Growing Up Online Summary

Alex Storino

“Growing Up Online”

In the video “Growing Up Online” written and produced by Rachel Dretzin and produced by John Maggio, they discuss the fact that kids and teenagers today grow up with technology as a part of their lives. Danah Boyd points out that “this is a generation that sees online not as a separate place to go, but its just sort of a continuation of their existence.” Not too long ago, the Internet was mainly just for a adults. Used to find some information or do work like things. Not anymore. Now it is a major part of almost every child’s life. A quote from the video states, “For teenagers, the internet is a place for self expression, a place to complain about adults, and a means to connect with one another.” A kid can be sitting in their room, on their computer, and chatting with several friends at the same time. It may be people they know, people they don’t, or maybe people they have met online. Parents and other adults worry about their children putting themselves out there online for the world to see because of all the dangers that may follow. You never know if people really are who they claim to be on the Internet and because of the lack of parental knowledge about what is going on, it can lead to something bad.

In my own life, the Internet and digital media do play a huge role. I understand the worry that parents may have when their children are using the Internet, but to me, I don’t really see it as a big deal as long as you are smart with what you’re doing. I have never encountered any kinds of problems with anyone trying to invade my privacy. I stay clear of putting too much personal information up for everyone to see and I don’t talk to people that I don’t know. If you are careful with it and don’t take advantage of all of the uses of the Internet, then there shouldn’t be anything for parents to worry about. I, personally, enjoy going on my facebook account and things like that. It is such a good way to keep in close contact with people that I may not get to see very often. I have connected with so many people from my past. I can keep in contact with people that are half way around the world. It is pretty amazing. Without all of this new technology, I wouldn’t have the privilege of keeping in contact with all of these special people, so I think it is a good thing. As long as people use common sense and don’t take advantage of the Internet and digital media, then it is actually a good thing.