Online networking sources have become a hot topic of discussion – again. Having been a longtime member of some of the most popular social networking devices, I was recently reconnected with a long-lost best friend from junior high and couldn’t be happier because, had I not used the social networking system, this friendship would have undoubtedly remained lost. This made me think about others who have made a connection via online outlets, whether it be new or old friends, loves, or even family members finding those who strayed from the flock for whatever reason. As happy as a reconnection can be, are all of the findings and experiences happy ones?
Being on a college campus is a networking haven itself, but a vast majority of students utilize MySpace, Facebook, Classmates.com and Orkut as means to stay connected with their friends worldwide. Social networking sites have so much to offer vis-à-vis personal information, photos, videos and friend lists. But sometimes too much information can be a bad thing.
A year or so ago the much-debated subject of cyber bullying came to the surface. Statistically, one-in-five teens are bullied online. Out of these, only one-in-10 notifies someone. Online threats have lead to stalking, kidnapping, rape, suicide and murder. This is scary stuff no matter what your age, which is where the importance of continual observation comes in. Parents, monitor your kids’ usage, and for those of us that are big enough to know better, do just that – know better than to do something stupid, because eventually you will be caught.
If you have one of these accounts, it is important that you protect yourself from those that have ill intentions. Use common sense when placing photos and videos in your albums – your boss doesn’t want to see your drunken friends getting sick, nor does your old teacher want to see your "business" hanging out of your clothes. Always know who is visiting your page; making your account private and by invitation only helps, but it also limits your accessibility. That can negate your reasons for joining the network in the first place. If possible, block the offender and notify the moderator of the site so appropriate action against can be taken.
People are strange, so the song goes. The spoken word is no longer considered an effective way of communication; now it is the typed word and texts that we rely on. Though it may be easier for some, it leaves room for error and misunderstanding. If you can’t hear the way someone says something or the tone and lilt in their voice, how can you truly grasp the full meaning of the message?
At times, this misunderstanding can be quickly resolved, but when you put monotonous black and white words into the mind of teens that have a hard time controlling their emotions as it is, you have thrown fuel on the pyre that awaits the match. They can be vicious, intentionally using words to hurt and humiliate those they have set their revenge upon.
As college students, I hope the meanness has left our personalities and we can go back to using the networks for their true intention – social networking. Have fun with it, but always use caution. Just as it is wise to know your surroundings when walking to your car, know your online environment. Happy networking.
MousaviDin, a communication junior, can be reached via [email protected]
