The research team over at the Pew Internet and American Life Project just released their latest report on social media and young adults, which includes teenagers. Its worth at least a quick read for anyone working with or parenting youth.

Over at Ypulse, Anastasia Goodstein has a helpful post in response, discussing alternative ways to interpret whats going on in shifting communication patterns. In particular, teens shift from the traditional blog to the microblog or status update. While less teens consider themselves bloggers, 73% of wired American teens use social networking sites that function as mini-blogs (82% if you isolate out 14-17 year-olds).

One huge (but not surprising) shift to note: In 2004 18% of 12-year olds owned a cell phone. That number is now up to 58%. Also interesting, fully half of teens now make online purchases.