Parents on Facebook

The social phenomenon of Facebook started only five years ago. Today, it is almost a common word in the English language and is quickly turning into a daily norm for most people with internet access. It started out with just student members, then spread to employers and job networks. Now, it is available to anyone who wants to join and even parents are taking step with the trend.

The first time I heard one of my friends say that their mom started a facebook, it was told almost like a horror story. ("Oh my God! Guess who added me yesterday?!) Facebook was "supposed" to be the teenagers haven-- the place to safely post pictures of underage drinking and joke with friends. Basically, it was the ideal place for students and teenagers to socialize uncensored.

Although most of my generation is dreading this new trend in social networks, I think this can be a good thing in disguise. For one, it keeps students from posting anything that will later haunt them or get them in trouble at school or work. After all, if you don't want your mother to see it, it probably shouldn't be posted on the internet anyway. It also teaches younger kids to be careful about how much personal information they post online. Parents can interact with or monitor their childrens' Facebook profiles without starting a big conflict. I think it also reduces the immense gap of mistrust between parents and children online.