 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Zwinktopia
Common Sense Media says
Filters don't prevent exchange of personal info.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although you have to be at least 13 to sign up on this popular social networking site, it's not appropriate for young teens. As they roam around the virtual world of Zwinktopia, kids can pick a place to go and chat with other avatars (or Zwinkies). Filters automatically replace bad words with "(bleep)," but there are ways around it -- typing "fu" instead of "f--k you" or "ssseeexy" instead of "sexy," for example. People can be harsh and say mean things or just simply walk away. They can also divulge personal information (age, location, MySpace page, e-mail address) in a matter of minutes. Teens are encouraged to earn ZBucks -- or use real-world cash -- to go shopping for their avatars. When they're not chatting, kids can also play harmless games that actually require a bit of concentration and hand-eye coordination in order to earn ZBucks -- a form of currency needed to buy your avatar new things.
What's it about?
ZWINKTOPIA.COM enables social networking in a virtual world. Once you download the free program, head on over to your Zwinky's (avatar) dressing room to outfit him/her with an emotion, personalized hair, makeup, outfit, body type, and accessories. Some things such as background scenes or cool haircuts are locked and can be accessed by earning ZBucks, Zwinktopia's online currency -- or by using real-world cash. Games are the easiest way to rack up ZBucks; each place you visit has a corresponding themed game. The main attraction of Zwinktopia is the chat feature. Just because you're online, though, it doesn't mean that talking to folks gets any easier; social interactions can be just as awkward in Zwinktopia as they sometimes are in the real world. Online chatting can also get very personal very quickly, with avatars asking other avatars for information or to come visit them in person. If you do trust another avatar, you can invite him/her to be your friend. But if you want to have a friend that isn't in your age group, you need to know the person's email address to send an invitation. Once the invitation is accepted, you can correspond via ZNotes -- online emails that are posted on your Profile Page and may be viewed by the public.
Is it any good?
If you're looking for a simple place to chat with newly found best friends, this site might just be the place for you -- as long as you know that this virtual world does come with some problems. It's too bad that there aren't more games and that most of the ones that do exist are quite silly and boring. And, you can go through your hard-earned cash in no time at the mall where you pop into stores that sell everything from surf wear to punk gear. The best part of the shopping experience is that you can try things on before buying them.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about social networking safety. What kind of information should be off limits, and what's OK to tell people? How can you report someone who's being rude, abusive, or inappropriate?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Incredibly Stupid
This. Thing. Almost. Gave. Me. A. Virus!!! I hate the stupid freaking people who created the toolbar and this whole program! Aargh!
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AGE
its KINDA bad but i was curious to the teen world cuz im SUPER close to being a teen!!! and i wanted to be ready to act a teen so well i kept playing it for a week and my dads this rlly good computer engenier and all of a sudden one morning i asked whats wrong and hes like its nothing u did its the site ad i said huh? what zwinky? and hes like ys it gave de computer a virus but its not a rlly bad one its a virus can take care of sence he is a RLLY GOOD COMPUTER ENGENIER but hey its fun and cool and i learned a bit of de teen world from it i gave it 5 stars cuz its RLLY fun trust me and some ppl r careful when dey talk to ppl but it gave my computer a virus which is fixed now BUT STILL ITS KINDA COOL but kinda dangerous!
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AGE
love it! just love it!
i love this website, it's awesome in every way! ive had my account for a while now and love it. my wardrobe is unlocked and i have a zcard. this website is sooo awesome! you can talk to your friends around the virutal world, and my best friend is on there! you can dress your zwinky and change your body type from a hottie to a cutie, there are filters you can easily get around though, and you can get hacked as you can on any website. i love it, but not for everyone.
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AGE
It gives viruses to your computer DO NOT PLAY IT!
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AGE
lov it
i lov it lov it lov it i spent over 100 on it already zwinky ish de sex !
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Kid, 10 years old
August 23, 2010
AGE
Virus
Prompts kids to download toolbar, which is actually a virus.
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AGE
lame, nasty, dirty
its just a lame virus website full of a bunch of jerks. i mean really, these people do not know how to type! like stufu and stuff! what does that even mean? sometimes they put on bathing suits and go around asked people for *** and stuff. lamest site ever! nastiest too!
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