PBS Growing Up Online

The PBS program frontline Growing up Online discusses how the internet is affecting the first generation of teens growing up with online influences. in the beginning the program discusses the internet from teenager’s point of view. The internet to them was a place of escape where they can be their true selves. Teens would post pictures respond to comments out of the scope of their parents. It was tool that allowed them to connect to other people from the comfort of their home. That was the goal, to show their social media presence; examples would be flaunting their friend count or posting pictures as often as possible. They could do whatever they wanted because at that time the internet was fresh and there was an absence of cyber rules. Due to the lack of authority figure many teens were caught in the web of the internet. This is one of the main issues presented. Many teens forget about the rules when using Myspace or Facebook thyme can get reckless. In the documentary it showed a fight break out between students because of an online dispute and the fight was posted online. Though it seemed cool at first the students knew that the video will affect their life in the future. Though they may regret what they did, once something is posted on the internet it will stay on the internet.

            Many parents expressed their concerns over the seemingly unlimited freedom of the internet. To their kids the internet is a place of fun and expanding their boundaries but to parents the internet is a paradise to predators. One of the teens used the screen name Autumn to post explicit photos of herself. Autumn had no friends and when she posted the photos people were finally acknowledged her. To her it was a moment of happiness but her parents were furious. Autumn ended up having to delete very picture on her page. This is a big issue because there is not telling who is viewing these pictures. Teens are posting pictures without a second though as to who has access to them. The internet is a new play field for predators. They can hide behind computer screen and access these photos as well as any information that is posted about anyone. Though the internet is a great tool for communication and widening one’s knowledge, we can never be sure everybody is using it for innocent reasons.

Information provided

PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/.