Internet Predators and Internet safety

The internet is what I believe to be a second, diverse universe, with millions of databases filled with information. Everyone uses the internet someway or another, practically everyday. It seems that our world, especially America, rely on the internet to do everyday things, such as keeping in contact with friends or researching information. Since everyone is able to use internet resources, such as social networking sites, it is always possible that you can come across a criminal or predator. With all this freedom, it is hard to know when you are actually safe from predators on certain websites.

Social networking is a major part of today's culture, especially on teenagers and young adults. Myspace and Facebook are the two main social network sites that you will find with the most people. They are used to connect with old friends, as well as to find and make new ones. When creating account you have to give your information, such as your name and age, as well as signing an agreement. Since there is no real security on who is signing up on these websites, it is easy for predators to use fake information allowing them onto the site. It also allows for young teens to be able to use these websites as well, who may not know all of the risks that come with using the internet.

These networking sites have such a huge impact on young teens, it almost seems as if everyone has one that they use frequently. With so many people on these sites, it is hard to monitor the people on it, and some people may fall for schemes. For example a young teenage girl met a young adult male on Myspace, whom she eventually met with face to face. After they met he ended up raping her, through no fault of her own for meeting a stranger whom she met on the internet. These are the types of predators that all people using social networking sites need to be aware of, especially parents of teenagers who use one of those types of sites.

Social networking sites are fun, and are a good way to communicate with friends, but it also can be dangerous if you are not careful with the people you come in contact with. It is good in keeping in touch with old friends from high school and college, especially when you don't live near them. When having young teenagers using it, it is always good if the parent's keep an eye on the people that their children are becoming friends with, and if they talk to them about predators. I also believe that social networking sites should try and secure their sites more from predators with my security precautions, such as what myspace is working on with finding sexual predators and deleting them off the site. Besides that, I believe it is safe to use these sites with caution.