Facebook is launching a messenger app for kids. Bell + Ivy Co-Founder and CEO, Cynthia Johnson, explains how the social media giant is trying to gain more early adopters.
The app, "Messenger Kids," allows children between ages six and 12 to send texts, messages, and videos to a list of parent-approved contacts. Facebook says there will be no advertising on this platform, and only data it will collect from the kids is their names. But still, some parents are concerned.
Johnson says the best way to create customers for life is to get them when they are young. So while launching this app for kids in one way, Facebook is open to evolving it in new ways in the future, says Johnson. Facebook's advantage is the wealth of information it contains in its network, she adds.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding almost $1.7 billion in grants for buying zero- and low-emission buses, with the money going to transit projects in 46 states and territories.
With household expenses rising, going green can save you thousands. Cheddar News spoke with Sara Morrow from Consumer Reports about ways to help people slash their bills with climate-friendly home improvements.
About 61% of people who use the internet are addicted to it, according to research. Cheddar News dove in at a recent meeting for a 12-step program as part of a group called ITAA (Internet Technology Addicts Anonymous). The group ( https://internetaddictsanonymous.org/ ) was formed to help the growing number of tech addicts, with more than 6% of the globe's population now addicted, according to the University of Hong Kong.
The push for clean energy is igniting an interest in electric vehicles but charging EVs continues to be a concern for consumers looking to save. Brian Moody, executive editor with Autotrader, joined Cheddar News to discuss how people can make home-charging more affordable.