Myspace Dangerous or Not - Assignment Example

Myspace - Dangerous or Not Myspace is a phenomenon in American culture. From its humble beginnings in 2003, it has grown to be the largest, most popular social networking site in the United States in just a few short years. Along with this popularity, however, have come concerns regarding its safety, particularly in reference to teenage users. In the past several years, a host of articles which examine some of the more gruesome results of teenagers communicating through Myspace have become quite popular. But is MySpace really to blame for these results or should teenagers be expected to behave in a more responsible manner to ensure their own safety Jerome Webb, in his article, "Parents' Worst Nightmare", demonstrates the negative aspects of Myspace and the subsequent corruption of society. One example Webb uses to illustrate this point regards recent news stories about sexual predators and cyber bullies whose goal is to target innocent victims. Webb suggests that users who post sexually suggestive photos and outrageous comments are attracting attention to themselves, thereby making it easier for the criminal faction to find their prey. He concludes that it is MySpace itself which is responsible for the problems outlined in the article. It is my opinion, however, that while users who ignore online safety tips when posting information on MySpace could be putting themselves in danger, this is not the fault of the social networking site itself. Actually, use of the MySpace site can be advantageous as far as encouraging communication, but users must take proper precautions in keeping certain personal information private in order that sexual predators and other criminals are not given easy means to find their victims. While many worry about Myspace as a venue for criminals, its proper usage will ensure it is not inherently dangerous. As UC Berkeley researcher Danah Boyd asserts, "It's a hyped up fear" (from Poulsen, 2). Regardless of age, Myspace users who exhibit some caution in what information they are posting online will prevent predators from easily finding them. The responsibility for exercising caution rests with the users themselves, and not Myspace. Kevin Poulsen, in his article, "Scenes From the Myspace Backlash", announces this startling statistic, "Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced...seven underage girls in one region of the state were fondled or had consensual sex with adult men they'd met through the site, and who had lied about their age. MySpace is a 'parent's worst nightmare'." Apparently the impetus for these crimes could be traced back to communication between online predators and the teenagers via Myspace. But is it proper to blame the website, or should the blame actually lie with the users themselves Oftentimes, teenagers post personal information on their profiles, allowing the public at large access to such data as their home address, phone number, and place of employment (Wilkins). Personally, I have maintained a Myspace page for years and I would never consider it dangerous; however, this is due to the fact that I don't post personal information. My own motivation for becoming part of this online community was due more to the fact that I could find new friends and others who shared my interests. Certainly, I do not wish anyone to know my home address and show up unexpectedly at my home. MySpace has exhibited due diligence in advising users not to post real information regarding personal addresses and places of employment, etc. so that online predators are able to track them down. My profile is in accordance with the suggestions of the site and therefore I have never had concern regarding my own safety. Ultimately, it the fault of the teenagers themselves for using the site irresponsibly and posting information in direct contrast to the advice of Myspace managers. MySpace may be the biggest, most popular social networking site but it is not the only one. There are a whole host of other websites which market themselves as social networking avenues similar to Myspace; these include Facebook, AIM, Asian Avenue, xanga, Hi 5, Cyber Space, to name a few. Is there really a difference between all these sites The only discernible difference is in popularity and the number of users, and that is why Myspace has become the biggest target of critics. Personally, this is why I chose Myspace to post a profile; it increases my chances of finding others who share my interests. If Myspace were shut down tomorrow, there would still be many other ways for sexual predators to find their victims and more than likely a whole new venue would appear for social networking. If not Myspace, then a new site could become the next latest craze for communication amongst young adults. As well, teenagers often make poor choices and expose themselves to potential dangers in the ordinary course of a day - from hanging out at a mall to using predictable patterns regarding traveling to and from school to forming relationships with other people who may have a shady past. Teenagers are often gullible and don't always use discretion when they should. As for criminals, there are many walking the streets and they have many ways to find their victims. There are criminals lurking in every aspect of ordinary life and online sites are not the only venue to find victims - just by hanging out at a mall and observing groups of young adults could they find ample opportunity to perpetrate a crime. Clearly there are a host of places, and chances, for predators looking for prey. No matter which site someone uses to post a profile - whether it is Myspace, an online forum, or an alternate social networking site; or in what manner someone exposes themselves and their personal information, the same safety precautions apply. Contrary to Webb's opinion that Myspace is a negative presence on the web, there are ways in which MySpace is advantageous and provides a service to the community. Webb is of this negative opinion due to a handful of reports in the news which highlight crimes that have occurred due to communication via Myspace. It must be remembered that these are isolated incidents and should not come to stand for the reputation of Myspace itself. Webb fails to acknowledge that Myspace can provide a safe opportunity for teenagers to interact and socialize with those of similar interests. It is also a way for families to easily share information from a distance without incurring large long-distance phone bills or having to travel any further than the keyboard of their computer. My own experience with Myspace has been a positive one and I use the site in order to reconnect with old friends who have moved on, the people I attended high school with, and relatives whom I otherwise would not have opportunity to contact. In addition to all the bad press about Myspace, equal attention should be paid to the positive stories concerning the reuniting of family members and lost loves. Myspace is also a great promotional tool, particularly for someone who is just starting a business venture or an embarking on an artistic career. A profile on Myspace can be used as a showcase for artistic talent or to make others aware of professional services, or opportunities. Many adults are hopping on the Myspace bandwagon because they realize its effectiveness for promotion and public relations. Concerned parents should rest assured that in most cases, teenagers are using the site for social networking and doing so in a responsible manner from the safety of their own home and that the adults using the site do so more for business purposes than to find victims. With some supervision and an interest in their child's social life, the use of Myspace can be a positive, and rewarding, experience. Teenagers crave social interaction, which provides them a way to become more well-rounded in their lives and encourages communication; Myspace can fill this need. Far from being dangerous, Myspace fills a gap in communication, allows for promotional opportunities, and provides an outlet for teenagers to interact with one another. Overall, there are some dangers involved in the use of Myspace, but those dangers are no greater than other areas of a teenager's life. It encourages interaction between parents and their children. It also encourages communication between users with similar interests. Used properly and safely, Myspace is a great forum. I am able to use it safely because I do not post inappropriate information. It is the responsibility of parents of young adults to ensure they are not giving out personal statistics which would make them targets of online predators, just as it is the parents' responsibility to ensure the safety of children in other areas of life. Myspace is not to blame for instances of crimes which occur due to a user's irresponsibility; it is the users themselves who are at fault. Read More