"Growing Up Online" Response Ben

Part One: Teens, even though they may not admit it, are addicted to online social networks, according to the video, "Growing Up Online." Written and produced by Rachel Dretzin and John Maggio, the video shows how many teenagers lives are highly effected by the Internet and online social networks. Kids feel that they have to be within this network or they are considered out of the loop, or uncool to the rest of the kids at school. Kids feel that they will be shunned by society if they are different from other kids. Concerned parent Anne Bukata states, "You go away on vacation and they're texting all their friends. There is, like, no break. They're unwilling to be out of the loop for more than, you know, and hour." People believe that because of technology and the quickness of technology, it is harder for kids to slow down and concentrate in school. Some teachers are trying to embrace technology and use it in the classroom, while others are fighting it by keeping it forbidden from their classroom. So many different things can come from the Internet, anything from relationship advice to death. Parents are so negative about the Internet because their children are more prone to be the target of a predator. But according to the video a recent study was done showing that kids know right from wrong, and they can tell whether or not they are being approached by a predator. The harder parents try to pry into the Internet lives of their children, the more the children refuse to let their parents in. By nature, most kids are good law abiding children, but it is so easy to make bad choices on the Internet (Growing Up Online). It is also very easy for kids to display an identity that is not their own online. Many kids like to show a different personality on the Internet because they like to find that alternative reality where they actually fit in. According to student Jessica Hunter, "I never fit the mold. I would try and try and try, and it- it just wasn't me... I felt so insecure. I felt like an alien." Online Jessica created the alias Autumn Edows, "I didn't feel like myself, but I liked the fact that I didn't feel like myself. I felt like someone completely different. I felt like I was famous." She was considered an outsider in the real world, but online she was famous and everybody adored her. For Ryan Halligan, the Internet did more harm than good. Ryan was being bullied at school, and instead of being able to return to the safety of home, he was being bullied over the Internet as well. This bullying drove Ryan to the point of suicide.

Part Two: If I were writing a story on the impact of the Internet on my life, I would have to that it has been a huge benefit for myself. I am now able to use it for schoolwork and homework such as this assignment, and I am also able to use it to communicate with my peers so that we can cooperate on certain assignments. It has also helped me keep in touch with my friends and family. Another way that the Internet has helped me is by helping me stay current with the news and economics.