Are Social Networking Sites such as Myspace and Facebook are endangering NZ Teenagers?

Social networking sites, such as Myspace, Facebook and Bebo, have added a whole new dimension to communication. Now we are able to be 'friends' with a total stranger, to chat with others all over the world and to have our whole social life on the Internet. New Zealand teenagers are using these sites more and more, leaving information which is accessable to the whole world. This is dangerous as not everyone on the Internet is 'nice' and information which is published, even if it was just accidental, is extremely hard to retrieve.

'Stranger Danger'. Yes, we all know about this we learnt it in primary along with 'Stop, Look and Listen!'. We do not get into a car with a stranger or accept a lolly from a stranger. However, we do give our address, mobile phone number and full name to strangers without even realising it. This occurs often on social networking sites.

Statistics from TV3 show that 89% of people were uncomfortable when asked to if they would be happy to provide personal information. This figure was even more so when they were told that this information might be shared with others. Then why, you may ask, do people share personal information on social networks exposing themselves to dangers such as identity theft, harassment, and stalking? I believe it is because when people are on social networking sites they think that no one would choose them as a victim, and they simply do not think about the information they choose to display on these websites.

Identity theft is just one of the issues associated with social networks. This is when someone uses your full name, address, phone number and e-mail to apply for services. This use of your identity is completely unauthorized and the target may end up with costs for services they never applied for. TV3 did a survey and created a fictional character on a social network. They then invited 100 New Zealanders to be their 'friend'. 31 out of the 100 accepted, allowing a total stranger access to their personal information!

Another danger on social networking sites is stalkers and people with 'sick minds', as one women referred to the person who sent her 12year old daughter porn through the social networking site, Bebo. People can lie on the Internet to get the information they want from their victim and harass them. For example, 15 year old Tina, who loves 'hanging with her friends and shopping' may actually be a creepy old guy hiding behind this image. 'Tina' may become your friend quite quickly and you feel like you have known her for ages so you give her your mobile phone number. Suddenly 'Tina' is not so nice and constantly harasses with threatening texts, which make you uncomfortable and scared. This shows how people can manipulate you on the Internet and lie in order to get what they want.

'Fishing' is another danger that occurs on social networks. This is when someone pretends to be your friend to get the information they want from their victim. An example of this is when a person becomes your friend on the social network site. They then chat with you to find out where you live and what your plans are for the holidays. You come back from your holiday and find that your house has been burgled...who knew that you where away?

Social networking sites are endangering New Zealand teenagers. One little slip of information could result in constant harassment, stalking,identity fraud and threats to your safety.