks out) (MSNBC)

If you loved the talking birds in Disney’s ‘Rio,’ then get ready for more of them since a sequel is on the horizon (which would tie in with the World Cup in Brazil. Unfortunately that means we have to wait a while though. In other movie news, Selena Gomez has nabbed the role of Lennie in the book adaption of “The Sky is Everywhere.” See, we told you that Selena — one of the Millennial Woman of 2011 — would be someone to watch even more in 2012) (Vulture) (JustJaredJr)

And now for a little Friday fun… (we like this short snippet of President Obama singing Al Green’s “Let Stay Together” and apparently so did most Millennials since the video quickly went viral and sales of the song rose by about 500%! When MTV asked Millennials what they thought of Obama’s singing, they gushed about his great voice and said if they got to do karaoke with him, they’d want to sing something by LMFAO! Party Rock Anthem anyone?) (MTV)

Millennials aren’t as focused on marriage as previous generations (with many putting it off until later so they can first devote time to themselves and their career. Moreover, nearly 60% of Gen Y women think living together is sufficient, even if they have kids with someone. That’s not to say Millennials are abandoning the idea of marriage, but they aren’t prioritizing it as much, especially not right away) (Forbes)

Millennials are going back to the basics in terms of their fashion preferences (opting for quality items that are more practical sans logos rather than trendy and flashy clothes. They can still show off their style, but are less interested in wearing a brands’ name on their t-shirt and prefer simple and classic styles instead. In other Millennial fashion news, “Glee’s” Lea Michele is the new face of Candie’s replacing Vanessa Hudgens in this sweet gig) (MediaPost) (E! Online)

Happy Friday the 13^th! Mattel’s Monster High is celebrating this spooky day all three times it occurs this year (since the show launched on YouTube on Friday the 13th last year. In addition to releasing content and activities on its Freaky Fab 13 site on the 13^th of every month, Monster High specials will air on Nick three times this year. Check out the teaser trailer for the first special which will air February 13^th) (Kidscreen)

We imagine a lot of Millennials will be writing in Colberts’ name now that he’s jokingly entered the GOP primary (in South Carolina. After all, he’s definitely someone Millennials turn to and trust in the political arena. We wonder what he’ll do if he wins!) (Slate)

Hungry for more ‘Hunger Games’ news? As we approach the film’s release (we’re seeing more and more interactive marketing that’s boosting our excitement. Besides the cool viral game TheCapitol.pn where users get messages from the Capital and can share content with fellow fans, there’s also CapitolCouture.pn, an official Hunger Games Tumblr that Lionsgate just launched. The site is pretty bare now, but it appears to be an online fashion magazine devoted to the costumes in the movie. Use the password #lookyourbest to see Effie Trinket’s style so far and check out the newest promo picture from the film. Can it be March 23^rd yet?) (NextMovie) (MTV) (Hollywood Life)

MTV has changed a lot over the years, but the four remaining veejays are recounting the network’s history in an upcoming book (about the channel’s formation, how they shaped the culture of music television, and more. In other TV news, the CW has ordered 10 episodes of what sounds like a hilarious new show about musical chairs for adults — yup, you read that right. The program, called “Oh Sit!,” will feature contestants competing in obstacle courses before racing for a chair. We wouldn’t call it quality programming, but it sounds entertaining nonetheless) (Hollywood Reporter) (Entertainment Weekly)

And finally for a little Friday fun…(check out this impressive wedding dance to Justin Bieber’s “Baby!” See, even adults are experiencing the Bieber Fever epidemic, which we doubt will be cured anytime soon) (Vulture)