Big Sky Debate
Resolved: Resolved: That, on balance, social
networking Web sites have a positive
impact on the United States.
Photo: Avlxyz
2008 December NFL Public Forum Debate Topic: Social Networking
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
Table of Contents
METADEBATE ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
SOCIAL NETWORKING DEFINED .................................................................................................................................................... 3
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS WIDESPREAD....................................................................................................................................... 5
SOCIAL NETWORKING INCREASING USED BY TEENS AND CHILDREN................................................................................... 7
PRO EVIDENCE ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
ONLINE COMMUNITIES CRITICAL TO MODERN CULTURE ......................................................................................................... 8
SOCIAL NETWORKING CRITICAL TO MODERN COMMUNICATION ....................................................................................... 9
SOCIAL NETWORKING INCREASES DISCUSSION OF MANY POSITIVE TOPICS ................................................................. 11
SOCIAL NETWORKING LETS PEOPLE WITH UNIQUE INTERESTS FIND OTHERS................................................................... 12
SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS BUSINESS .............................................................................................................................. 13
SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS EDUCATION ......................................................................................................................... 14
SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS STUDENTS ............................................................................................................................. 16
EDUCATION CAN MINIMIZE RISK IN USING SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ......................................................................... 18
SHUTTING DOWN SOCIAL NETWORKING IMPOSSIBLE......................................................................................................... 19
A/T: ONLINE PREDATORS .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
A/T: SHOULD RESTRICT ACCESS................................................................................................................................................... 22
A/T: EMPLOYMENT ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................ 23
CON EVIDENCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS NO REDEEMING VALUE .............................................................................................................. 24
SOCIAL NETWORKING MEANS ACCESS TO PORNOGRAPHY .............................................................................................. 25
SOCIAL NETWORKING MEANS AN INCREASE OF VIOLENCE AND SEX CRIMES ................................................................ 28
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS OVERRUN WITH PREDATORS ........................................................................................................ 29
SOCIAL NETWORKING ENCOURAGES SHARING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ............................................................. 32
SOCIAL NETWORKING ENCOURAGING MISINFORMATION ................................................................................................ 35
SOCIAL NETWORKING LEAVES A DIGITAL FOOTPRINT .......................................................................................................... 36
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS BAD FOR EDUCATION ..................................................................................................................... 37
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS BAD FOR KIDS ................................................................................................................................... 38
SOCIAL NETWORKING CAN IMPACT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DECISIONS ......................................................................... 39
SOCIAL NETWORKING CAN IMPACT HIRING DECISIONS ...................................................................................................... 40
SOCIAL NETWORKING ENCOURAGES CYBERBULLYING ....................................................................................................... 43
SOCIAL NETWORKING SHOULD BE LIMITED IN SCHOOLS ..................................................................................................... 45
INTERNET ABUSE OF CHILDREN UNDERREPORTED .................................................................................................................... 46
CONTROLS ARE USELESS TO STOP CHILDREN FROM ABUSING SOCIAL NETWORKING ................................................. 47
SAFETY TOOLS ARE USELESS TO STOP ABUSE FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING ....................................................................... 48
A/T: ADULTS CAN USE THE TECHNOLOGIES SAFELY ............................................................................................................... 49
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 2
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
METADEBATE
SOCIAL NETWORKING DEFINED
DIFFERENT SOCIAL NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES DEFINED--Metz '07
[Cade; Senior Writer at PC Magazine; “Social Networking Connects People;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Some sites, including TagWorld, operate along the lines of MySpace, predicated on the idea of
letting you create a personal-profile page where you can share all sorts of random thoughts and
multimedia content. Other users become your "friends," some of whom are complete strangers.
From there, it's a popularity contest of sorts to see how many friends you can amass. So far, MySpace
president Tom Anderson is the prom king, with more than 80 million friends.
Other sites, like Flickr and YouTube, are merely a repository of user-provided content. Buzznet,
Flickr, and Zoto (among others) broadcast your digital photos. And eyespot, Grouper, and YouTube
serve up your personal videos and hilarious, poignant, or bone-crushing moments captured from
live TV. You can share your browser bookmarks on del.icio.us, your MP3s on Mercora, and the
names of your favorite books on LibraryThing. The idea here is that you can get better results
searching for specific content that's been hand-picked from the vast reaches of cyberspace. And
most tagging sites will let you then follow the trail of breadcrumbs to see who posted the link you
like and what other content he or she has to offer.
Sites like LinkedIn, which at three years old [in 2006] is one of social networking's pioneers, use
existing business contacts as the roots for growing new ones. They're built on the notion of six
degrees of separation—the idea that we're only six introductions away from anyone we'd want to
meet. LinkedIn and similar six-degree sites such as Friendster, Ryze, Plaxo, and Tribe were the first
to use the term social networking.
Some sites use the wildly popular concept of tagging as a tool to link people together. Users are
encouraged to tag their information with keywords, a way of linking similar content. If you're an
anime fan, for example, you can visit TagWorld, click on the "Anime" tag, and instantly browse all
photos involving Japanese animation.
Once you've linked to the posts of other anime fans, you might find yourself browsing beyond their
anime pics, into the rest of their photo collections, their music, their blogs. Who knows? You might
develop a running online relationship—or even meet them in person.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING DEFINED--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Like so many modern technological advancements, social networking sites exploded in popularity in
an extremely short time-span. Social networking sites are virtual communities on the Internet where
people may go to find and "connect with others who have similar interests."(FN60) Hundreds of
social networking sites exist.(FN61) While these sites differ in many ways, they generally consist of a
personal website (often called a profile) with photographs and text, including the user's picture,
likes and dislikes, interests, blog entries, geographic location, gender, links to the profiles of other
friends on the site, and various other types of information.(FN62) Many of these sites also include an
array of personal information, such as the user's name, address, telephone number, and e-mail
address, and offer varying degrees of privacy controls to allow users to restrict access to their
profiles.(FN63) Social networking sites are especially popular among teenagers and young adults as
a method for meeting new people,(FN64) keeping in touch with friends, and generally
"communicat[ing] with each other about anything and everything."(FN65) Two of the most popular
social networking sites, MySpace.com (MySpace) and Facebook.com (Facebook),(FN66) are the
focus of this note.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS WIDESPREAD
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ARE PROLIFIC AND GETTING BIGGER--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
In addition to MySpace, Friendster.com, Facebook.com, MyYearbook.com, and social blogging sites
like Xanga.com let users post pictures, videos, and blogs, and they support E-mail and instant
messaging. They're hugely successful. MySpace, purchased by [media magnate] Rupert Murdoch [in
2005] for $580 million, has grown from 6 million users to 73 million in less than a year and is the
fourth most popular English-language site on the Web. Some music groups sell tickets to their
concerts largely based on word of mouth at MySpace. Friendster gets 9 million hits a month, and
Facebook's 7.5 million users generate the seventh largest number of page views on the Web.
MySpace and Facebook have even become verbs in the mold of Google: To MySpace someone means
to look at a profile or send a message.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS PROLIFIC AND A MAJOR INTERNET TRAFFIC HUB--Rich '07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007;
Wilson Databases]
With more than 26 million members, Facebook is one of the most trafficked site in the country.
More than 1,500 members list the 1,800-student Thomas Jefferson High in Alexandria as their
school. About 2,400 say they're from Walt Whitman High. That Bethesda school enrolls only 1,900
students, but some members are probably alumni.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS USED DURING WORK HOURS BY ADULTS--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Social networks aren't just a teen phenomenon. A survey by Web filtering company Websense found
that 8% of respondents visit social networking sites while at work. Companies can use Web filters to
limit access to the sites, though Websense says its customers don't seem overly concerned.
OLDER USERS ARE STARTING TO UTILIZE SOCIAL NETWORKING--Plosser '08
[Liz; “Hidden Health Risks for Teens; Prevention; July 2008; Wilson Databases]
The presence of older journalists on Facebook fits the pattern of age-related trends in other areas,
says freelance writer Pat Walters, 23. Younger people are often the first to jump into new turns in
technology and then, if the ground proves firm enough, the more cautious, and typically older, set
joins in.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS ALL OVER AND GETTING BIGGER--Abrams '07
[Jonathan; “Friend Spam;” Technology Review; November/December 2007; Wilson Databases]
However this all plays out, it's clear that these sites are not going to go away. In 2004, VCs bemoaned
any further investment in social-networking companies, and pundits argued that social-networking
sites would not endure as stand-alone destinations. Today, they are some of the biggest sites on the
Web, and we have an entire industry of widget and tool providers building on top of the socialnetworking ecosystem. There are niche social-networking sites for moms, dogs, pagans, and
bodybuilders. Ten years ago 1 moved to Silicon Valley to work at Netscape. Today, Netscape
cofounder Marc Andreessen has a startup called Ning, which helps people -- what else -- create their
own social-networking sites.
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ARE WILDLY POPULAR--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
MySpace and Facebook, created just five years and four years ago, respectively, have already amassed
millions of users and reached astounding popularity among Internet users.(FN67) MySpace is the
most popular social networking site in the United States, racking up over 1 billion page views per day
and having 100 million registered users, with 56 million unique visitors each month.(FN68)
Similarly, in its first four years of existence, Facebook has topped the Internet charts with over 54
billion page views per month and over 47 million registered users.(FN69) Furthermore, it is
estimated that 85 percent of students at participating universities have a profile registered on
Facebook, and 60 percent of those students log in to their profiles daily.(FN70) Facebook also claims
to be the largest photograph-sharing site in the United States and the sixth-most trafficked site in
the United States.(FN71)
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING INCREASING USED BY TEENS AND CHILDREN
TENS OF MILLIONS OF KIDS USE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES--Resnick '07
[Michael; Associate Executive Director of the National School Boards Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites
Would Not Make the Internet Safer;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
According to recent data, 87% of students 12-17 are online and 65 million young people have
accessed social networking sites. Given this reality, we cannot afford to "duck" our responsibility to
educate our children by hiding behind filters to block these sites. Education is the key to preparing
our students to interact safely on the Internet. Together, the education community, parents, and
others can help to instill responsible decision-making and empower students to recognize the lures
of online predators.
TEENAGERS ARE INCREASINGLY SETTING UP MYSPACE PROFILES--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
It would be very difficult to find a young teen that has never heard of Myspace.com. In fact, it is
surprising how many teens have actually set up their own MySpace blogs. It is the vogue thing to do.
As a teenager, if you do not have your own blog then you have not kept up with the changes. It is
shocking to see all the personal and potentially damaging information that people, including teens,
are posting about themselves and their families on these sites.
MILLIONS OF KIDS ARE VISITING SITES LIGHT MYSPACE--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
[While it] may seem like an innocent blog site and fun place for teens, Myspace.com can, ... be a very
dangerous place for children to spend time. So what are the chances of your children visiting
Myspace.com? The number of visitors is steadily increasing, as Myspace.com went from 4.9 million
U.S. visitors in 2004, to more than 50 million U.S. visitors in May 2006. According to a [August 2006]
article in USA Today, MySpace had 95 million members and more than 81% of the online social
networking traffic.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
PRO EVIDENCE
ONLINE COMMUNITIES CRITICAL TO MODERN CULTURE
THE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, CIVIC
AND SOCIAL LIFE--Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Today's interactive online environment is an essential and growing part of economic, cultural, civic,
and social life. New Internet-based applications for collaboration, business and learning are
becoming increasingly important, and learning to use the online environment effectively and safely
is now an essential component of education.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS KEY TO SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS IN AMERICAN CULTURE--Davis
'07
[Vicki A.; Teacher and Conference Presenter; “Online Social Networking Should Not Be Feared;” 2007; Gale Group
Databases]
Social networking is not to be feared, a recent Pew study found:
Our evidence calls into question fears that social relationships—and community—are fading away
in America. Instead of disappearing, people's communities are transforming:
The traditional human orientation to neighborhood- and village-based groups is moving towards
communities that are oriented around geographically dispersed social networks.
People communicate and maneuver in these networks rather than being bound up in one solidary
community. Yet people's networks continue to have substantial numbers of relatives and
neighbors—the traditional bases of community—as well as friends and workmates.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING CRITICAL TO MODERN COMMUNICATION
SOCIAL NETWORKING ALLOWS PEOPLE TO BE CLOSER TOGETHER GLOBALLY--Bond '07
[Eston; Web Designer, Online Journalist and Technical Writer; “Online Social Networking Enables Users to Be Part of a
Global Community;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Social networking is bringing us all closer to a greater humanity by allowing this type of interaction.
It's the beginning to the destruction of geographical and political barriers that segregate us and
pushes each of us toward being both absolutely, entirely unique yet more knowledgeable of other
cultures, making each of us an assimilate of a global culture as opposed to a local, regional, or
national one. It begins to tie us together into a greater human cause than those afforded to us by
nationalism. It has the power to give everyone a unique voice and a way to find others. Social
networking can help us in all of our most human desires and ideals: we can more easily find those to
collaborate with intellectually. A social network can help being lonely people together. It can save
the lives of the depressed and offer support to the mourning. Our community's size increases
drastically, and with it the magnitude of human emotion is amplified.
SOCIAL NETWORKING ALLOWS FOR MODERN DIGITAL TOWN SQUARES WHERE CITIZENS
CAN GATHER AND COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
I want to begin by saying a few words about the beneficial side of social networking. What troubles
me most about the current debate over social networking websites is that almost no one is talking
about the beneficial side of social networking, and indeed the Internet as a whole, for children.
For the vast majority of civilization, humans have lived in a state of extreme information poverty.
Today, by contrast, we are blessed to live in amazing times. An entire planet of ubiquitous, instantly
accessible media and information is now at our fingertips. We are able to share culture and learn
about other cultures in ways that were unthinkable even just 10 years ago. And social networking
sites are one of the most exciting components of this new interactive, borderless world. Indeed, they
are sort of the equivalent of "digital town squares" where citizens—including children—can gather
and communicate with each other.
True, some bad guys might gather there too, but that is the case with every type of town square when
you think about it. Thus, instead of only focusing on the negative, lawmakers need to acknowledge
all of the wonderful things that happen on these sites too.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING ALLOWS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES IN COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS--Bond '07
[Eston; Web Designer, Online Journalist and Technical Writer; “Online Social Networking Enables Users to Be Part of a
Global Community;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
I'm still wondering what the end effect of social networking will have on the future of this
generation. I think that social networks give us a core perspective on what we're seeing reflect in the
rest of the social Web, and it carries with it the centre of the whole Web 2.0 revolution. I read
somewhere the other day that the previous communications revolution was when multinational
corporations tied the world together and allowed international populations to interact with one
another on a mainstream, capital-based level. This was our previous communications era, where
people primarily interacted with those around them locally and regionally, but came into contact
with those internationally via corporate interaction (or if they could afford the costs of international
travel personally). You used to make "pen pals" as social contacts in other countries. Friends in other
domestic regions were ones you called long distance every month or so. Sure, interaction existed, but
it was sporadic. Costs of maintaining international interaction day-to-day was more for business
than something social. With the explosion of relatively cheap computer hardware and even cheaper
broadband Internet access, that control of interaction shifted from corporation to consumer, and
the marginal cost of maintaining international contacts plummeted. It costs me the same to
collaborate with developers in Gothenburg, Sweden as it does to collaborate with developers here in
Ann Arbor. The cost is as negligible to me as an individual as it is to an enterprise.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS USED TO KEEP PEOPLE IN TOUCH--Metz '07
[Cade; Senior Writer at PC Magazine; “Social Networking Connects People;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
The idea of social networks is not new, but advancing computer technology and the growing
accessibility of broadband have helped social networking sites become a phenomenon. Though it
may seem strange to create an Internet profile for all the world to see, millions of people log on to
sites like MySpace and TagWorld everyday to keep in touch with friends and relatives, find long-lost
classmates, and meet like-minded people. Also, the social networking rage is not just for young
people; sites like LinkedIn, LibraryThing, and The Mom Network have proven their appeal to older
generations.
EVEN OF SOCIAL NETWORKING DOESN'T DO ANYTHING REVOLUTIONARY, IT BRINGS
MORE PEOPLE TO THE DISCUSSION--Plosser '08
[Liz; “Hidden Health Risks for Teens; Prevention; July 2008; Wilson Databases]
Still, Walters and Bill Mitchell, the 59-year-old director or Poynter Online and editor of Walters'
piece, see the bright side of the site as a modern communication tool. The Journalists and Facebook
experiment opens the door, Walters says, to something bigger than the group he created, stretching
beyond the demographic stereotypes of the formerly student-only site. Walters readily admits that
he has not bothered with the upkeep a group like his would require to become a long-term forum for
discussion, but he says it could be a step in the right direction.
"I don't think something like Facebook is going to change the way people talk about things except to
bring more people into the discussion," Walters says. Such a forum could act as the next step when
things like comment boxes on news sites don't go far enough in engaging the audience.
"I think that could work," he says. "I think it could be interesting. It would have to be something
people care a lot about. People, especially journalists, are very busy. But there already arc viable,
sustainable groups happening all over the industry" in other online forms such as blogs and
listservs.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING INCREASES DISCUSSION OF MANY POSITIVE TOPICS
PEOPLE USE MYSPACE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR FAITH AND RELIGION--Hewitt '07
[Steve; Editor-in-Chief of Christian Computing Magazine; “Christian Young People Use Social
Networking Web Sites;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
MySpace.com now reports that over 65 million people have set up personal Websites and blogs
using their service. AOL and others have announced they are, or soon will be, launching "myspace"
types of services. What is Myspace.com? It is many things to many different people. I believe it is
evolving into a new way to communicate, and I believe it is something that many in the church need
to check out. The good news is that IF it is a reflection of the world (and it appears it is) Christian
sites [profile pages] are being created by the thousands by Christian young people who are using
Myspace.com to share their faith, talk with other Christians, and much more.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING LETS PEOPLE WITH UNIQUE INTERESTS FIND OTHERS
SOCIAL NETWORKING ALLOWS PEOPLE'S UNIQUE INTERESTS TO BE VALIDATED BY
OTHERS--Bond '07
[Eston; Web Designer, Online Journalist and Technical Writer; “Online Social Networking Enables
Users to Be Part of a Global Community;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
We're seeing that happen socially, too. We can maintain friendships with those in St. Petersburg as
easily as those in St. Paul. Social networks also give us seriously increased efficiency in finding those
with similar interests, especially so if we have very specialised ones. As more of the world comes
online, we also have the capability to run across those with entirely different life experiences yet
maybe one very minute common interest, and that microscopic particle of commonality can connect
people that would have never been able to speak to each other before, either by social segmentation
or geographic separation. A lot of people say that this ability to find niche communities is
specialising and isolating us further, and social networks are merely facilitating the increase in
comfort of those that find solace in that specific niche. They say that the social network just
reinforces closed-mindedness and niche behaviour. I don't believe that this is the case: that social
network profile is accessible to everyone by default. Sharing the smallest, weirdest interest with
someone can start an intercontinental conversation with someone who has origins in a different
culture, who speaks a different primary language.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS BUSINESS
SOCIAL NETWORKING ALLOWS FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN PROFESSIONALS--Plosser
'08
[Liz; “Hidden Health Risks for Teens; Prevention; July 2008; Wilson Databases]
Across the board, social sites are a way for people to interact as they never could before (or at least,
never could with such case). For journalists that means contacting others for ideas and support on
tough assignments or connecting with editors for advice and job opportunities. Many organizations
have gone a step further to create groups only for members of their news outlets' networks.
It takes just a few minutes to set up a Facebook account, and from there "friending" other members
and joining the site's famous groups is a piece of cake. Anyone with an Internet connection can do it.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS BECOMING A PRIMARY MODE OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION-Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
The popularity of interactive online environments is extending to the corporate world as a number
of businesses—including corporate leaders like Ernst & Young and IBM—are increasingly moving to
the use of interactive Web applications as a primary mode of business communication. These
companies recognize that technology can be an essential way to achieve a home/work balance and
maximize efficiency. As the corporate, professional, and civic use of interactive Web applications
grows, there is an increasing need for today's young people to be prepared to thrive in a work
atmosphere where meetings take place online, where e-business is a driving force behind the world
economy, and where online networks are essential communication tools. This is exactly what kids
must be ready for: a professional environment where only the web-savvy thrive.
FACEBOOK IS INCREASINGLY USED TO GATHER PROFESSIONALS--Wilson '08
[Kelly; “In Your Facebook;” America Journalism Review; February/March 2008; Wilson Databases]
Why more arid more journalists are signing up for the popular social networking site
Six months ago, Lori Schwab decided to join the growing number of journalists with Facebook
profiles. It wasn't a desperate attempt to fit in with the younger generation. Instead, the 47-year-old
executive director of the Online News Association says creating accounts for herself and her
association only made sense. "Facebook is now used by journalists for themselves as well as in their
profession," she says, and it's become a central feet of online life.
She's not alone. More and more, journalists across the age lines are discovering the relevance of
social networking sites to their lives and work, Facebook in particular has pulled in members of the
field far beyond the original target college audience, leaving age-restrictive demographic
delineations in the dust.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS EDUCATION
SOCIAL NETWORKING PROVIDE ENORMOUSLY VALUABLE EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES--Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
It is very difficult to define many of the terms used in the debate over Internet usage. DOPA uses the
term "social networking sites" in an overly-broad way to describe virtually all Interactive Web
applications in which users converse or interact with each other. As it is currently written, the
definition (even with the educational exemption) would include: educational tools used to provide
distance education, community forums that allow children to discuss issues of importance, online
email programs through which family members can communicate with each other and with
teachers and librarians at their local schools and libraries and even find one another in cases of
emergency. There is enormous value to be found in these interactive online environments. Blocking
access to them denies young people the opportunity to benefit from all the Internet has to offer
while not necessarily ensuring kids' safety online. As written, HR 5319 is simply too broad and would
block access to many valuable applications.
SOCIAL NETWORKING CAN BE USED TO CONNECT KIDS WITH ACADEMIC RESOURCES-Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Finally, with specific regard to "social networking sites," young adults all over the country have
begun to use these sites as a primary means of communication, whether with their peers or with
young adult authors, musicians, artists, and with libraries. Some libraries are taking advantage of
this by using some of these sites to stay in touch with their communities. For example, Sean Rapacki
from the Wadsworth Public Library in Wadsworth, Ohio informed us that his staff has created a
MySpace profile page FOR the library, allowing library staff to communicate with young adult
patrons much more effectively. [By 2007 hundreds of public libraries had MySpace profiles.]
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
ONLINE LEARNING ALLOW FOR POWERFUL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS--Yoke
'07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Use of the site WebCT.com, an online education application, has helped thousands of people get
their degrees through distance learning. WebCT is a site that allows users to enroll in and
participate in classes online. It can also act as a forum for class discussions. Users create profiles
and become students in a virtual classroom through online bulletin boards, real-time chat, student
blogs, and more. In the rural areas of states like Texas, Wyoming, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
and West Virginia—where I worked, distance from major hubs once created an enormous barrier to
learning.
Today, applications, like those available through WebCT, make it possible for young adults to
complete degrees online at schools that are hundreds of miles away as well as access other noncredit courses for personal interests. It is our analysis that DOPA would make this type of distance
learning impossible, since the bill requires that interactive applications, like courses available
through WebCT, can only be used in libraries or schools if there is adult supervision. But what does
"adult supervision" mean? Or how is "education" defined in the pertinent exemption? Is it formal
for-credit only courses? And, why would we create barriers for young people who want to take
advantage of online educational opportunities?
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS STUDENTS
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES CAN HELP KIDS WITH UNIQUE BACKGROUND OR NEEDS
FIND SIMILAR INDIVIDUALS FOR SUPPORT--Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
There are countless positive uses for networking applications that are not necessarily related to
formal education. Networking applications include support groups for teenagers with physical or
emotional disabilities, forums for the exchange of ideas, and even tools to help kids become
acclimated to new surroundings. For example, when teenagers leave for college they often use
networking sites to find other students with similar interests.
INFORMATIONAL AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESS IS CRITICAL TO HELP
MAKE STUDENTS COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE--Resnick '07
[Michael; Associate Executive Director of the National School Boards Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites
Would Not Make the Internet Safer;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
In its current form, the Deleting Online Predators Act will not make the Internet a safer place for
America's schoolchildren. Even the Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicates that "more
restrictions will cause teens to go somewhere else that has fewer restrictions, with the unintended
consequence of increasing their chances of being victimized."1 Instead, the bill unfairly targets
schools and libraries by placing unnecessary and costly requirements on them. Furthermore, the
legislation does not address the real issue of educating children about the dangers of the Internet
and how to use it responsibly and wisely. Information and communication technologies are part of a
meaningful and relevant education and are essential tools in preparing students with the skills that
they will need to be competitive in the global marketplace.
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ARE KEY TO INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO THE POWER OF
MODERN ONLINE TOOLS--Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
The Internet is changing how we live, learn, work, and interact with one another. If today's young
people are to succeed in the workplace of the future, they must learn information literacy skills for
the technologies of today and tomorrow. Libraries are far and away the best places to learn these
skills, and social networking sites, which introduce kids to the world of online interaction, are key to
successful development in that field.
USE OF THE INTERNET IMPROVES READING AND OTHER ACADEMIC SKILLS--Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
There is a great deal of research being conducted on young people and their use of the Internet and
interactive applications. There is much to learn from this research about educating young people
and helping them to safely use the Internet. For instance, research shows that use of the Internet,
including interactive sites, leads to improved reading and other academic successes. Sadly, research
reported by Bruce Bower indicates that "children most likely to benefit from home Internet access
are the very children least likely to have [it]."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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ALLOWING ACCESS TO SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES GIVES KIDS THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP
SKILLS TO NAVIGATE THE EVOLVING WEB 2.0--Resnick '07
[Michael; Associate Executive Director of the National School Boards Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites
Would Not Make the Internet Safer;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Perhaps most importantly, however, the blockage of social networking sites while children are at
school does not adequately prepare them to deal with the potential dangers of online predators
outside of school and how to develop responsible Internet usage skills. Software filters and other
blockage devises provide a false sense of security for America's children. Whether students are able
to access these sites at school or not, they still need to know the right way to navigate and conduct
themselves in a Web 2.0 environment, where they are now the creators of web-based content. As the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children contends, "We need to help protect children
through education, open dialogue and elevated awareness."2
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
EDUCATION CAN MINIMIZE RISK IN USING SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
KEY FOR ONLINE SAFETY FOR KIDS IS EDUCATION--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Thus, we have to accept that kids are going to be online and that we're not always going to be able to
perfectly identify them when they are online. Consequently, we're going to have to redouble our
efforts to teach our children basic rules of safety both online and offline and continually remind
them to jealously guard their personal information and pictures, not to meet up with strangers in
public places, and to always talk to Mom and Dad about their concerns or questions.
EDUCATION ON SAFE INTERNET PRACTICES CAN PROTECT KIDS WITHOUT LIMITED
ACCESS TO USEFUL TECHNOLOGIES--Yoke '07
[Beth; Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites Would
Deprive Children of Educational Opportunities;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Youth librarians believe, and more importantly know from experience, that education about safe
Internet practices—for both youth and parents—is the best way to protect young people. We believe
that the overly broad technological controls that would be required under DOPA are often ineffective
given the fast-moving nature of modern technology. Further, such technological controls often
inadvertently obstruct access to beneficial sites. In essence, we believe that this legislation will lead
to the blocking of essential and beneficial Interactive Web applications and will further widen the
digital divide.
BEST WAY TO STOP CHILD PREDATORS IS TO TEACH CHILDREN TO PROTECT
THEMSELVES ONLINE--Arrison '07
[Sonia; Director of Technology Studies at the Pacific Research Institute in California; “Blocking Social Networking Web
Sites Would Hurt Poor Children;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
The best way to stop child predators is to teach kids how to protect themselves online. Parents and
educators have a key role to play and numerous non-profits exist, such as cyberangels.org and
staysafe.org, to help spread safe practices. Children need to know that dangers exist, and more
importantly, they should practice avoiding them.
KEY IS TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE CREEPS USING SOCIAL NETWORKING--Stager '07
[Gary; Editor of District Administration Magazine at Professor at Pepperdine University; “Social-Networking Sites Do Not
Contribute to Crime;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Sure there are creeps using MySpace. That's why you need to teach children not to share personal
information online or get in a car with strangers. MySpace never shows the real name of a member,
just a pseudonym like a CB radio handle. When you add a person to your friends list, that person
receives an e-mail asking for permission. If someone turns out to be unpleasant, you may ban him or
her from contacting you with a click. Even critics of MySpace concede the company is incredibly
responsive to concerns over online ickyness. A student may be at greater risk of being suspended by
her school for something written at home on MySpace as there is of that teenager being physically
harmed.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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SHUTTING DOWN SOCIAL NETWORKING IMPOSSIBLE
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CENSOR OR SHUT DOWN SOCIAL NETWORKING--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
First, I hope policymakers understand that it will be impossible to censor or shut down social
networking sites entirely. When you think about it, the entire Internet is really just one big social
networking site. Any personal website can be a social networking site. Blogs are certainly social
networking sites, too. Hobbyist sites, list-serves, bulletin boards and chat rooms are the oldest forms
of social networking websites. But even e-mail and instant messaging are forms of social
networking. And massive, multi-player online video games are quickly becoming one of the most
popular forms of social networking.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
A/T: ONLINE PREDATORS
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS NO MORE DANGEROUS THAN ANY OTHER PASTTIME--Stager '07
[Gary; Editor of District Administration Magazine at Professor at Pepperdine University; “Social-Networking Sites Do Not
Contribute to Crime;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Social-networking sites serve many positive and useful purposes for young people. There are risks in
any activity that brings young people in contact with strangers, and social-networking sites are no
more dangerous than any other pastime. Social-networking sites include numerous security
measures to protect young users. The occurrence of crime that is directly related to these sites is low.
Adults are being overly protective of young people with regard to use of social-networking sites.
EVEN WITH THE RISK OF ONLINE PREDATORS, THE ANSWER IS NOT TO ELIMINATE
ACCESS TO SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES--Arrison '07
[Sonia; Director of Technology Studies at the Pacific Research Institute in California; “Blocking Social Networking Web
Sites Would Hurt Poor Children;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Social networking Web sites like MySpace, Friendster and Facebook are becoming increasingly
popular with the nation's youth, prompting attempts to control the medium. However, though
protecting children is the goal, the outcome is too often the opposite.
It's true that the crowds of young, impressionable people on social networking sites have attracted
child predators like bees to honey. Indeed, just last month Americans were shocked to discover that
the deputy press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, Brian Doyle, was arrested
during an Internet sex sting. Doyle was a high-profile individual—and there are others like him.
Child predators are a real and serious problem, but the answer isn't to turn off access for legitimate
users. A better approach is first to refocus law enforcement so that the Internet is a normal place of
patrol, and, second, to engage parents and businesses.
SILLY TO PICK ON SOCIAL NETWORKING WHEN THE LOCAL MALL CAN ALSO BE A
PLATFORM FOR CHILD PREDATORS--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Moreover, singling out online social networking sites and services strikes me as peculiar since we
don't also single out offline social networking sites for special regulations just because children
might be at risk there. A lot of kids hang out at shopping malls, for example. And, unfortunately, we
know that kids have been abducted in or near shopping malls in the past. But you don't hear
anybody proposing a ban on shopping centers or convenience stores to solve this problem. Such a
proposal would strike most people as absurd; even outrageous. But, in essence, that's what
lawmakers are doing when they single out social networking websites for unique treatment or
regulation.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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LAW ENFORCEMENT IS CATCHING UP WITH THE TECHNOLOGY--Cohen '07
[Alan; Writer and Contributor to PC Magazine; “Education Is the Best Way to Protect Children on
Social Networking Sites;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
The good news is that even as the technologies get more sophisticated, so too have police and
prosecutors. "Law enforcement is much better trained about this now," says McBride of the National
Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Internet investigation units are also better staffed and
funded. The Department of Justice finances 45 Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, and
many local police departments now have units dedicated to investigating Internet crimes. Even
cyberbullies hiding behind anonymous e-mail accounts, proxy servers, or a neighbor's WiFi network
can usually be tracked down quickly.
"They may be clever, but we're more clever." says Frey. "A lot of times they'll leak a tell [an identifying
item]. They'll target people they know; they'll use their pet's name, or their ZIP code, or their school
in their screen name. You look for a guy with a pit bull named Randy. It isn't hard. We'll get 90 to 95
percent of the people we're looking for if it's reported."
SOCIAL NETWORKING, LIKE THE LARGER INTERNET, WILL ALWAYS HAVE BAD GUYS
FLOCKING TO IT; KEY IS TO APPROPRIATELY MANAGE--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Thus, social networking is everywhere; it is the Internet. What this means for purposes of our
discussion here today is that there will always be another site for the bad guys to flock to. Why,
therefore, are we singling out social networking sites like MySpace.com and others? If we're going to
regulate them in the name of protecting children, then we'll need to regulate a lot more Internet
sites and online activity to adequately do the job. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick's bill [the Deleting Online
Predators Act], for example, would ban social networking sites in schools and libraries. But what will
that really accomplish if every other sort of social networking site and service is left unregulated?
THOSE CLAIMING THAT SOCIAL NETWORKING CITES ARE PRIME FOR CHILD PREDATORS
SHOULD WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT CHILD PREDATORS AREN'T ON THE STREET IN THE
FIRST PLACE--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
And this is what gets me so incensed about the current debate over social networking websites:
Policymakers are fond of pointing fingers at everyone else and scolding them for not doing enough
to protect children from predators, all the while conveniently ignoring their own policies that allow
those predators to be on the streets and behind keyboards in the first place!
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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A/T: SHOULD RESTRICT ACCESS
OVERLY PROTECTIVE LAWS SHUT OFF LEGITIMATE INTERNET SERVICES AND SITES-Arrison '07
[Sonia; Director of Technology Studies at the Pacific Research Institute in California; “Blocking Social Networking Web
Sites Would Hurt Poor Children;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
It is incredibly important for kids to be safe online, but when laws like DOPA threaten to hinder
communications in order to stop a few bad apples, everyone loses. Recall the fallout after the
implementation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in 2000. That law requires
Web sites to obtain "verifiable parental consent" before collecting personal information from
children under 13 years old.
The purpose was to protect kids, but instead the law created negative unintended consequences by
cutting off good communications. For instance, the popular television show "Thomas the Tank
Engine" announced it would stop regular e-mail bulletin service because of the law and NBCi
decided to close all e-mail accounts registered to kids under 13. There are many other cases of
opportunities closed off, especially for poorer kids, because of the law.
MOST EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONS OPPOSE LIMITS ON ACCESS TO SOCIAL NETWORKING
SITES--Resnick '07
[Michael; Associate Executive Director of the National School Boards Association; “Blocking Social Networking Web Sites
Would Not Make the Internet Safer;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
As you know, the issue of social networking has gained attention in recent months due to several
reported cases of sexual predators pursuing children online through interactive web sites. NSBA
deplores such actions and believes that these violators should be prosecuted and punished to the
full extent of the law. Recent publicity of these cases, however, should not rush us into enacting bad
policy that would be detrimental to the future of online learning.
Although this legislation may look attractive inside the beltway, in the real world, it has no credible
support. In fact, school board members, school administrators, libraries, the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce, education technology groups, and parent groups such as the PTA all oppose this
legislation.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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A/T: EMPLOYMENT ISSUES
BEING CAREFUL ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORKING AND THE WORKPLACE DOESN'T MEAN NOT
USING THE SERVICE COMPLETELY--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
However, this is not to say that applicants need to erase completely their social networking profiles
or that they cannot be themselves on their profiles. Rather, applicants need to be aware that what
they post on their social networking profiles may very well be seen by potential employers, and post
accordingly. Material that applicants believe to be appropriate for their friends may be considered
highly inappropriate by employers: jokes among friends, such as with the University of Illinois
graduate who posted "'smokin' blunts' ... shooting people and obsessive sex" in his interests section,
may have serious ramifications when it comes to the job hunt.(FN190) Therefore, instead of posting
risqué or drunken photographs from an all-night fraternity party, applicants should recognize the
possible ramifications of their actions and keep such material off-line. If someone other than the
applicant posts photographs of or information about the applicant on a social networking site or
other online site, the applicant should ask the other person to remove the content or ask the site
administrator to remove the material.(FN191)
Many commentators have suggested, and some students have begun following, the so-called
"grandmother rule."(FN192) The point of this rule is that applicants should not post anything on
their social networking profiles that they would not be comfortable showing to their
grandmothers.(FN193) While this may seem a bit extreme to some applicants, others are heeding
this advice and benefiting from their social networking profiles.(FN194) Prudent applicants may
also consider searching their names on social networking sites and search engines (like Google) to
see what information appears. Doing so will allow applicants to prevent fraudulent accounts with
their name from harming their employment chances, and may give applicants an opportunity to
warn potential employers that a social networking profile of someone with the same name is not the
applicant's profile.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
CON EVIDENCE
SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS NO REDEEMING VALUE
SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS--Wood '07
[Molly; Section Editor at CNET.com; “Social Networking Is Problematic;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Because of their lack of solid revenue, most social networking sites are in trouble and may go bust
like the dotcoms did. Furthermore, there are five things wrong with social networking itself: social
networking sites do not offer anything to do other than people-watch; they are too time-consuming
to create and to maintain a profile on; the traffic of these sites will not guarantee revenue alone;
meeting strangers on-line is overrated and circles become cliquish; and social networks are not as
useful as Internet search tools for navigating through all the information in cyberspace.
SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS A DANGEROUS SIDE--Haddock '07
[Vicki; Staff Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle; “Teenagers Need Policing Online;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Using the Internet is one of the most popular recreational activities for teenagers. Many Internet
sites are fun and safe for teens, but there are also many dangerous sides of the Internet. Significant
problems have occurred for teens online, including cyberbullying, illegal gambling, substance
abuse, self-destructive behavior, computer game addiction, and inappropriate use of social
networking sites. Parents should be aware of their teens' online activity in order to teach teens about
responsible, appropriate use of the Internet.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS GETTING LOST IN THE FRIEND SPAM--Abrams '07
[Jonathan; “Friend Spam;” Technology Review; November/December 2007; Wilson Databases]
Five years ago, I imagined a website that would show how people were connected to each other in
real life, so I built a prototype called Friendster. I decided that one of its central features would be a
friend confirmation process. When you wanted to add someone as your friend, an e-mail
notification was sent with your request. If -- and only if -- the person approved your request, you were
both listed as each other's friends. Five years later, I am paying the price for this innovation as I face
an avalanche of friend spam. I get several friend requests per day from Friendster, MySpace, and
Facebook, and also from social-media services such as Yelp, Flickr, and Pownce.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING MEANS ACCESS TO PORNOGRAPHY
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS A CESSPOOL OF PORNOGRAPHY--Racine '07
[Elizabeth; Writer and Editor; “Children Must Be Protected from the Content of Social Networking Web Sites;” 2007; Gale
Group Databases]
I have researched kids' use of blog sites, now called Social Networking sites, since my own children
began using them in 1999. The first ones were the profile sites on Instant Messenger, which could
then host "sub-profiles." These sub-profiles allowed children to post all sorts of information about
themselves, and I immediately saw the danger in them, since kids could write whatever they wanted
on them, and many posted pornography. I tried to alert parents to this danger and met with varying
levels of response—some were happy to know so they could correct matters, others said I was out to
get their kids and that I was lying about what had been posted! Since I was teaching at the time, this
put me in a very awkward position.
PORNOGRAPHY AUTOMATICALLY POPS UP ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Curious onlookers were also subjected to unwanted graphic sexual acts and printed information.
One complainant stated, "A large number of underage users are posting and reading obscenity and
pictures." A second complainant commented, "16 year old girls allowed to discuss bestiality." A third
stated that he/she had received uninvited pornography through an instant message from some
unknown person signed on through Myspace. Many Myspace web pages also have direct links to
commercial pornographic web sites that offer free "teasers" (pornographic photos or videos that can
be viewed without proof of age), in addition to full subscriptions that require payment. Upon
checking a recent complaint on Myspace.com, one of the MIM consultants reported that a
pornographic video automatically began playing as soon as the Myspace page was opened up.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS DOMINATED BY PORNOGRAPHY--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
What is equally disturbing is the large number of on-line obscenity complaints about Myspace.com
that have been received at Morality in Media's (MIM) www.obscenitycrimes.org web site. Unlike the
Dateline series, the MIM complaints are not about sexual predators stalking children online, but
about the pornography that is readily available on or through Myspace.
MIM has two consultants who validate these complaints. Both consultants are retired law
enforcement agents with experience in investigating obscenity crimes. Once these complaints have
been validated, the consultants then write and submit detailed reports to the Justice Department for
investigation, follow-up and potential prosecution.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ARE NOTHING BUT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN
TO HAVE COMPLETE ACCESS TO PORN--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
[From] May 2, 2004, [to September 2006,] MIM received approximately one hundred and sixty
complaints from citizens about MySpace.com. This includes complaints where children have been
exposed to unwanted "porn spam" or to pornography while searching for other content and
complaints where children have knowingly exhibited pornography on their own web sites.
In an email to MIM, one concerned parent asked, "I would like to know how a website such as
myspace.com is able to have pornographic material available through its users if the site was
designed for children 14 and over.... Some children under the age of 18 have soft to hardcore porn
within their pages, often pictures of themselves. Myspace.com appears to be nothing but a great
opportunity for children to have complete access to porn. I would like to know if and what the
regulations for this site are (sic)."
SHEER NUMBER OF COMPLAINS ABOUT INAPPROPRIATE PAGES ON SOCIAL NETWORKING
SITES MEANS THAT OBJECTIONABLE ACTION TAKES TIME TO DEAL WITH--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Guys like Rich are tough to fight. [Parry] Aftab, an attorney who runs child protection site
WiredSafety.org, has worked with MySpace to develop its privacy and law enforcement policy and
says site administrators surely would take Rich's profile down if they knew of it. MySpace declined to
be interviewed for this story, but a spokesperson responded by e-mail that MySpace has worked with
law enforcement since its inception. But with the site's ratio of 73 million users to 100 customer
service personnel, investigating and responding to every complaint takes time. Profiles like Rich's
put law enforcers in a quandary, too: Even though he claims to be 37 and talks about wanting sex
with boys, arguably his speech is protected by the First Amendment as he isn't specific about
whether he's acting on his fantasies.
SOCIAL NETWORKING ACCOUNTS ARE SOLICITED BY PORN STARS--Racine '07
[Elizabeth; Writer and Editor; “Children Must Be Protected from the Content of Social Networking Web Sites;” 2007; Gale
Group Databases]
With the exponential growth of the latest social networking sites, MySpace being the most popular, I
have had my own accounts on all of them, and have been solicited by porn stars—all the big name
porn stars try to lure visitors to their own MySpace pages, which feature very suggestive photos, and
then, of course, links to the porn site.... I received another one today, which invited me to join a
MySpace group which is pornographic. I visited the group to see what it was about, and I saw
comments posted by lots of kids who were under 18, and who were upset that they had been
solicited! So there is hope there, but I can't imagine how many more kids were only too happy to visit
the web cam site and participate in the goings-on....
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
USERS CAN VIEW PORNOGRAPHY ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
MySpace.com is a site where people can find other people with similar interests and post
information on blogs regarding a variety of subjects. It is sort of a cyber social club. People can go
there for free and research information on all kinds of ordinary subjects like films, music, forums,
comedy, classifieds, and more. They can also view pornographic pictures and videos, and children
are only a few clicks away from being exposed to pornography at MySpace.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING MEANS AN INCREASE OF VIOLENCE AND SEX CRIMES
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES LEAD TO CHILD PREDATOR SOLICITATIONS, RAPE AND
MURDER--Racine '07
[Elizabeth; Writer and Editor; “Children Must Be Protected from the Content of Social Networking Web Sites;” 2007; Gale
Group Databases]
Anyone who has spent any amount of time trolling the pages on MySpace, Xanga, or other social
networking sites cannot help but see what a cesspool it is ... it's no surprise to me that there is an
increasing number of child predator solicitations, leading to rape and even murder. The thing I
CANNOT believe is that all schools are not required to have a blocking mechanism in place for the
students' safety and well-being. Kids are very interested in these sites and very excited to interact
with their friends online—and their hormones are raging and most of them cannot pass up the
temptation to view porn. They are oblivious to the danger, even when they are educated.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS OVERRUN WITH PREDATORS
50,000 PREDATORS ARE CURRENTLY LURKING ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES READY TO
POUNCE--Upton '07
[Frederick; Representative from Michigan and Congressional Subcommittee Chair; “The Deleting Online Predators Act
(DOPA) Should Be Passed;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Federal law enforcement officials have described the sexual abuse and exploitation of our Nation's
youth as an epidemic propagated by the unlimited access of the Internet. The statistics are alarming.
The FBI has seen better than a 2,000 percent increase in its caseload of online sexual predators the
last 10 years. And of the estimated 24 million child Internet users, one in five kids has received
unwanted sexual solicitations. It is estimated that, at any given moment, 50,000 predators are
prowling for children online, many of whom are lurking within social networks.
PEDOPHILES USE SOCIAL NETWORKING TO SHOP FOR CHILDREN ON THE INTERNET-Rodgers '07
[Tom; Consultant for Morality in Media; “Legislation Is the Best Way to Protect Children on Social Networking Sites;” 2007;
Gale Group Databases]
In its "To Catch a Predator" series, NBC TV's Dateline teamed up with an Internet watchdog
organization called Perverted Justice to fight against Internet sex predators. Early episodes of the
series showcased the popular website MySpace.com, showing how pedophiles are using this site to
shop for children on the Internet for sexual purposes. In these episodes, Perverted Justice
investigators, working in conjunction with law enforcement, pose as decoys and make contacts
through Myspace.com. As a result, dozens of men have been arrested for a variety of charges.
CHILD PREDATORS ARE EVEN TROLLING FOR KIDS ON WORKPLACE PCs--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Whiling away company time on social networks is a productivity issue; luring children for sex is a
criminal one. There's little evidence that sexual predators are trolling from workplace PCs, but it's
been known to happen. In 2003, a Cincinnati-area police chief admitted to soliciting sex from
someone he thought was a 15-year-old, using his work computer. And a deputy press secretary at the
Department of Homeland Security, arrested in March [2006] for attempting to seduce a child, had
his workplace computer seized as part of the investigation and gave the number to his governmentissued cell phone to a police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
TEENS ARE BIGGER TARGETS FOR SEXUAL PREDATORS IN THE MODERN, TECH-SAVVY
WORLD--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Tech-savvy kids, with their cell phones, instant messaging accounts, and access to PCs at home and
school, are targets for sexual predators. Too many of them are ready and willing to share personal
information online without a thought to how it might be misused by others. The National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children reports that one in five kids online has been solicited or enticed.
Reports of child pornography on the center's CyberTipline have increased six of the last seven years
[from 1999 to 2006].
"The threat is frighteningly real, it is growing rapidly, and it must be stopped," U.S. Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales said [in April 2006] in a speech at the center. (Gonzales provided graphic
descriptions of child pornography to get his point across.) Gonzales noted that the tools of the
predator trade have made it harder to investigate and bring criminal charges.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS A HANDOUT FOR CHILD PREDATORS, CHILD PORNOGRAPHERS
AND OTHER LOWLIFES--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in
Monitoring Pornography on the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Given his lurid obsessions, you'd think Rich would want to hide, but his profile at social networking
site MySpace.com includes not only information about himself but also an e-mail address for future
correspondence.
Most of the 305 contacts listed on Rich's MySpace page claim to be kids—"claim" because the
identities of strangers in cyberspace are hard to verify. In their own MySpace profiles, several of the
kids responding to Rich are posing in their underwear; one says he's an 11-year-old who sneaked by
MySpace's age controls by claiming to be 18.
MySpace and social networking sites like it offer thriving communities where young people engage
in countless hours of banal chatter and photo sharing. Not coincidentally, social sites also have
become hangouts for child predators, child pornographers, and other lowlifes.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS A HIGH-RISK DYNAMIC WITH TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES--Hoover
'07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
It's a high-risk dynamic with potentially terrible consequences. In February [2006], the naked,
strangled body of 14-year-old Judy Cajuste was found in a New Jersey trash bin, and the body of 15year-old Kayla Reed was discovered in a California canal. In both cases, investigators are probing
possible connections to MySpace: Cajuste had told friends of meeting a 20-something man there,
and Reed logged into her MySpace account the day before she disappeared. There are dozens of
other examples of young people lured into "friendships" that put them in danger.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 30
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING MAKES FINDING CHILD VICTIMS EASY FOR PREDATORS--Collins '07
[Michelle; Director of the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; “Policy Shift
Needed to Protect Children on the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Child predators consider these sites to be an easy way to find child victims. They can use the
information posted by children to forge a "cyber-relationship" that can lead to that child being
victimized. The number of reports to our CyberTipline involving social networking sites has
increased. In recent years, many kids were using their email profiles and chat rooms in a similar
fashion to share their hobbies and interests and make "friends." However, those forums didn't have
nearly the same implications as the social networking sites, with their enormous universe of users.
MYSPACE, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT FACEBOOK, IS REALLY PREDATORY--Rich '07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007; Wilson Databases]
"MySpace is really predatory," says University of Maryland associate professor Kent Norman, a
cognitive psychologist who studies the Internet. Because it's not easy for an outsider to get into a
high-school network, he says, "there isn't the same level of creepy."
A teen's introduction to Facebook can easily turn into obsession. "We get people who are literally
Facebook-addicted," Norman says.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 31
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING ENCOURAGES SHARING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
PEOPLE ASSUME THAT SOCIAL NETWORKING IS PRIVATE WHEN IT IS IN FACT NOT
PRIVATE--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Invasion of privacy is one of the issues most commonly cited by applicants who feel that employers
should not be looking at their social networking profiles when making employment
decisions.(FN105) This is likely due in large part to the applicants' misperception that much of what
they do and post on social networking sites is private.(FN106) There is a significant difference
between the amount of privacy applicants believe they have in regards to their social networking
activity and the amount of privacy that actually exists on these sites.(FN107) This misperception is
reinforced by the social networking sites themselves, as evidenced by Facebook's "Frequently Asked
Questions" section.(FN108) The Facebook website states that it allows users to restrict the
availability of their profiles to ensure that "your information is seen by people you want to share it
with, and not by people you don't."(FN109) However, while it is true that Facebook and other social
networking sites have privacy settings that allow users to restrict the availability of their profiles in
certain ways,(FN110) the information is not as private as many users believe. Furthermore, the
privacy features on these sites require users to take action to limit their profile to certain viewers.
Many users are unaware of this, and "only a small number of members change the default privacy
preferences, which are set to maximize the visibility of user profiles."(FN111) This creates in users "a
sense of false security that they're broadcasting only to their personal crowd."(FN112) Despite
applicants' beliefs that much of what they do on social networking sites is private, it is clear that this
is not the case, as employers continue to access this information.(FN113)
SOCIAL NETWORKING ALLOWS FOR PEOPLE TO SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION,
MAKING THE INTERNET A TARGET-RICH ENVIRONMENT--Cohen '07
[Alan; Writer and Contributor to PC Magazine; “Education Is the Best Way to Protect Children on Social Networking Sites;”
2007; Gale Group Databases]
Although many parents are in the dark about their kids' online activities, there's nothing secret in
Frey's laptop. And that, says Frey, is an even bigger problem. With social networking sites such as
MySpace.com, Facebook, and Xanga exploding in popularity, teenage diaries are no longer hidden
under the bed. They're posted online, often freely accessible to anyone, anywhere. Bits of
information that seem perfectly innocuous—a first name, a school name, interests, and worries—
can be seen and used by sexual predators, for whom the Internet has become, Frey says, "a targetrich environment."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 32
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
PEOPLE SHARE A LOT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES-Cohen '07
[Alan; Writer and Contributor to PC Magazine; “Education Is the Best Way to Protect Children on Social Networking Sites;”
2007; Gale Group Databases]
Making matters worse: Online predators aren't the only danger parents have to fear. The ubiquity of
broadband now makes it easier for kids to be exposed to pornography and other objectionable video
and images. Cyberbullying, where kids are threatened via anonymous e-mail, instant messages, and
even full-blown Web sites, is an increasingly common and worrisome problem.
Then there's all the personal information kids post online. Not only does it expose them to
predators, it puts them at risk for identity theft. And even if there are no criminals reading your
MySpace page, well, maybe there is a college admissions officer taking a look. "Kids think they're
talking to other kids, but they have no idea who they are speaking to," says McBride. "They'll post
pictures of illegal or inappropriate behavior and it will come back to haunt them when they apply to
schools or for a job."
POSTING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION MAKES SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES VULNERABLE
TO OTHERS--Collins '07
[Michelle; Director of the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; “Policy Shift
Needed to Protect Children on the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Recently there has been great attention to the social networking websites. While they are used by
adults, kids are enormously attracted to them, and there have been instances in which offenders
have taken advantage of the images and information displayed to target kids. The unprecedented
amount of personal information that teens are posting to social networking websites makes them
vulnerable to people who want to harm them.
ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ENCOURAGE KIDS TO BE FREER ONLINE THAN IN
PERSON--Haddock '07
[Vicki; Staff Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle; “Teenagers Need Policing Online;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Concerned adults say such sites feed into a culture that prizes vulgarity over meaningful
communication and treats girls, in particular, as sex objects. The environment encourages kids to be
far more suggestive online than they would feel comfortable being in real life. And of course such
sites offer a virtual shopping mall of victims to predators, who can browse for someone just in their
taste, age range and neighborhood, and glean tips on how to lure them in. ("You a fan of Kurt
Cobain? Nirvana so rocked!")
MANY SOCIAL NETWORKING PROFILES CONTAIN DAMNING INFORMATION--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Unfortunately, this type of social networking profile is not uncommon. A glance at one University of
Texas at San Antonio student's online profile reveals that his college minor is "beer drinking," and
the profile "includes pictures of himself sloshed and partying with inebriated friends."(FN7)
Similarly, a Texas State University student's profile lists "the rules of phoning people when you are
drunk. Rule No. 11: 'Drunk dialing should be fun and light-hearted or dirty and sex-crazed.'"(FN8)
Are these the type of people that a professional employer would want to hire? Many employers who
discovered similar profiles for job applicants do not think so.(FN9)
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 33
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS A MASSIVE PORTAL TO SHARE PRIVATE INFORMATION--Byrnside
'08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
With so many individuals sharing such a vast amount of information on these social networking
sites, it has become increasingly easier for employers to obtain information about applicants that
was once unavailable to them.(FN76) MySpace and Facebook, along with other similar social
networking sites, "have created huge new portals for the mass disclosure of private
information."(FN77) Employers have taken note of this trend and have begun scouring the Internet
to research applicants further.(FN78) While the privacy policies of these social network sites aim to
prevent unwanted disclosure, the availability of information on these sites creates the potential for
previously nonexistent legal and ethical issues to arise in employment relationships.(FN79)
PEOPLE DON'T HAVE A REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY ON SOCIAL NETWORKING
SITES--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
While claims that employers are invading applicants' privacy by looking at their social networking
profiles may be the most common, they are the least likely to succeed. As stated above, to be
successful on an invasion of privacy claim the applicant must have had a "reasonable expectation of
privacy" regarding the information.(FN114) While many applicants believe they have a reasonable
expectation of privacy regarding their social networking activity, this is a difficult argument to
support. This is in large part because courts often consider information available on the Internet to
be in the public domain.(FN115) Since the information on social networking sites is posted on the
Internet, "the rule of thumb is: If it's in the public domain, it's fair game."(FN116) It is difficult to
imagine that an applicant would be able to claim successfully a "reasonable" expectation of privacy
to information in the public domain.
SOCIAL NETWORK PRIVACY CLAIMS ARE INVALID BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE VOLUNTARILY
GIVING UP THE INFORMATION--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Further weakening an invasion of privacy claim is the fact that the information on these social
networking sites is voluntarily disclosed and posted in the public domain by the applicants
themselves. As attorney Jim Erwin, head of the employment group at Pierce Atwood LLP in Portland,
Maine, points out, "People who post information on the Internet don't have a reasonable
expectation of privacy, so they shouldn't be shocked that companies are researching them by these
means."(FN117)
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 34
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING ENCOURAGING MISINFORMATION
SOCIAL NETWORKING CAN LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN COMMUNICATION FRAUD--Plosser
'08
[Liz; “Hidden Health Risks for Teens; Prevention; July 2008; Wilson Databases]
Even some of the Facebook users in Walters' group have reservations about the site. Washington
Post copy editor Phillip Blanchard used the group to express his concern that the increased ease of
communication brings an increased potential for fraud. "Facebook is great for 'social networking'
but not terribly useful as a journalistic tool," he said in a post on the group's wall. "People aren't
always who they seem to be. For example, you can't even be sure who I am,... Verification is very
important in journalism, which apparently is being forgotten a lot, or never learned."
FACEBOOK HAS THE PROBLEM OF ALLOWING PEOPLE TO POST UNTRUE INFORMATION-Plosser '08
[Liz; “Hidden Health Risks for Teens; Prevention; July 2008; Wilson Databases]
In an e-mail interview, he added: "Facebook is amusing and fun for millions of people, and
journalists are people. I set up a profile purely for amusement. I don't see any role for Facebook in
our work lives, because on Facebook, like everywhere on the Internet, you never know who wrote
what you see and whether it is true."
Unlike the association's Schwab, Blanchard, 54, says journalists around his age are "probably
attracted to the site because it makes us feel younger. A lot of older journalists have joined Facebook
this year, probably due to the herd mentality."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 35
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING LEAVES A DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
TEENS CAN POST INFORMATION TO SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES THAT LASTS FOREVER-Plosser '08
[Liz; “Hidden Health Risks for Teens; Prevention; July 2008; Wilson Databases]
Teenagers love to overshare on MySpace profiles and Facebook wall postings, but they, often have no
idea that coaches, teachers, college admission committees, and prospective employers may
someday see their exploits. "Their profiles become public knowledge and last forever," says Beth
Blecherman, founder of techmamas.com, a blog that counsels parents on family technology and
Web safety. "Your child may remove a regrettable post, photo, or YouTube video, but someone else
could already have downloaded it -- and posted it on his own profile, Web site, or blog."
INFORMATION ON THE WEB CAN BE PERMANENT AND HARD TO TAKE DOWN--Rich '07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007; Wilson Databases]
Psychologist Norman says students ignore his warnings that their posts are public and that even
pages or comments they take down from the Web can still be found. Sitting at the keyboard, he says,
they feel anonymous--and safe. "When this generation starts going into politics, imagine searching
through their Facebook profiles."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 36
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS BAD FOR EDUCATION
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS DISTRACTING TO CLASSROOMS--Racine '07
[Elizabeth; Writer and Editor; “Children Must Be Protected from the Content of Social Networking Web Sites;” 2007; Gale
Group Databases]
Even from a schoolwork standpoint, as a teacher, I can't imagine trying to teach and having to
compete with kids who might be more interested in clicking over to their MySpace account during a
class assignment, and having that eat up their academic learning time. And from what I read on
MySpace, they do it ALL THE TIME during class. A teacher cannot visually see every computer at
every moment, so it is only too easy for kids to do this.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 37
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS BAD FOR KIDS
SOCIAL NETWORKING EXPOSES KIDS TO A WORLD OF POTENTIAL DANGER--Collins '07
[Michelle; Director of the Exploited Child Unit of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; “Policy Shift
Needed to Protect Children on the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Some of the social networking sites link defined communities of registered users, such as students
attending a particular college or high school. Others are open to anyone over a certain age. These
websites permit registered users to create an online profile, including photographs, with categories
of interest such as music and sports, as well as an online journal. They are highly personalized and
often extremely detailed. Children consider this to be an easy way to connect with friends, find new
friends and share their thoughts and feelings. The teenage years are a time of personal explorations.
This is only natural. However, the new form of social interaction is over the Internet, exposing
children to, literally, a world of potential danger.
SEVERAL RISKS FACE KIDS ON SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES--Haddock '07
[Vicki; Staff Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle; “Teenagers Need Policing Online;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Few families have escaped the warning sirens about sexual predators stalking children via the
computer. It's hard to miss those ... billboards claiming that 1 in 5 children has been sexually
solicited online, although only a tiny fraction of those involve aggressive solicitations from someone
believed to be over age 25. What experts fear is that parents remain relatively unaware of the much
more ordinary hazards for their children in cyberspace:
* Online bullying, with kids taking harassment from the playground to an exponentially wider
audience.
* Profiteers who run online pharmacy and gambling sites—and couldn't care less about the ages of
their customers.
* Computer addiction, as players of elaborate online games such as World of Warcraft and City of
Heroes become hopelessly obsessed.
* Web sites in which teens reinforce self-destructive behavior—for example, "Friends of Ana" sites
advocating anorexia.
* Blog blowback from hip cyber social registers such as the wildly popular MySpace.com, in which
kids become confessors and poseurs—at their peril.
FACEBOOK HAS TURNED INTO A LAWLESS PLACE WHERE ADULTS AREN'T IN CHARGE-Rich '07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007; Wilson Databases]
FACEBOOK IS SOMETHING any generation of teenagers would love. "We have our own little world
on Face-book," says a senior at McLean High School. "It's really just a big relationship newsroom."
It's not just the gossip that entices teens. Facebook offers an adult-free world where kids can do and
say what they want. This may seem like harmless fin, but as kids often learn, words and photos on
the Internet can take on a life of their own.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 38
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING CAN IMPACT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
SOME COLLEGES CHECK PROFILES IN ADMISSIONS DECISIONS--Rich '07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007; Wilson Databases]
Schools recently started warning students that college admissions officers surf Facebook. That got
their attention.
"They can look back and see what someone wrote on your wall when you were a freshman--see if
there's anything mentioning a beer," says Becky from Madeira.
A Churchill senior claims parents have notified colleges about another student's profile to give their
child a better shot of getting in.
Barbara Gill, director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Maryland, says some colleges
hire staff to review applicants' online profiles. But Gill and admissions officers at George Mason and
Georgetown universities say they don't. "There's a big disconnect between what the public believes
we do and what we actually do," Gill says. "Philosophically, I'm not sure that I'm to a place where we
want to police these sites."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 39
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING CAN IMPACT HIRING DECISIONS
EMPLOYERS INCREASING SEARCHING SOCIAL NETWORKING PROFILES AS A MEANS OF A
BACKGROUND CHECK--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
With the increasing popularity of MySpace and Facebook has come a growing trend among
employers to conduct online background checks of job applicants by searching their MySpace
and/or Facebook profiles.(FN80) Michael Sciola, director of the career resource center at Wesleyan
University in Middletown, Connecticut, believes such background investigation into social
networking sites is "a growing phenomenon" and referred to it as the next step for employers after
Googling applicants.(FN81) Similarly, Microsoft admits that "researching students through social
networking sites [is] now fairly typical."(FN82) Warren Ashton, group marketing manager at
Microsoft, indicated "[i]t's becoming very much a common tool."(FN83)
PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED FOR CONSIDERATION OF A JOB DUE TO A SOCIAL
NETWORKING PROFILE--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Searches of applicant profiles have often resulted in unfavorable outcomes for applicants. According
to a 2005 study conducted by ExecuNet, an executive job-search agency, "75 percent of recruiters
already use Web searching as part of the applicant screening process," and "[m]ore than a quarter of
these same recruiters say they have eliminated candidates based on information they found
online."(FN84) Similarly, NBC News reported that "a recent survey shows that over 77 percent of
employees uncover information about candidates online, and 35 percent of them have eliminated
candidates based on information they have uncovered."(FN85) A poll by the National Association of
Colleges and Employers found that almost 27 percent of 254 surveyed employers admitted to
reviewing applicants' profiles on social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, before
hiring them.(FN86) It is clear that employers are increasingly checking the social networking
profiles of their applicants and that those applicants may suffer as a result of the information they
have posted on the Internet.
SMALL COMPANIES HAVE ELIMINATED PEOPLE FROM CONSIDERATION OF A JOB DUE TO
A SOCIAL NETWORKING PROFILE--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
An anecdote reveals the powerful effect such background investigations may have. The president of
a small consulting company in Chicago logged onto Facebook to research a recent University of
Illinois graduate who was applying for a summer intern position.(FN87) On the site the president
found the applicant's profile, which listed his interests as "'smokin' blunts' ... shooting people and
obsessive sex, all described in vivid slang."(FN88) Needless to say, in this case the applicant's
Facebook profile prevented him from getting the job.(FN89) "What once was considered a private
realm for the younger generation is becoming widely known to the older generation," and employers
are increasingly capitalizing on the informational abundance provided by this new realm.(FN90)
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 40
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
EMPLOYERS FEEL THEY ARE WITHIN THE LAW TO CHECK SOCIAL NETWORKING
PROFILES DURING BACKGROUND CHECKS--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Up to this point, employers have generally felt that "they are on safe ground looking at profiles on
MySpace or Facebook because there are currently no laws stopping them from doing so."(FN96)
Furthermore, employers believe they have the right to obtain as much information as possible about
applicants and that using social networking sites "is fair game to find out who will be the 'best fit' for
their organization."(FN97) Many employment attorneys believe there is nothing illegal about
employers using social networking sites to uncover additional information about applicants, but
this is not entirely clear.(FN98)
EMPLOYERS INCREASINGLY USE SOCIAL NETWORKING PROFILES IN EMPLOYMENT
DECISIONS--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
As social networking sites like Facebook.com and MySpace.com continue to grow in popularity,
college students and other job applicants voluntarily divulge an increasing amount of personal
information on them, often unaware of the potential negative effects it may have on their search for
employment. Employers are beginning to take note of this trend and are increasingly using
applicants' social networking profiles to supplement traditional application information. Many
applicants feel that employers should not base employment decisions on social networking profiles
in any way and believe that it is illegal for employers to do so. Yet, it appears that employers that view
this information are on safe legal ground for now. The use of such social networking sites for
gathering applicant information raises several potential legal issues, including invasion of privacy,
discrimination, violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, violation of terms of service, and
defamation. While some of these claims may seem unlikely to succeed and difficult to prove, this is
an emerging area of law that is far from settled. This note will provide several suggestions for
successfully navigating social networking sites in the employment relationship for applicants and
employers alike.
JOB APPLICANTS HAVE LOST JOB OPPORTUNITIES DUE TO BAD SOCIAL NETWORKING
PROFILES--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
One Duke University student found out about this recent phenomenon the hard way. Ana
Homayoun, the manager of a small educational consulting firm in San Francisco, visited Duke
University in the spring of 2006 to interview a potential job applicant.(FN3) Before interviewing her,
however, Homayoun decided to look at the applicant's Facebook page.(FN4) There she found
"explicit photographs and commentary about the student's sexual escapades, drinking and pot
smoking, including testimonials from friends," in addition to pictures of the applicant "passed out
after drinking."(FN5) "When I saw that, I thought, 'O.K., so much for that,'" said Homayoun.(FN6)
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 41
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
EMPLOYERS USING SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AND THEIR INFORMATION FOR JOB
DECISIONS--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Social networking sites, such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com, have experienced ever-increasing
popularity over the past few years, with users divulging more and more personal information on
them. These sites allow users to post a variety of information, including photographs, journal
entries, personal interests, and a myriad of other personal information. While some users post
innocent information, such as their favorite bands or their favorite movies, others include more
obscene listings, such as "I buried a hooker in the woods behind Sandburg Halls[,] I enjoy sex[, and]
I'm a pothead and proud of it."(FN2) College students and other potential job applicants may see
this information as a joke to be viewed only by their friends. However, prospective employers are
becoming increasingly aware of these sites and are taking advantage of the massive amount of newly
available information to assist them in their hiring decisions.
EMPLOYERS DON'T HIRE PEOPLE WITH POOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS ON SOCIAL
NETWORKING SITES--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Right before we interviewed a recent college graduate, we discovered that one of his interests listed
on his [social networking] profile is "Smokin' blunts with the homies and bustin' caps in whitey" and
one of his favorite quotes is "Beware of big butts and a smile." Our "first impression" of our
candidate was officially tainted, and he had little hope of regaining a professional image in our eyes.
He was not hired.(FN1)
--Brad Karsh, President, JobBound
EMPLOYER MAY CHECK SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES WITHOUT VIOLATING THE TERMS
OF SERVICE--Byrnside '08
[Ian; “Six Clicks of Separation: The Legal Ramifications of Employers Using Social Networking Sites to Research
Applicants;” Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law; Winter 2008; Wilson Databases]
Many students and critics have also claimed that employers' use of social networking sites to
investigate applicants violates the terms of service of social networking sites.(FN143) Facebook's
terms of service state in part: "You understand that ... the Service and the Site are available for your
personal, non-commercial use only."(FN144) Similarly, the MySpace terms of service state in part:
"The MySpace Services are for the personal use of Members only and may not be used in connection
with any commercial endeavors except those that are specifically endorsed or approved by
MySpace.com."(FN145)
Some critics claim that checking an applicant's profile on Facebook or MySpace for purposes of
making employment decisions is a commercial use, in direct violation of their terms of
service.(FN146) However, that is far from clear. According to Facebook spokeswoman Brandee
Barker, employers conducting background checks of applicants on the site do not violate the terms
of service of the site if the person conducting the background check is a registered Facebook user
and is viewing an applicant's profile as permitted by the privacy settings set by the applicant.(FN147)
Barker stated Facebook's position quite clearly: "It is not a violation of terms of use if one Facebook
user views the profile of or communicates with another Facebook user."(FN148) Declining to
comment, MySpace has not yet taken a stance on the issue, but its terms provide "another policy,"
suggesting that "a recruiter could run afoul of the site's rules if they gather data on a candidate and
share it with others in a company."(FN149)
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 42
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING ENCOURAGES CYBERBULLYING
CYBERBULLYING IS INCREASINGLY HAPPENING ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES-Simmons '07
[Rachel; Founding Director of the Girls Leadership Institute; “Cyberbullying Is a Growing Problem;” 2007; Gale Group
Databases]
Cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent among children of all ages. The Internet allows bullying
to follow children into their homes, and it can occur at any time of the day or night. Young bullies
are exploiting technology such as instant messaging and social-networking sites to torment their
peers. Parents and schools are not doing enough to prevent cyberbullying.
SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS BECOME A FREE-FORE-ALL WHERE BULLYING AND CRUELTY
ARE RAMPANT--Simmons '07
[Rachel; Founding Director of the Girls Leadership Institute; “Cyberbullying Is a Growing Problem;” 2007; Gale Group
Databases]
A recent spate of lawsuits against underage music pirates has finally focused adults' attention on
teenage ethics and the Internet, but the news about what's been happening while grownups weren't
looking is alarming. The Internet has transformed the landscape of children's social lives, moving
cliques from lunchrooms and lockers to live chats and online bulletin boards, and intensifying their
reach and power. When conflicts arise today, children use their expertise with interactive
technologies to humiliate and bully their peers, and avoid reprimand from adults or foes. As parents
plead technological ignorance with a my-Danny-hooks-everything-up sort of pride and many schools
decline to discipline "off-campus" behavior, the Internet has become a free-for-all where bullying
and cruelty are rampant.
INTERNET SITE GIVE STUDENTS THE FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY AND POWER,
INCREASING BULLYING--Simmons '07
[Rachel; Founding Director of the Girls Leadership Institute; “Cyberbullying Is a Growing Problem;” 2007; Gale Group
Databases]
This isn't likely to be some child of poverty or deprivation speaking. Internet bullying involves a
population that is largely middle-class, usually known as the "good kids" who are "on the right track"
or, as many school personnel told me, "the ones you'd least expect" to bully or degrade others. The
Internet foments outrageous behavior in part because it is a "gray area" for social interactions.
Rebecca Kullback, a Montgomery County [Maryland] psychotherapist and former counselor at
Sidwell Friends School in the District [of Columbia], believes the Internet deletes social inhibitions.
"It allows kids to say and do things that they wouldn't do face-to-face, and they feel like they won't be
held accountable in the same way. It gives them a false sense of security and power."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 43
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ENCOURAGE KIDS TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE OF HATEFUL
ACTIONS AND RHETORIC--Rich '07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007; Wilson Databases]
But teenagers are teenagers. Often they form groups that broadcast across the Internet things that
once were only whispered in the hallways. Students at a Montgomery County school started a group
of mostly girls who liked a handsome young teacher. One member posted names for the babies she
hoped to have with him.
Some clubs amount to high-tech bullying. Last year some kids at Churchill founded Melissa Is a
Bitch. Melissa, who thinks the founder was a girl whose boyfriend liked her, learned of it via
Facebook.
So many users create groups to attack others, says Melissa: "It's so hurtful." She says there's even a
group called Settle Your Problems Face-to-Face--Don't Create a Face-book Group. Facebook shut
down the anti-Melissa group at her request.
"This is a climate where kids are more willing to push the envelope," says Elinor Scully of National
Cathedral School. "Electronically, you don't have to deal with the repercussions immediately."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
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NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SOCIAL NETWORKING SHOULD BE LIMITED IN SCHOOLS
INCREASING ACCESS TO COMPUTERS INCREASES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR BULLYING-Simmons '07
[Rachel; Founding Director of the Girls Leadership Institute; “Cyberbullying Is a Growing Problem;” 2007; Gale Group
Databases]
Just as online cruelty may be intensified by the distance separating perpetrator and victim, it also
changes the face of bullying itself. "Kids no longer have the safety of being able to go home and
escape bullying," Kullback said. "Ten years ago, if a kid got bullied he could go home and sit in front
of the TV." Nowadays, with children spending so much time on the computer, whether to shop, do
research for schoolwork, play games or hang out with friends, Kullback says, they are easier to target
for abuse. "Kids have access to one another 24 hours a day. They can bully each other at midnight."
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 45
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
INTERNET ABUSE OF CHILDREN UNDERREPORTED
INTERNET ABUSE OF CHILDREN IS UNDERREPORTED IN THE MEDIA--Racine '07
[Elizabeth; Writer and Editor; “Children Must Be Protected from the Content of Social Networking Web Sites;” 2007; Gale
Group Databases]
For the past few years I have been giving talks to parents, teachers and clergy about these dangers.
My real-life stories and images have shocked audiences, who previously had no idea that this
problem existed.
I have served as a resource person for many Catholic reporters, and recently appeared on Fox 29's
special report on Internet abuses by children. Despite the increasing news coverage, there is still a
vast amount of Internet activity that goes unreported.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 46
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
CONTROLS ARE USELESS TO STOP CHILDREN FROM ABUSING SOCIAL
NETWORKING
YOUNGER CHILDREN ARE ACCESSING SOCIAL NETWORKING EVEN WHEN IT IS
TECHNICALLY TURNED OFF TO THEM--Cohen '07
[Alan; Writer and Contributor to PC Magazine; “Education Is the Best Way to Protect Children on Social Networking Sites;”
2007; Gale Group Databases]
The burgeoning popularity of social networking sites—MySpace has over 75 million users—means
that even preteens are clamoring to use them. Although MySpace warns users that they must be 14 or
older to register, the site has no way of verifying age. The same is true for almost all other social
networking sites. "We know that younger children are lying to get on the sites," says Nancy McBride,
the national safety director at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
AGE-VERIFICATION IS IMPOSSIBLE--Thierer '07
[Adam; Senior Fellow at the Progress & Freedom Foundation; “Laws Should Target Sex Offenders, Not Web Sites They
Visit;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
I want to also address the argument that social networking websites should just start age-verifying
all their users to ensure better security or online safety. In reality, there are no perfect solutions to
the age-verification problem because, at root, it is a human verification problem. In order to firmly
establish someone's identity many different pieces of information about that person are necessary.
And with teenagers (especially under the age of 16), this is extraordinarily difficult. They are not
voters. None of them have home mortgages or car loans. Many of them don't have a driver's license.
Most of them are not in the military. Those are methods we use to identify adults that generally
won't work for teens. Moreover, the few records we have on kids are well-guarded. For example, their
school and health records are not publicly available. Same goes for their social security numbers.
PARENTS ARE UNABLE TO POLICE SOCIAL NETWORKING USE DUE TO CRAFT TEENS--Rich
'07
[Cindy; “Why are kids addicted to Facebook? "coolest thing Ever;” Washingtonian; August 2007; Wilson Databases]
Lots of teens are more worried that colleges will peek at their profiles than they are about parents
getting an eyeful. Mom and Dad are easy to dupe.
"I keep Microsoft Word up with some fake homework on it so I can open that up really quickly if they
walk in," says Todd.
Some teens show their parents part of their profile so they'll stop asking. Most see adults checking
out their profile as an invasion of privacy--even if they have nothing to hide.
Holly, a junior at National Cathedral School, says her mom wants a Facebook account but thinks she
needs a school-based e-mail address to join. She doesn't know that Facebook opened to all users in
2006. Now anyone can join.
"Don't tell her that," Holly says.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 47
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
SAFETY TOOLS ARE USELESS TO STOP ABUSE FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING
NO SILVER BULLET WILL MAKE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES SAFE--Cohen '07
[Alan; Writer and Contributor to PC Magazine; “Education Is the Best Way to Protect Children on Social Networking Sites;”
2007; Gale Group Databases]
If that little bit of education isn't getting through, the fault doesn't lie completely with parents.
Criminal penalties, technological solutions such as filtering software that blocks inappropriate
sites, and pressure on content providers to police their own sites are getting the bulk of media—and
political—coverage. Not surprisingly, many parents have been lulled into believing that these
approaches will take care of the problem—wishful, and dangerous, thinking.
"What parents have to realize is that there is no silver bullet," says Herbert Lin, senior scientist at the
National Research Council of the National Academies, where he directed a 2002 study on protecting
children from sexual exploitation and online pornography. "Filtering software has certainly gotten
better, but do parents rely on it too much? In my opinion, they do. A filter is brittle. Even if it stops 90
percent of the bad stuff, what do you do about the other 10 percent? You still have to have a thorough
educational process."
CHILD PREDATORS HAVE MANY TOOLS TO SHIELD THEIR IDENTITY--Hoover '07
[J. Nicholas; Associate Editor at Information Week; “The Government Should Have a Role in Monitoring Pornography on
the Internet;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
Child predators and pornographers have tricks to conceal their identities online. One of the most
common is lying about their ages, claiming to be younger than they are. To hide their IP [Internet
protocol] addresses and locations, they piggyback on Wi-Fi [wireless Internet] connections or use
proxy servers. Decentralized peer-to-peer networks prevent material from being tracked to a specific
server, and encryption lets them keep online chats private from those policing the Web. When law
enforcement, ISPs [Internet Service Providers] and others take down pedophile Web sites, it's not
long before they're back up, hosted by a different service.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 48
NFL Public Forum Handbook, December 2008
A/T: ADULTS CAN USE THE TECHNOLOGIES SAFELY
POSTING PERSONAL TO SOCIAL NETWORKING PAGES IS DANGEROUS FOR KIDS AND
ADULTS ALIKE--Metz '07
[Cade; Senior Writer at PC Magazine; “Social Networking Connects People;” 2007; Gale Group Databases]
"Our everyday culture definitely celebrates self-disclosure," says Susannah Stern, an assistant
professor at the University of San Diego whose research focuses on adolescents and electronic
media. "Kids are picking up on that. It gives them every indication that this is what we value from
people."
The danger is that this sort of self-disclosure can come back to haunt you. Prospective employers or
university admissions officers may not like what they see on your MySpace page. And by now you've
heard the stories about people trolling these sites with less than honorable intentions. There are
ways, however, to control the content you post online.
Big Sky Debate, December 2008
Page 49