The MySpace Experiment Continues
Monday February 27, 2006
Well, the MySpace experiment continues. So far, my profile has been viewed 63 times-and it's been up less than a week, not bad. I've had a whole plethora of emails sent to me talking about my MySpace experiment, mostly parents who share my concerns about children (and that's anyone under 17) making inappropriate contacts on MySpace. I've also received the other end of the spectrum; folks who are using MySpace for the use that it was (apparently) intended for, and that's basically an online flirting/dating service. Here's a couple of the emails I've recieved lately (and as always, I've obtained permission to print these):
"With responsible use, myspace is convenient for meeting people local to you with the search feature. You can find people within so many miles of your zip code. Anyway, its endlessly addicting to browse profiles and read peoples thoughts, I just try to stay away from the crazy or like satanic people." Note: There seems to be no end to the said "crazy" people on MySpace. Seriously. It's kind of interesting in a "I'm so glad you don't know where I live" kind of way.And here's another one:
"My daughter and her friends had entirely too much info on their sites, so I had my girl take off all specific info about herself. There are a few pic's up there, but I have to approve them before their posting. I also suggested that she tell her friends to remove their specific info as well. I really do not think that this site should be used by kids under 16 years old, but they are the ones that found the loophole. It is a pretty neat tool for them to teach themselves, and one another, how to change their backgrounds, and project the different facets of their personalities.I do want to take the time to learn why so many are on MySpace. I am starting to really like it, but you can bet your sweet bippy that my kids won't be on it, because not only have I been propositioned numerous times already (it's kind of flattering, actually), but I've seen enough nekkid people to last me a while, now, thank you very much. And I wasn't even LOOKING, seriously.Thanks for taking the time to learn why we're here."
So far, here's what I like about MySpace:
- Lots of people meet lots of people. Lonely hearts everywhere, rejoice! MySpace won't ever make you feel like a wallflower. There's no end to the meet and greets here.
- Fun features. One of the people who emailed me couldn't say enough good things about the "fun features" that MySpace offers; blogs, bulletins, pictures, etc. It's instant access to the rest of the world in an extremely user-friendly format that makes even the most computer-phobic person feel comfortable. I believe that between the sheer numbers of MySpace, along with their "fun features", makes MySpace a powerful force to reckon with (wow, didn't I sound all "Battlestar Galactica" there!).
More Social Networking: MySpace is a social networking site taken to a whole new level; but there's lots more out there. Check out Yahoo My Web 2.0, this roundup of social networking sites, Multiply.com, or LinkedIn.com, a Job Search Engine with a Social Networking Twist.
Hey Wendy!
Hope you are doing well. I have a 13 year old sister who had a yahoo profile that said she was 17. Since then I have made it very clear to her that there are plenty of ways for me to find out what she is doing on the internet. (scare tactic, lol) There are very many youngsters on MySpace that change their age to seem older, etc. I have a cousin that has a page for each of her children on MySpace, and she is completely involved in the entire process. Like TV and radio, the internet is yet another place that parents have to monitor. It makes it easier if you keep the computer in a family area.
I am personally on a mission to be as much of a role model as I can with the whole MySpace thing. There are so many people on there and many of them are young, and when you get a lot of people together at once there is possibility of chaos. A lot of people communicate within the groups, so I made a group about “integrity” which is something that I think the site could use some more of. I am only one person, but if more of the older crowd can get into the whole MySpace scene then I think we can use it for good and not evil!
Just my 2 cents…
Peace and Wellness,
~Julie
was not initially intended for meeting people and dating. It was originally made as a community for music and art fans.
wendy,
ok there is nothing wrong with myspace! i have one and i have never got’n into trouble with it!