Technology Gap

http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/i/internet_safety.asp

This cartoon represents the technology gap between adults and digital natives.  I believe the technology gap is detrimental to digital natives. Adults are not able to help them understand how to be safe online, if they do not understand the basics of a computer or the Internet.

I think this cartoon appeals to pathos. At first glance, an individual might laugh or think the cartoon is funny because cartoons are naturally comical. But, I also believe once people realize the truth of the situation this cartoon might have more sad and shocking reaction.

The design of the cartoon is rather plain. The cartoon is in black and white but the computer screen is all black, for me this relays the message that the computer is the main focus of the cartoon. The father has a very confused look on his face which reiterates the fact that he has no clue how to use the computer or how to even turn it on. The expression on the daughter’s face is concern. I believe the written text on the cartoon is used to clarify the message for the audience.

The underlying message of the cartoon is that the technology gap has caused children to be less informed about Internet safety. I think it is important that adults in the community, parents and teachers learn about the Internet as well as some of the dangers with using the Internet. If parents are more educated about Internet safety they can teach their children different ways to be safe online including: keep private information to yourself, don’t befriend someone on the Internet unless you are sure you know them, and do not lie about your age. My hope for the future is that adults become more educated about the computer and how to keep their children safe online so less children are subject to cyber bullying and stalking.

Cyber Bullying

After watching the “Growing Up Online Documentary”, I became very concerned about cyber bullying and how it affects teens in society. It makes me sad to know that teens throughout the world are being affected severely by cyber bullying and some are even committing suicide because of it.

The boy in the documentary was cyber bullied by another classmate who told him a girl liked him, but it was all a joke. He researched online about ways to take his own life. He even found a blog of another teenager online who was encouraging him to commit suicide. He ended up going through with his plan and hung himself.

In my mind this brings up two red flags about teenagers being online: the content of information that is available to them online and cyber bullying in general. I think it is important for teenagers to be monitored while online and have a limited amount of time they are allowed to be online. Parents should inform their children about cyber bullying and how to stay safe online whether they are researching for a school project or staying connected to their friends through Facebook.

Parents need to be aware of what their teens are doing online and occasionally ask to see their blogs or Facebook pages. My little brother is 4 years younger than me and there have been times when my friends ask me if I have seen his latest post on Facbook or some picture he has posted. Although I may sound like the nagging big sister, I will talk to my parents about what he has posted if I feel like he is portraying himself in a derogatory way or there is potential for him to get in trouble.  If parents will talk to their teens and monitor what they are doing online this can reduce cyber bullying.

I found an online resource for teens and parents about tips for staying safe online (http://www.teenzeen.org/tips-for-staying-safe-on-the-internet.html). The website gives information about what cyber bullying is, what not to post about yourself online and tips for parents of teens online. I think resources like these are essential in keeping teenagers safe while going online. 

Identity, Privacy and Safety

            I have chosen to use “Identity, Privacy and Safety” as my inquiry area. This area stood out to me because I have had personal experiences dealing with these topics sometime throughout my digital life. These three topics can relate to almost anyone who uses online resources for blogging, networking or to gain knowledge. I think many people are naïve to the dangers and risks of these types of digital networking; especially teenagers who are new to the digital world.

            I was about start high school, when I met this guy on Facebook and we started talking via phone and Facebook chat. It was like we were dating but we had never met. We wanted to meet face to face, but thankfully my parents went through my text messages and ended my cyber relationship very fast!

I look back on that situation and although I was very naïve at the time I realize now how dangerous that truly was for me to be talking to someone I had never met. This situation reiterated the dangers of giving out information and talking to people I do not know personally. It made me become very cautious about keeping anything I put on the internet as private as possible because there are people and companies out there who will take advantage of online users.

I found a blog from someone on the Facebook team, about giving Facebook users more control with privacy features (http://www.facebook.com/blog.php?post=391922327130).

Differnt types of online communication and networking are a great way to keep in touch with people, find old friends and get even more connected to friends we have. However, there are definitely precautions that need to be taken to ensure our own safety and the safety of our friends and family. Throughout my blog, I want to explore how we can stay safe while being online, the issues of staying true to our identity, and explore the importance of keeping information private to the online world.