HollywoodLife
Common Sense says
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this gossip, celebrity, and style site was recently revamped under the direction of magazine mogul Bonnie Fuller (Us Weekly, Cosmopolitan), its new editor-in-chief. Like the aforementioned mags, the site is entertaining but shallow. Users can comment and create a private profile -- which provides the site with information about demographics and interests -- but otherwise, there's very little interactivity so far. Although the site doesn't have any educational or social value, there's nothing that's particularly explicit.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
NOT FOR YOUNG KIDS!
Perfect for older kids, but not tweens.
Is it any good?
Although HOLLYWOODLIFE is billed as "your celebrity news, style and gossip BFF," it's really more of a frenemy. The tone alternates between snarky and fawning, poking fun at some stars' style -- and lifestyle -- choices, while flattering others. Basically, it's not much different than most of the gossip mags on the newsstands, including editor-in-chief Bonnie Fuller's own creation, Us Weekly. The site promises lots of interactive content, but so far, it falls short in that department. Overall, it's nicely designed and mildly entertaining, but nothing special.
Online interaction: Bonnie Fuller's letter to readers promises lots of online interaction, but currently, the only interactive feature is posting comments.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the site's attitude toward food and weight. Beyond the typical get-fit tips, there are some more subtle messages, like the caption "Naomi Watts indulges herself with a pizza," or a post that's all about Blake Lively's appetite, listing items she ate at a recent breakfast outing. Why are these sightings considered newsworthy? Why is Naomi Watts "indulging" in a pizza, rather than just "eating" it?
Families can talk about our obsession with celebrities, especially when it comes their fashion flops, failed relationships, or run-ins with the law. Are gossip sites more intriguing when they're reporting on stars' bad behavior rather than sharing good news? Why or why not?
Website details
- Genre: Fashion/Beauty
- Pricing structure: Free
For kids who love gossip and girly stuff
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.