Hide and Seek
Internet full of potential potholes on road to future
By: Vince Rogers
Contributing Writer
Issue date: 11/28/06 Section: The Game of Life
When students enter the computer labs on campus, they will notice a sign on the door. No, it isn't the "turn off your cell phone" sign. This one is bigger and brighter. This neon sign states in bold letters: "NO MYSPACE, FACEBOOK OR GAMES WHILE OTHER PEOPLE ARE WAITING."
This sign is common on college campuses everywhere. But recent issues dealing with these popular online social networks suggest that they are more than just games and entertainment. They can be used by potential employers and by sexual predators, as well as those seeking extra-marital affairs.
"Most people just think it's a way to network with their friends," said Dr. Paul Neal, psychologist at the Christian Psychology Center. "They don't realize it's that public. It's almost an open invitation for predators."
Neal is not alone in his concern for online social networking safety but according to him, there needs to be more awareness on the issue.
"We encourage parents to review their kid's profile," he said. "My daughter's in college. I look at her profile and make sure it's acceptable."
It's hard for anyone to deny the relevance of these online social networks. According to the latest statistics, Myspace.com is the third-most visited overall Web site behind Google and Yahoo. Facebook.com ranks number 12, possibly because until recently, it required an .edu e-mail address to register. Myspace, with 127 million users, is open for anyone to join at no cost.
As the popularity of this electronic world grows, the dangers grow with it. The digital problems in this fake world have turned to real problems in the real world. Just like the tangible world of reality, these problems range from addiction and adultery to even criminal detainment for threats against President Bush.
"Everybody believes it's all fantasy," said Neal. "Unfortunately this illusion of fantasy has ruined tons of marriages."
Aaron S. Ayers, a divorce lawyer in Memphis, said that these networks are "just another hi-tech way of being sneaky."
This sign is common on college campuses everywhere. But recent issues dealing with these popular online social networks suggest that they are more than just games and entertainment. They can be used by potential employers and by sexual predators, as well as those seeking extra-marital affairs.
"Most people just think it's a way to network with their friends," said Dr. Paul Neal, psychologist at the Christian Psychology Center. "They don't realize it's that public. It's almost an open invitation for predators."
Neal is not alone in his concern for online social networking safety but according to him, there needs to be more awareness on the issue.
"We encourage parents to review their kid's profile," he said. "My daughter's in college. I look at her profile and make sure it's acceptable."
It's hard for anyone to deny the relevance of these online social networks. According to the latest statistics, Myspace.com is the third-most visited overall Web site behind Google and Yahoo. Facebook.com ranks number 12, possibly because until recently, it required an .edu e-mail address to register. Myspace, with 127 million users, is open for anyone to join at no cost.
As the popularity of this electronic world grows, the dangers grow with it. The digital problems in this fake world have turned to real problems in the real world. Just like the tangible world of reality, these problems range from addiction and adultery to even criminal detainment for threats against President Bush.
"Everybody believes it's all fantasy," said Neal. "Unfortunately this illusion of fantasy has ruined tons of marriages."
Aaron S. Ayers, a divorce lawyer in Memphis, said that these networks are "just another hi-tech way of being sneaky."