Social networking has become a priority in most people’s lives, in today’s day and age. These lives and games are seemingly harmless, but it is quite the contrary. Behind the computer screen, a whole other world goes on. Facebook, Myspace and Second life have replaced our means of communication from person-to-person contact to communicating via technology. While these social networking sites help many keep in touch and even connect in the first place, our generation relies on social networking sites, instant messaging, twitter and texting in order to remain in contact with friends and family. In some cases, such as Obama’s campaign social networking only improved and facilitated Obama’s voting percentages. In other cases, it also promotes communication between classmates, friends and family from close and far. While these features are constructive and help improve societal contact, when does social networking become dangerous? There are many cases, when people impersonate someone else, and befriends people who it may be inappropriate to befriend. They may and may not have ulterior motives for forming these friendships, but again we must be cautious of who these social networking sites connect. When these sites simply connect friends to friends, and harmless strangers to others with common interests, these sites are incredible. However, when do the users of this site become reckless and dangerous? Should these sites be monitored and regulated in order to promote safety?
As previously discussed, almost anyone has access to social networking sites. This opens the door to cyber- predators as well as children and does not exclude the innocuous by standers, who merely use these sites as a source of entertainment. Children are naïve, and unfortunately do not understand the dangers of the world we live in. They do not realize that this world is filled with cyber predators and people looking to take advantage of them. Social networking sites, make it easier for predators to come in contact with young kids, while unbeknownst to the children, the predators are there to mistreat them. While many of us think that these circumstances are farfetched, there have been case studies and television shows broadcasted, which portray the reality and severity of these possible situations. http://www.secondlifeinsider.com/2007/10/03/law-and-order-svu-portrays-their-fake-second-life-as-sex-playgroun/ These communities, by the nature of what they are, mistakenly bring kids and predators together which will in turn, cause harm to the kids. Social networking sites do indeed present the world with new opportunities, in spite of that, we should retain social networking sites while also keeping them safe. I stress, parents must educate their children; make them aware of the dangers, as well as the benefits of the wonderful internet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUyQI0USNSY