Growing Up Online

Growing Up Online
07 February 2011 (1314)
The Frontline video Growing Up Online is very interesting.  It discusses issues involving the uses of the internet as an outlet and social area for younger generations. The video specifically focuses on the potential problems related to children utilizing the internet: inappropriate self-expression, interactions, and the effects of the “digital world” upon the “real world.” This is a dangerous way to understand the situation because the digital is a part of the real world and as the video showed and the interviews revealed, the internet and digital world is often perceived as an environment in which individuals (children) can express themselves without repercussion. 

The dangers which are a result of this perception of the digital world are sometimes further amplified by the limited knowledge parents have both of the digital world itself and their own children’s activities within it. As a future educator and current parent of a seven year old, I feel very strongly about the importance of parental involvement and appreciation of the potentials of the internet. I also feel that parents should be knowledgeable about their children’s involvement and activities online. I recognize the difficulties of this task, especially as children grow older and establish a sense of individuality and independence; however, it is apparent from this video and our readings that early and consistent communication with children by parents and teachers is essential for open and healthy utilization of the digital world and all that it offers.

I am slightly concerned with the sense of “freedom” which children feel entitled to while interacting in the digital world. Although I agree with the principle of individual freedom, it is essential that individuals are educated and informed so they are able to properly utilize and appreciate that freedom. The generation gap created by technology is dangerous because older (parent/teacher) generations are often not informed and are thus not teaching their children/students about responsible use. Furthermore, this is dangerous because inexperienced and often immature children are “creating” the norms of the social, digital world.  I feel as though a many children are NOT experienced enough in the real world to handle the responsibility of the digital world.

Our class, EDU 331, is very important because of the exposure to ideas which we experience are creating further thought and interest in larger issues around us. This class is an example of how information can be presented and adapted to appropriate audiences. Also, due to the role technology and the internet in our daily lives, this same information (obviously adapted to audience) should be incorporated into the lessons parents and teachers present to their children and students.

 Teaching our children and students is very much similar to how voting and going to war should be…informed.