The Internet: Helpful or Harmful to Adolescents? : The Internet: Helpful or Harmful to Adolescents? Created By: Sabrina Henry
CIS 4253 - IT Ethics - Summer 2009
Instructor Walsh
What is the Internet? : 2 What is the Internet? The Internet is a global network of networks in which users are able to send and receive various forms of information.1 Today, many of us know the Internet in a more informal manner...
The Internet: Primary Uses : 3 The Internet: Primary Uses The two primary uses of the internet that we see today are (arguably)...
Social Networking and
Surfing the Web
Social Networking : 4 Social Networking Social Networking sites provide a virtual community for users to interact. Here, they create personal profiles, post pictures, and other information about themselves.2
MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
In 2008, 15% of MySpace users were under 18 years of age.3
And what about the percentage of users who only claim to be 18 or older?
Social Networking (cont.) : 5 Social Networking (cont.) Pros:
Connect with family and friends
Social Networking (cont.) : 6 Social Networking (cont.) Cons:
Security Issues
Information theft
(Sexual) Predators
Internet Harassment
“Cyber-stalking”
“Cyber-bullying”
Surfing the Web : 7 Surfing the Web Web Surfing is simply the act of browsing web sites on the internet that peak the users’ interest.
Via Search Engines: Google, Yahoo!, etc.
Surf with a Purpose: Research / Learning
Surf without a Purpose: Leisure, Boredom
Surfing the Web (cont.) : 8 Surfing the Web (cont.) Pros:
Resource of vast amounts of information
School research or independent study
Learning
Convenient
All it takes is a click of the mouse to gain access to desired information.
Unbiased
Alternate perspectives on different topics
Some of these aspects can be considered a blessing as well as a curse...
Surfing the Web (cont.) : 9 Surfing the Web (cont.) Cons:
Almost no regulation of content
Inappropriate content is easily accessible
There are many kinds of sites that can be harmful to adolescent users...
Surfing the Web (cont.) : 10 Surfing the Web (cont.) Some obviously harmful sites for young people:
Pornographic Websites
Ex: youporn.com
Pro-Suicide Websites
Ex: suicidemethods.net
Hate Websites
Ex: stormfront.org
Question: Is it ethical to expose adolescents to the internet? : 11 Question: Is it ethical to expose adolescents to the internet? “Yes.”
We are in an age where computer technology is beginning to rule; our youth must learn to adapt to the technology of the future.
The internet is a great resource for learning.
“No.”
There are too many risks involved with the safety and well-being of naive adolescents.
Our youth will grow up before their time.
Question: Where do parents draw the line? : 12 Question: Where do parents draw the line? Parents/Guardians should monitor adolescent internet use in an appropriate manner for their age range.
Parents/Guardians can institute parental blocks and learn how to keep tabs on their child’s internet activities.
What happens when parents drop the ball?
Question: Should the government regulate internet use? : 13 Question: Should the government regulate internet use? “Yes.”
This may be the only way to protect our youth from inappropriate content while still allowing them to utilize the internet.
It would prevent abusers from flooding the internet.
“No.”
Government regulation would infringe on freedom of expression rights.
It is up to the parents to monitor their children.
What is being done? : 14 What is being done? Social Networks and other sites have made/are making strides towards increased protection of minor users.
Bills have been and are continuing to be proposed and passed around the world to ensure internet safety for our youth.
What do you think about this issue?
References : 15 References http://searchwindevelopment.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid8_gci212370,00.html
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=social+networking+site&i=55316,00.as
http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2008/01/09/social-network-stats-facebook-myspace-reunion-jan-2008/
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2008/07/accused-myspace/
http://www.cyberbullyalert.com/blog/2008/10/stories-of-cyber-bullying/
http://youporn.com/watch/327144/melissa-lauren-time-for-cocktails/
http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/2008/12/06/why-suicide-websites-are-to-blame-for-my-daughter-s-death-115875-20949149/
http://www.stormfront.org/forum/showthread.php?t=549272