I happened to be flipping through television stations when I came across an interesting episode of Dr. Phil today. It was an episode about how to watch what your children are doing on their electronic devices such as the computer and cell phone. The computer and cell phone are a huge deal when it comes to new media. I would say about 80% of my communication is done through these devices.
Social Networking is unreal when it comes to the amount of users and popularity. I have never really considered about all the dangers lurking through the social networks since I am never interested in talking to strangers.
But, this is becoming more and more an issue for parents of young girls. There are so many dangers lurking on the internet, the one I am most disgusted with is predators. It is sad how many young girls and even boys fall victims to the lure of older predators they are talking to on the internet! Fortunately, police are cracking down on this serious issue attacking the internet.
Dr. Phil later went on to decode what 'kids' really mean when they are typing and texting ( I had no idea about any of these - Please let me know if you have!)
POS - Parents Over Shoulder
IWSN- I want sex now
PAC - Parents are clueless
PDK - Parents don't know
INUN- I need you now
At age 22, I feel like there is a big up and coming generation that I know nothing about! (Now I understand how my parents have always felt!) Whatever happened to LOL and BRB? I wonder what the new generation will teach me next...
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I also saw this episode of Dr. Phil that you are referring to. I think its crazy how technology has progessed even since I was in high school! I have a 6 year old sister and 2 year old brother and I'm wondering what it will be like for them. I think its horrible how adults go online seeking children (like in the CBS show "To Catch A Predator"). On the other hand though, I feel as though parents these days allow too much freedom when it comes to their young teens and the internet. It is becoming more and more common for teenagers to have their own computer/laptops in their bedrooms where they are provided with a lot more privacy than they might have had if they were to be using the family computer located in the living room or kitchen. As a result, it is easy for them to wander to sites/chatrooms where they shouldn't be because they are dangerous. Parents cannot be naive and believe that their teens are responsible enough online to not need supervision. It is a new generation with a new generation of dangers. Back in the day parents enforced curfews to keep their children safe/out of trouble. It's about time to start enforcing similar rules/regulations on new technologies which influence their children today...
ReplyDeleteTo what extent do shows like this (and TO CATCH A PREDATOR) fuel and feed on a self-induced moral panic? I tend to question just how promiscuous texting makes people.... Don't you think to a large part it's to shock, annoy, and/or garner attention? Curious to hear your thoughts as your blog rolls along....
ReplyDeleteThe social networking sights and chat room-type situations have been notorious for harboring predators. Like Bjorn said, I agree that these sights do feed on themselves in this type of "activity", if you will. The people who are involved are obviously not right in the head and they probably get "excited" knowing that its a shock factor, or a rush to them. I sit beside myself when these types of stories are in the media.
ReplyDeleteI actually knew about POS. I used this when I was wayy older though, and for things that were fine to be private in terms of from my parents. You should hear some of the terms my fiance's students use. I might make a post on that, lol.
ReplyDelete