Peer Networking - No Action Without a Consequence

Peer-networking users, utilize sites such as MySpace and FaceBook to share their common information with close friends and remain in contact with those friends whom they do not see that often. It is a healthy way of maintaining a long distance relationship with peers and in some cases, the only way to continue to talk to a certain individual. It is true that many users post their personal information up on their pages, but this information is usually locked and can only be viewed if one is friends with that person. The problem in these sites is that not everyone in conscience of the evils that surround them, and openly share personal information like cell phone numbers, addresses, birth dates and sometimes even parents names. This information, if found by the wrong person, could be very dangerous to ones welfare and possibly bank account.

As these sites crack down and update their way of operating almost daily, it becomes harder and harder for a person to receive information on someone they do not know. Most aware teens and adults limit their page to just their friends, knowingly blocking unwanted attention. The sites also impose an age limit or some kind of limit preventing those without the exclusivity to join. One can say that it has become a worldwide clubhouse for teens.

Even with restrictions and the growing attention to detail by knowledgeable young adults, some are still neglectful of their situation and openly share their most personal information for everyone, and their grandmother, to see. It is still possible for a criminal or hacker to snake their way into the system, for all they need to do is what they do on a seemingly daily basis, lie. With that possibility always arising, young adults need to realize that it can happen to them and it is not only a threat to them but the rest of their family.

People are going to post information about themselves, and even exaggerate at points, to boost their confidence and try to show off to fellow peers. Since these sites let someone post all the information they want without boundaries, it is an excellent way for them to "show off". How though, can these sites limit who can use them while maintaining a standard so that almost everyone can use them and feel safe at the same time? Is it even possible? It really doesn't seem that way.

In the past few months, as an example, FaceBook opened its doors to people outside of the college student. Now anyone who has a network (i.e. High Schools, Workplace, Region..) can gain access to the site and all its features. Petitions on the site started by college students have all but failed in their attempt to keep this site the co-ed's and theirs only. Though with all the new additions pouring into the site, as well as MySpace, each day, it is still impossible to access information people do not want you to see. Privacy settings from the site are automatically put in place to limit exclusivity, and one can even put up their own wall to block more information from those they do not want seeing it. On MySpace however, one must choose the option of being screened or their information will be out their for all to see.

People see these sites as exclusive clubs where they want to share their information with their peers and yet, feel safe at the same time. It is too bad that these two ideas do not coincide on this topic. As long as someone puts the information out there, it can be found, and it probably will be found by at least one person you did not want to see it. So in this case, one must choose and choose rationally when debating whether to post certain information or even become a member of the site at all. Seemingly the best way to go about sharing your personal information is actually not to. By posting specific information you put yourself at risk, a stage where no one is comfortable or wants to be. In joining one of these sites, a person must weigh the risk of their actions and think carefully on which information they want others to see, because as long as it is out on the broadest network in the world, the Internet, it can be found. Some, who found new friends or love over these sites might attest, no great reward comes without risk, even still it is a lot easier to argue that no action comes without a consequence.