Approximately eight years ago, I was introduced to social networking. My Space and Facebook took our schools and our teens by storm. Our teenagers and our preteens were sucked into their computers checking status updates and “friending” everyone they knew and meeting online people who became their “friends”.
My son and I were surfing around Facebook, reading some newly posted status and uploaded pictures. We clicked through the images of his classmates, laughing at fun pictures of embarrassing moments caught on camera. One more click and total silence flooded the room. My son, stood up and walked away embarrassed. I was left with the images, as they burned into my brain.
Uncertain about telling the girl’s mother about the pictures, but at the same time assuming her parents knew nothing about them, I decided it was necessary to snitch. As a parent I would like to know if my teen, or pre-teen, posted pictures on the world wide web that may incriminate or expel them from school. Approaching the mom was awkward, but necessary. I found out that the mom knew about the pictures, in short, she told me, “to fuck off.” She informed me it was only an empty bottle of Jack Daniels and her seventh grade daughter was just having some fun. Wow! .... Wow! Her final words to me, “mind your own fucking business.” What an introduction to social networking and the ignorance of parenting. Lesson taught!
The irresponsible youth, and the ill-advised or uncaring parents can ultimately destroy lives. Knowing how to "work" the social networking products is what makes them amazing. Be aware, universities and future employers can peek at their future students and employees social networking pages, or “walls”. This helps the secondary schools, universities, and the corporations decide who they want representing their institution. Don't let that little lock symbol and little privacy button fool you. They can view your "Friends Only" accounts.
If adults can get "slammed" on social networking sites, think of the devastation it can have on young teens. Facebook has an age minimum requirement of thirteen, however I have FB "friends" that are younger. Twelve year-olds are updating their “single” and “in a relationship” status every day. The next post is a new updated profile picture of them kissing their new significant “in a relationship” partner. I’m curious wondering if any of the parents are monitoring these updates. Don't get me wrong, I love social networking. My Facebook "friends" and my Twitter follower’s rock! Eight years ago my kids who "let me" peek at their friend’s “walls.” Now I have my own account and my kids were crazy enough to accept me as their “friend.” I don't snoop or “stalk” walls, but I do enjoy commenting on updates on my News Feed, this helps me stay connected to my Facebook "Friends". I use Twitter because I love to read and learn from all of the tweets. I don't have a lot of personal contacts on Twitter, but I do love reading tweets, especially inspirational quotes, and I could spend hours checking out people's blogs if I had the time.
So, add me as friend or follow me on Twitter. I encourage positive tweets and status updates, whinnying comes with it, but people in this world need encouragement, inspiration, reinforcement and as well as well wishes. I urge you to share optimism, it can go along way!
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