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MySpace Is Not Evil...or for Idiots

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Contributed by: Amanda Thompson on 2/3/2006

     I recently read an article in the YourHub.com paper I receive at my house. It was by a Mr. Rich Batten, and it was regarding Myspace. I am seventeen, and a frequent user of Myspace, and I have to say, the article offended me. Mr. Batten's opinion stated basically that children should have their personal privacy invaded so parents can 'watch out' for them on the website.
    Mr. Batten points out that there are chances of 'cyber-bullying' and people who post inappropriate things on a person's profile. However, he neglected to mention that in order to post anything on a person's profile, the owner of that profile must accept them as a friend first, therefore leaving out his point of 'anonymous bullying'. And, as a dutiful website should, offers a 'block user' option to anyone leaving the user offensive material.
    Also, the write failed to explain that there is an age requirement to use MySpace, which is 16+. I grant that more and more 13,14, and 15 year olds are logging on under assumed ages, however, it should be assumed that before anyone logs on to the internet by themselves, they should know the rules, and should know them well. I am not saying to constantly bombard teens with information about 'true life stories' and web-stalker instances. I am suggesting that, before any child logs on, to know the basics: No age, no address, no phone number. Along these lines, all the information one could provide to Myspace is completely voluntary. You do not have to disclose any of this information publicly.
    I don't understand why Myspace is getting this attention when other sites like Disney, Nickelodeon, and other kid-oriented websites have the same risk involved. Pictures aren't necessary in Myspace. Personal Information isn't either. Why against Myspace? I enjoy the site. I've found friends I lost long ago in elementary school. I can contact them easily, catch up, as well as communicate my thoughts and ideas to others. It's not a risk website--it brings old friends together and new ones to meet.
    The 'attacks' on Myspace are completely unwarranted. I highly protest anyone creating a solid view on this issue without experiencing Myspace themselves.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Rich Batten

posted on 2/9/2006 @ 10:06:30 AM

Rated Story

Amanda I appreciate your comments on my original post. However, I think you have taken my statements to their extreme. I am in no way against myspace. Three of my four children have myspace accounts. My point is that it is important that parents stay connected with this part of their teen’s life. MySpace.com is a fun place for kids to express themselves and socialize but like any place where kids hang out unsupervised it is not without risks.

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Submitted By: Kelley Bruce Robinson

posted on 2/5/2006 @ 10:58:47 AM

(Not Rated)

Disney and Nickelodeon arn't websites that allow users to post pictures and information of themselves online. Myspace is a networking website geared for those 14 and older, and yes the dangers are prevelant. I am a user of Myspace.com too, and if Myspace isn't used correctly and users post too much information about themselves online there is a chance for them to become online predator victims. As for accepting friends to talk to you, people can still message you without being your friend from an anonymous account, and how man times have you accepted someone as a friend that you don't directly or indirectly know? In short: Myspace isn't evil, but bad things can happen if it's users are not aware of the dangers. You are naive to think that there is no danger in using Myspace.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Amanda Thompson

Westminster , CO

Amanda Thompson has posted 22 stories and 2 comments since joining on 2/2/2006. Amanda Thompson 's average story rating is 4.67.

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