Reflecting

As the class ends, I find myself with a lot of knowledge about Computer Mediated Communication. Prior to taking this Electronic Communications class, I used Computer Mediated Communication, but could not have told someone what CMC stands for or means. Now, I am more knowledgeable in the various types of electronic communication, and it's effect on people.

I have realized the large group of people whose lives are surrounded by electronic communication. Sadly, my life is included in that. I text constantly, always call my friends and family, instant message, and of course check my Facebook account 2-4 times a day.  The week fast the class went on, with no Facebook, text messaging, and instant messaging, definitely opened my eyes to my addiction to electronic communication and how very prevalent it is in my life.

One thing I have realized though, is without it, I would not have maintained the relationships with my high school friends like I have. Though I have came to Westminster and met some wonderful friends here, I still consider my high school friends my best friends. Our bond has only strengthened since we left each other almost two years ago. This I feel, would not have been possible had it not been for the various forms of electronic communication that have allowed us to communicate on a daily basis despite the hundreds of miles that separate us. 

Overall, I enjoyed the class and am left with a better view of the effect that Computer Mediated Communication has on society today, including myself.

Online Sex Offenders

    I read a medicalnewstoday.com news article titled "Internet Offenders Target Teens, Not Young Children -- Rarely Use Force, Abduction Or Deception." The article talks about how contrary to popular belief, online sex offenders are not typically adults targeting young children. Don't get me wrong, they are out there and it is important to still monitor children's use of the internet because they can find themselves on the wrong sites, but people also need to worry about teenagers as well. Though teens know right from wrong better than children, they still can talk to  the wrong people via e-mail, instant messenger, and chat rooms.

The article states that people usually target teenagers because they are interested in forming sexual relationships with the teens they talk to. The article also states that these teens who begin the unsafe relationships with sex offenders are usually those who have a past of sexual or physical abuse and a bad home life.  One thing that I was surprised about was that the majority of teenagers who have experienced online sexual predation, did know that they were talking to adults on the internet. I personally would never talk to a random adult on the internet, but these teenagers are usually unstable and and insecure and want to talk to anyone who is interested. Girls often find comfort in men who want to talk to them because they may not get any other attention from others.

Luckily action is taken when sexual offenders are reported, though many cases do go unreported. When online predators are caught they are usually charged with statutory rape that involve non-forcible sexual encounters, the article stated. It also talks about in order to prevent teen online predation, the teenagers should be discouraged more about having relationships with adults and about simply talking to people online that they do not know, especially adults.

I think it is also important for parents to realize that even though teenagers are older and typically know from right from wrong, parents still need to monitor who they talk to and what sites and chat rooms they visit.