I posted comments on the following blogs...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ethic's Post #2: Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
The use of the internet makes people more and more accessible. We have seen so many benefits to technology but what about some of the drawbacks? New ways to commit crimes is one disadvantage. Two new forms of crimes have developed, and they are cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital technology to harass, intimidate, or even threaten a minor by a minor. Basically it is bullying on steroids since it doesn't stop when the last school bell rings, it follows you into your home and can have many more participants than just your average school yard bully. When adults join in on the victimizing it is called cyberstalking. This is a form of harassment that uses digital communications and is much more malicious in intent. The stalker pursues the victim tirelessly and can often times result in an offline attack. How can we protect ourselves from these types of predators and keep our children safe from new age bullying? What can we do as a society to punish those who participate in these crimes?
To understand how to protect ourselves we have to learn about how these forms of crimes are carried out. Many stories in the news lately address cyberbullying and schools are joining in the awareness of the problem. New Jersey is one of the states that are informing our students about the act and its consequences as well as trying to devise protocol on how to deal with the problem. One of the more recent and sad stories of cyberbullying was that of Rutger's student, Tyler Clementi . He was was reportedly taped via web cam, having a sexual encounter with another male by his roommate; and subsequently committed suicide. We are so vulnerable to technology that these crimes need a proper and well drawn out punishment as well as education. Parents need to monitor their children's computer use to make sure they are not becoming victims or worse, the one doing the victimizing. As parents, we need to keep an open dialog not only with our kids but with the schools as well. I think schools should implement mandatory classes in their computer labs that show children how to get help if they are being cyberbullied. I also think anyone found committing this crime should be sentenced to probation and court ordered sensitivity classes for a first offense. Anything after a first offence should result in a minimum of 3 months in juvenile hall.
Cyberstalking is even more scary because of the threatening nature and the feeling that there is nowhere to hide from these predators. I myself have been a victim of stalking and when this person started utilizing the internet it became overwhelming. Even with a restraining order this person still made contact via Myspace and Facebook. It is so unnerving to know that someone is out there that can track your every movement and can prey on you from behind a screen.
Cyberstalkers can target victims not only by direct internet contact but also by posting erroneous information about the victim and their status. Under federal law 18 U.S.C. 875(c) stalkers can receive up to 5 years in prison and result in a fine of up to $250,000. The problem with that law was that it only applied to actual threats through the internet and not to indirect forms of stalking. They have come up with other laws that have a wider scope in which to prosecute an offender. In researching laws, I found that the potential jail time given was not as steep as it should be. If I had my way the minimum would be a 7 year prison term with 5 years probation in which the offender is monitored and evaluated by not only a probation officer but a psychologist as well. I believe that stalkers are creepy just lurking around the corner following your every move but cyberstalkers are a special kind of creepy. The use of computers allows them to be as anonymous as they want while infiltrating your life. To protect ourselves we need to be hyper vigilant with what we share on the web. Even though social networking sites allow us to keep others updated on our daily events, they also allow others to view things like who you talk to and where you going to be on any given day and time. Only share benign events over the web, don't post your whereabouts and always keep your privacy settings to allow only a selected few to view what you post. Even then you can't be too sure whose looking at you from the other side of a monitor but at least they won't have all your info at their fingertips.
Cyberbullying and cyberstalking is in the forefront right now because it is just so easy to hide behind key strokes. We need to educate ourselves on the effects and the ease with which these crimes happen and hopefully can deter people from participating. With respect to cyberstalking, we should always try to be proactive in protecting ourselves by not being so overexposed on the net. By not giving these criminals information to work with, and reaching out to law enforcement will help to build a stronger front in catching and prosecuting these vile creatures. Remember your safety and mental well being are paramount.
To understand how to protect ourselves we have to learn about how these forms of crimes are carried out. Many stories in the news lately address cyberbullying and schools are joining in the awareness of the problem. New Jersey is one of the states that are informing our students about the act and its consequences as well as trying to devise protocol on how to deal with the problem. One of the more recent and sad stories of cyberbullying was that of Rutger's student, Tyler Clementi . He was was reportedly taped via web cam, having a sexual encounter with another male by his roommate; and subsequently committed suicide. We are so vulnerable to technology that these crimes need a proper and well drawn out punishment as well as education. Parents need to monitor their children's computer use to make sure they are not becoming victims or worse, the one doing the victimizing. As parents, we need to keep an open dialog not only with our kids but with the schools as well. I think schools should implement mandatory classes in their computer labs that show children how to get help if they are being cyberbullied. I also think anyone found committing this crime should be sentenced to probation and court ordered sensitivity classes for a first offense. Anything after a first offence should result in a minimum of 3 months in juvenile hall.
Cyberstalking is even more scary because of the threatening nature and the feeling that there is nowhere to hide from these predators. I myself have been a victim of stalking and when this person started utilizing the internet it became overwhelming. Even with a restraining order this person still made contact via Myspace and Facebook. It is so unnerving to know that someone is out there that can track your every movement and can prey on you from behind a screen.
Cyberstalkers can target victims not only by direct internet contact but also by posting erroneous information about the victim and their status. Under federal law 18 U.S.C. 875(c) stalkers can receive up to 5 years in prison and result in a fine of up to $250,000. The problem with that law was that it only applied to actual threats through the internet and not to indirect forms of stalking. They have come up with other laws that have a wider scope in which to prosecute an offender. In researching laws, I found that the potential jail time given was not as steep as it should be. If I had my way the minimum would be a 7 year prison term with 5 years probation in which the offender is monitored and evaluated by not only a probation officer but a psychologist as well. I believe that stalkers are creepy just lurking around the corner following your every move but cyberstalkers are a special kind of creepy. The use of computers allows them to be as anonymous as they want while infiltrating your life. To protect ourselves we need to be hyper vigilant with what we share on the web. Even though social networking sites allow us to keep others updated on our daily events, they also allow others to view things like who you talk to and where you going to be on any given day and time. Only share benign events over the web, don't post your whereabouts and always keep your privacy settings to allow only a selected few to view what you post. Even then you can't be too sure whose looking at you from the other side of a monitor but at least they won't have all your info at their fingertips.
Cyberbullying and cyberstalking is in the forefront right now because it is just so easy to hide behind key strokes. We need to educate ourselves on the effects and the ease with which these crimes happen and hopefully can deter people from participating. With respect to cyberstalking, we should always try to be proactive in protecting ourselves by not being so overexposed on the net. By not giving these criminals information to work with, and reaching out to law enforcement will help to build a stronger front in catching and prosecuting these vile creatures. Remember your safety and mental well being are paramount.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ethic's Post #1: Texting
We live in a world where technology is key. Some of that technology has given way to create instant real time conversations with someone even if they aren't directly in front of you. Texting, in which you type instant messages to someone on your contact list on your phone, has become one of the more popular forms of communication. Not only can we text a friend but we can, with the use of smart phones, connect with people on our favorite social networks. Driving while texting in theory, would be a great way to multi- task; but is the attention you give to the phone posing a threat to you or others? Another trend with texting is sexting. Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit media or text via cell phone from one person to the next. The problem with sexting is the ease with which the media is exchanged, the trend that has children vulnerable to predators and also in jeopardy of legal troubles. Are our laws sufficient and do they bring justice to those who are violated by sexting? Are we doing all we can to educate on the very real consequences of sexting?
Hearing the tone or feeling the vibration of a new message, almost begging for your attention, makes it all to hard to ignore. I myself, have been guilty of texting while driving. I was lucky though, I only hurt my wallet. I received a ticket worth $160.00 and since then I have had to avoid the urge to answer a text. It made me think about how selfish it is to take my attention away from the road instead of just waiting until I had the chance to focus on just the text. Lives are constantly at stake when the person behind the wheel is distracted by texting. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute conducted a study using truck drivers and drivers of small vehicles. They found that for drivers of large vehicles, the ones who texted while driving were 23 times more likely to crash or nearly crash than non distracted drivers. Here is a video that illustrates the very real impact of texting while driving. It is a sobering visual that makes you realize that your concentration on the road should be the utmost priority. Failure to comply could result in the loss of property, your freedom, or human life.
Sexting is an extension of texting and even though the content is intimate, once it is shared the opportunity for it to become public is all too tempting. More often than not, the subject of the sext is taken advantage of and their privacy is stripped with the press of a button. Just the thought of some unwanted person viewing my personal photos or video is enough for me to never participate in the act. I do however have to be extra vigilant as a parent. Children younger and younger have access to smart phones which make it easy to share instantly with others. When such technology is in the hands of a minor who cannot comprehend all the factors of sexting, a whole host of problems can arise. One I am particularly aware of is the distribution of a sext in the form of child pornography with or without intent. Yes, there are perverts hiding around every corner just waiting to offend but what happens when its another minor who is either sending or in possession of a sext? As sexting becomes more and more popular our law makers are trying to keep up; the problem is that the technology is more advanced than the laws themselves. In most states legislators are introducing different versions of education and some states deal with penalties on a case by case basis. Minors in most cases are able to have their records expunged by attending court appointed counseling sessions. The problem I think, with the laws, are that they are either too strict or too lax. Child pornography is a serious offence. Set aside the, a minor is virtually exposed to the world in such a malicious manner when the recipient of the sext decides to share it with anyone and everyone.
I personally believe that laws should be strict and universal in terms of adults with mandatory jail time for first offenders. Adults should have to register with an offender registry that is set aside for sexting so that there is a little clarification between them and violent sexual offenders. As for minors who are found in possession of sexts, laws should include a probationary period in which part of their restitution is to perform regular assemblies educating their peers about sexting. I think as part of our school systems' sex education program, a section should be included on sexting and the possible ramifications of our actions in either sending or receiving sexts. Strides are being made to educate and keep up with informing people on the trend of sexting. MTV recently aired a special called Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public in an attempt to stop the spread of what they call, "digital abuse."
In conclusion, although the technology is available to us to share info on an immediate basis, I do not feel having this technology as it stands, is beneficial to us. When the result of an action has more negative and or devastating consequences than positive we should take a closer look into why it is such a necessity of everyday life. I would much rather make it home safely to my family than take my eyes off the road to furiously typing a quick response to a message. In terms of sexting, I think our legislative entities need to make it a priority to bond all states together and create certain guidelines of sharing and receiving child pornography for adults and minors. The only sure way to protect yourselves and the ones you love is by education and prevention. This begins in the home and can be accompanied by our schools, because once you put it out there you can never get it back and that, is the hardest lesson of all to learn.
Hearing the tone or feeling the vibration of a new message, almost begging for your attention, makes it all to hard to ignore. I myself, have been guilty of texting while driving. I was lucky though, I only hurt my wallet. I received a ticket worth $160.00 and since then I have had to avoid the urge to answer a text. It made me think about how selfish it is to take my attention away from the road instead of just waiting until I had the chance to focus on just the text. Lives are constantly at stake when the person behind the wheel is distracted by texting. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute conducted a study using truck drivers and drivers of small vehicles. They found that for drivers of large vehicles, the ones who texted while driving were 23 times more likely to crash or nearly crash than non distracted drivers. Here is a video that illustrates the very real impact of texting while driving. It is a sobering visual that makes you realize that your concentration on the road should be the utmost priority. Failure to comply could result in the loss of property, your freedom, or human life.
Sexting is an extension of texting and even though the content is intimate, once it is shared the opportunity for it to become public is all too tempting. More often than not, the subject of the sext is taken advantage of and their privacy is stripped with the press of a button. Just the thought of some unwanted person viewing my personal photos or video is enough for me to never participate in the act. I do however have to be extra vigilant as a parent. Children younger and younger have access to smart phones which make it easy to share instantly with others. When such technology is in the hands of a minor who cannot comprehend all the factors of sexting, a whole host of problems can arise. One I am particularly aware of is the distribution of a sext in the form of child pornography with or without intent. Yes, there are perverts hiding around every corner just waiting to offend but what happens when its another minor who is either sending or in possession of a sext? As sexting becomes more and more popular our law makers are trying to keep up; the problem is that the technology is more advanced than the laws themselves. In most states legislators are introducing different versions of education and some states deal with penalties on a case by case basis. Minors in most cases are able to have their records expunged by attending court appointed counseling sessions. The problem I think, with the laws, are that they are either too strict or too lax. Child pornography is a serious offence. Set aside the, a minor is virtually exposed to the world in such a malicious manner when the recipient of the sext decides to share it with anyone and everyone.
I personally believe that laws should be strict and universal in terms of adults with mandatory jail time for first offenders. Adults should have to register with an offender registry that is set aside for sexting so that there is a little clarification between them and violent sexual offenders. As for minors who are found in possession of sexts, laws should include a probationary period in which part of their restitution is to perform regular assemblies educating their peers about sexting. I think as part of our school systems' sex education program, a section should be included on sexting and the possible ramifications of our actions in either sending or receiving sexts. Strides are being made to educate and keep up with informing people on the trend of sexting. MTV recently aired a special called Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public in an attempt to stop the spread of what they call, "digital abuse."
In conclusion, although the technology is available to us to share info on an immediate basis, I do not feel having this technology as it stands, is beneficial to us. When the result of an action has more negative and or devastating consequences than positive we should take a closer look into why it is such a necessity of everyday life. I would much rather make it home safely to my family than take my eyes off the road to furiously typing a quick response to a message. In terms of sexting, I think our legislative entities need to make it a priority to bond all states together and create certain guidelines of sharing and receiving child pornography for adults and minors. The only sure way to protect yourselves and the ones you love is by education and prevention. This begins in the home and can be accompanied by our schools, because once you put it out there you can never get it back and that, is the hardest lesson of all to learn.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Night Before
Hello All,
My name is Kristen Radian. I am very new to the act of blogging, so I will treat this as an opportunity to give a little background about myself. I am a single mother of 11 year old twins, who by the way, could probably do this better than I can. Currently I work as a Colorist/Stylist at Expressions Hair Studio. My major is Humanities with an Art Option. Things I'm interested in are:
- Motherhood
- Art
- Tattoos
- Cooking
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