Don't be fooled. Teens can easily give in to peer pressure behind a computer screen.
Problems
Technology / internet
The list is endless
There are many other ways for teenagers to communicate over the internet besides cell phones and the Myspace craze. You should also be aware of:
- Message boards
- E-mails
- Instant messaging
- Blogs
- Chat rooms
- Videogames
The instant group
Instant messaging and chat rooms are like sisters to each other and do the same thing. They both are instant communication. In other words, once you type something and press “send”, that message is instantly sent to the receiving user. No waiting is involved.
This form of communication is popular because it is both easily accessible and fast. Discussions are quick for the fast typists, and they are virtually untraceable. Once that chat window is closed, nobody really knows what was said.
Internet videogames are getting into the action as well. Some games allow communication between their online opponents through a built-in instant messenger.
The slower group
Things like message boards, blogs, and e-mails are part of, what I call, the slower communication group. This is because it may take days before a response is sent back. Like the “instant group”, these communication methods are also common. They are also easier to trace.
Message boards communicate through “posts.” This is a great tool for communicating thoughts with a large group of people. People can join in on the conversation at anytime because there is really no end to it. Discussions can stay up for months at a time.
Blogs are like a personal online journal. Someone sets it up to post their thoughts, daily occurrences, or whatever they feel like sharing. It is a web site that is usually updated regularly for the public to see.
What you should know
- The internet can be dangerous
These communication methods can be unsafe if too much information is given out. For teenagers that feel they don't get attention, these are comforting sources for them to vent out feelings and find friends.
Keep in mind, there are crazy people out there that spend time stalking people online. Teenagers with fragile self-esteem make great targets. - You are not around
This online communication is a “no parent” zone. Teenagers don't want you to know about what they are talking about. Typing things online protects things from being heard aloud.
These can make great tools to secretly make plans or share dangerous experiences such as bullying and drugs. These topics are not hard to find.
Understand the pros and cons
Like any piece of technology, there are pros and cons. Blame cannot be put on all of these communication methods because they can be positive resources when used appropriately.
As parents, just know that these communication methods exist, and understand that the internet can open dangerous possibilities you may not be aware of.
This technology is growing every day, so keep up with it.
Keep up with your teenagers.
