Blogpost #1 - MySpace conversation
Three of the articles that were to be read for this Internet Fundamentals class has the issue of MySpace up for discussion. I do not want to repeat what has already been said by myself or any other peer in the class...but my feelings are getting stronger every time I take a look at the site itself.
The statistics that surround the site are enormous...and many people continue to make comments about their negative feelings about it. I mean look at the news reports that are on TV every week. I myself have not started a MySpace account, but plan on doing so to understand the hard feelings. The truth is, as a school librarian, I feel it is my duty to educate the students, parents, teachers, and administrators about the correct use of this site.
There seem to be too many people that are almost "stuck in their way of thinking" when it comes to using the internet, especially when children are involved. I once got this great e-mail that discussed how things used to be as a kid. Being able to play outside and ride bikes in the street, not having to be home by 7 p.m. or something like that. My point...there were just as many awful things happening then when the internet was not in existence like it is now. We need to educate....and make a difference for the children of the future!
posted by DebbieG. @ 10:15 AM
5 Comments:
As it was mentioned in one of the articles we read, these problems have always been around. Predators have always existed, and always will, and always will find ways to use the latest technology to further their purposes. Does that mean the technology itself is inherently evil? Not at all!
MySpace is not a pedophile's playground. Rock music doesn't rot children's minds. Marilyn Manson didn't cause Columbine.
The benefits of a thing like MySpace far outweigh the risks, in my humble opinion. By giving children a new social outlet, and a new creative outlet, we are allowing them to experiment, grow, and learn.
I really think that your ideas make a lot of sense. It's a fascinating thought that maybe, just maybe, DANGER always existed....Thanks!
Exactly! And the kids are going to continue to use MySpace regardless of (or perhaps because of) restrictions/filters/negative press. We, as librarians/educators, need to acknowledge its prevalence and educate the kids in responsible usage and possible ramifications of its use. We need to show them that it is not just their friends who are looking at their posts. Then we need to educate the parents and other adults so that they are aware of not only the dangers but also the attraction and the benefits of MySpace.
Great points! There is danger everywhere! The comments are good as well -- this is conversation. Thanks!
My first thought when I finished reading this post was "Right on!", then I decided that I should elaborate on that thought. So here it is...
As a school librarian, it is part of our job to educate not only students, but teachers, administrators, and parents about responsible uses of information. As with any aspect of effective teaching, modeling is essential.
But how can we model by using MySpace to promote our school libraries if our school districts block the site within the school????
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