Love on campus
A new survey shows the growing disconnect between Indian teens and their parents when it comes to love. Sonali Acharjee finds out why.
For Shilpi Tiwary, falling in love with someone she had met online seemed like the most natural thing to do. Especially since her mother didn't have a clue as to what she was up to.
"It's difficult to meet boys you can trust in real life. So why not take a chance on someone you have met online? As long as my mother remains unaware and I am careful, I don't see the problem," says Tiwary, a 19-year-old student at Mumbai University who draws inspiration for her love life from Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries.
Across Indian campuses, students are increasingly using the Internet as a dating resource. McAfee's Secret Lives of Teens survey shows that 55 per cent of students don't tell their parents what they do online while 70 per cent of parents trust their children to keep them updated on their online activities.
The survey also shows that 31 per cent of students surveyed have met their online partners while only 17 per cent of parents are aware of this. "The nature of teenage romance is very different today than what it was a few years ago. There are different demands and pressures. The Internet offers a space for young students to vent about their problems as well as connect with different people from around the world," explains Ripan Sippy, clinical psychologist from Delhi.
These novels look at the problems and challenges facing young couples today.
How not To be Popular
Jennifer Ziegler
Price: Rs 466/-
Maggie Dempsey doesn't want to start afresh at a new school. This book looks at how Dempsey tries her best to get all the teachers and boys to hate her.
The Boyfriend League
Rachel Hawthorne
Price: Rs 325/-
Find out what happens when a teenager falls head over heels in love with an exchange baseball player living in her own house.
Mandy Hubbard
Price: Rs 466/-
A pair of magic Prada shoes transport young Callie to Jane Austen's England. The book follows Callie's misadventures as she begins a wild affair with a Duke.
Love on The Lifts
Rachel Hawthorne
Price: Rs 310/-
This book makes for a great winter read. Follow the lives and loves of Kate and her friends as they befriend three cute boys on their winter holiday.
Living the College Life
Kenneth Paulsen
Price: Rs 290/-
College is one of the most exciting experiences of a teen's life. This book looks at real life stories of student love and friendships from around the world.