Not sure how to decode your teen niece’s or nephew’s shorthand in the digital world? Feel like you need to brush up on the latest digital apps? Still think that MySpace is the right space?

We've got you covered with the Common Sense Digital Glossary FTW.

For more resources that help aunts, parents, kids, and educators thrive in a world of digital technology, visit Common Sense Media’s Parent Concerns pages and Connecting Families program.

0-9:

1174' Party meeting place
4Chan A bulletin board-like platform where users can post content to various topic boards anonymously. The site has been linked to various subcultures and 4Chan has been known to contain content that may be offensive and often presents content that shows virtual aggression.

ABC:

A/S/L Age/Sex/Location. It is frequently used to begin chatroulette conversations that exchange sexual favors over the Internet.
ask.fm A social site that lets kids ask questions and answer those posted by other users with the option of staying anonymous.

Bae Stands for Before Anyone Else. It is used across the Internet as a term of affection for a significant other or crush.
Best Secret Folder The app disguises its private photo folder as “My Utilities” so that no one is the wiser.  The app can also auto-capture photos of anyone that is trying to break into the password-protected folder.  

Chatroulette Online service that allows users to video chat and exchange messages with random users. Users arrive at the website, enter their interests or keywords, and are anonymously paired with another user with the same keyword. If one user disconnects from the conversation, the other user is paired with another user with the same keyword, allowing them to "skip" over people. This website has been frequently used to broadcast sexually explicit material due to the video component and the anonymity.
Cook session When a group of kids gangs up on another kid via social media.  

DEF:

digital citizen Someone who navigates the possibilities and pitfalls of the digital world safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
Dubsmash An app that allows users to record a video of themselves lip syncing to one of several thousand audio clips from TV, movies, or Internet videos. Can contain explicit audio clips that is not suitable for young users.

e-learning A web-based learning environment that allows instructors and students to interact through the computer without worrying about time or place; capitalizes on the current "anytime, anywhere" notion of learning.

FOMO An acronym for "Fear of Missing Out," used when someone feels anxious that he or she will miss (or is missing) an opportunity by not doing something or not participating in some social event, such as a party, concert, or vacation trip. For example, "I decided not to go to the party, and now everyone is posting pictures from it. I've got FOMO really bad."
FTW An acronym of For the Win. For example, on a photograph of a friend wearing a purple jumpsuit, another teen may comment, “Purple jumpsuits FTW!” Can be used seriously or sarcastically.

GHI:

Gamification Using game design principles and mechanics to drive motivation and increase engagement in learning.

group text Sometimes called a group chat or “GC,” a group text involves more than two individuals (but may involve as many as eight or ten). Group texts are often used on iPhones. A group of friends can talk on it, and everyone receives all the texts. GCs can be useful for coordinating logistics and planning.

Hashtag A word, abbreviation, phrase or term preceded by “#.” The hashtag connects the post with the broader online conversation about that particular topic; the hashtag serves as a label linking related content. By searching for or clicking on the hashtag, an individual can read or view all the related posts, in essence following a conversation about the subject.
HMU Hit me up. Used as a way to ask for someone's social media handle or personal phone number to directly message.

IDGAF I don't give a f***.
ILY An abbreviation for “I love you.” For example, ILY Hannah. She's my best friend.

JKL:

Jott A messaging app in which messages are immediately deleted after the intended viewer opens them. Jott lets users chat anywhere they want, even without data or Wi-Fi. Additionally, users do not need other people's phone numbers, instead chatting with Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook friends, making it alluring for teenagers who don't want to "ask for numbers."


KeepSafe This app keeps photos and videos in a secret folder that can only be accessed with knowledge of the passcode, determined by the smartphone user.
Kik Messenger An app-based alternative to standard texting that kids use for social networking. It's free to use but has lots of ads. It's fast and has no message limits, character limits, or fees if you only use the basic features.


For the full glossary of common digital terms, hashtags, and apps, visit commonsensemedia.com


Photos: dolgachov
Published: April 5, 2016