Wired Daily has a neat set of posts about MySpace. Probably a good review for 4-H Educators or anyone working with youth. If you are a 4-H Educator and not familiar with MySpace, you should check the site out. Many of the kids you work with are probably using it to share and communicate, maybe even about you. The main article has a very balanced overview of MySpace and the major criticisms of the service (fears of who kids might meet and talk with, and just what the kids are saying). I like the perspective that Wired adds to how much abused has actually taken place (not as much as the hype indicates), and how kids have always looked for ways to express themselves. Compare the Wired post to this Wikipedia entry that has been stamped with a notice questioning its neutrality because it has more negative than positive points. Hmmmm……should we accept the way technology has enabled kids and work with them through trust and education. Or we could try to ban them from it (first be ready to admit who is more computer literate) or use the magical oxymoron teenage word “forbidden” and help MySpace’s marketing efforts.
For parents that are worried, Wired adds a parental cheat sheet. A good, timely teachable moment for Extension Professionals working with youth and families.
Jerry -
This seems to be a balanced article; we are struggeling in some cases as myspace becomes more well known by our professional staff as some are only hearing the negatives. Yes, there are teens that have information and pictures posted that are likely inappropriate; at the same time, this is a huge social networking avenue. If I remember, we even have an Educator who uses myspace to post information for teens regarding meetings, events, deadlines, etc.
Need to figure out a way to help educate our professionals about this and other social networking sites – perhaps at annual conference or through other venues!
-rjs