by SJX

Created on: March 25, 2009

Myspace is a social networking site that allows people of most ages to connect with others, whether they are friends or strangers, to communicate and share their lives over the internet. Adults and teens alike can connect with others, post pictures, blog, discover new music, video, and people. Like most things in life, it is safe, fun, and beneficial to a certain extent. Also, like most things in life, it can be abused and used in an inappropriate manner.

Yes, social networking sites, like Myspace, can be frequented by internet predators. But so can shopping malls and playgrounds. Just like there is no reason to keep teens away from schools, malls, and playgrounds, there is no need to ban teens from myspace. The key is to exercise caution.

Myspace has privacy features when it comes to what information is displayed on profile, and who can see it. It is very, very easy to hide a profile from the public. Furthermore, photos can be hidden, and even the information that comes up in searches can be edited, if the user chooses to be searchable at all. There is no need for a teen to post their entire full name as display name, or even as their name on the account. Initials or a nickname should suffice. Simple steps can be taken to maximize privacy, and increase the safety of Myspace.

When it comes to the internet, teens need to be educated on internet safety. They should know that anything that has been posted to internet is there FOREVER. It does matter if you delete a post later, remove a photo album, or delete an entire profile. It is entirely possible that this information will resurface in the future. A future employer may be able to find a picture of you holding a joint, or in a provocative pose.

Because the internet is a public venue, it is important to behave as you would within any other public venue. Just because you can access the internet from your bedroom does not mean that is just as private as your bedroom. If you would not take off all of your clothes and pose provocatively in a shopping center, do not do it online. The same creeps that would approach you in the shopping center are the same exact creeps looking for those types of pictures on the internet.

Furthermore, in any instance that Myspace has hosted an inappropriate exchange, it was not the fault of the website, but rather the users. Users are completely in control of the information they make available, and the communication that they participate in online. Myspace is no more, and no less safe than any public venue, and should be treated as such.

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