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.