The Internet environment is increasingly causing changes among the youth, providing more conveniences for work, study, and entertainment, as well as presenting greater dangers to them…
One of humanity’s greatest desires is to share and be shared with. However, as with everything, there are always two sides—good and bad—coexisting…
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MySpace.com |
On websites like MySpace.com, individuals can find friends who share interests in sports or concerns about social issues. However, a recent study indicates that the online environment is actually posing significant dangers to the youth. Here, individuals can easily learn about the daily habits of those they are interested in, which can serve malicious intents…
For instance, MySpace.com is a free website that allows users to create personal webpages with personal information, images, and videos. This information can be shared with designated individuals as set by the account owner. Yet, it is precisely this information that can endanger young people. On MySpace.com, searching for someone is remarkably easy… Those with ulterior motives can easily conduct “investigations” and target their interests.
Connecticut police report that many girls have been assaulted by men they met on MySpace. Although MySpace has implemented numerous measures to prevent dangers for users, such as warnings about fraud and restricting participation to individuals over 14, these measures seem ineffective.
Some teenagers try to limit their personal information, such as interests and special concerns, to their friends only. However, this creates a fertile ground for those with ill intentions… Many girls aged 12 to 16 have told the police that their “friends” on MySpace often report older ages than they actually are, have different genders, and possess various misleading characteristics. Notably, this serves as a very effective platform for individuals with same-sex attraction.
In the past month, Judy Cajuste, 14, was found nude and dead from strangulation in a garbage bag in Newark, New Jersey. Kayla Reed, 15, was found dead in a canal in Livermore, California, not far from her home. The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain unclear; however, investigations have begun with connections to MySpace.com. There have been many similar cases previously.
MySpace is not the only case; there are thousands of such websites on the internet. No government agency or organization can fully control them, especially considering the limitations imposed by laws protecting personal freedoms.
Parents find it challenging to monitor their children’s online activities. Current methods to bypass restrictions are widespread across the internet. A little research can lead one to “freedom” without fear of supervision from family.
This situation is not unique to Vietnam; however, for many reasons, most victims tend to hide their difficulties. Seemingly trivial chat conversations can conceal unimaginable dangers. The majority of victims are adolescents. This is an age of impulsiveness, exploration, and vulnerability to deception…
The technological lifestyle is not without benefits for humanity. However, as mentioned earlier, good and bad coexist. We cannot forbid our children from exploring and entering the technological world, the world of the internet. The best approach remains to care for and educate them to recognize and filter out dangers. “Relying on oneself is better than relying on others” is indeed true.
TRẦN HUY
