Ah, MySpace. The bane of many parents’ existence. The site’s gotten an arguably deserved bad rap, thanks to its penchant for attracting all sorts of unsavory characters. But like it or not, “social networking” sites like MySpace and Facebook are here to stay, and have even spawned similar sites such as LinkedIn for professional adults who are looking to build their own business-related networks.
Personally, I can’t help but wonder if we’re worrying a bit too much about the teenage love for MySpace. Cooper Munroe talked to three teenagers, all girls in high school, about the role that the Internet and social networking sites play in their lives. All three come across as smart and appreciative of their parents’ concern. They provide some interesting takes on some of the positive aspects of such sites (“The cool thing about the Internet is that anyone you meet online will have few preconceived notions about you.”). They’re smart about the stuff they post to such sites. And they seem to recognize that virtual friends are no substitute for those found in “the real world”. Sounds like their parents are doing a good job.
About JasonAvant
Jason Avant is the Founder and Managing Editor of DadCentric, a groundbreaking and popular blog that, according to his agent, provides an offbeat look at events and issues that affect today's fathers. He also writes for Maya's Mom, and his personal blog, Pet Cobra. Jason lives and works in San Diego, Calif. with his wife and two-year old son. His hobbies include surfing, skateboarding, muttering under his breath, haggis tasting, macrame', and writing short descriptions about himself in the third person.
