the internet and social networking

Second Life

2009-09-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Second Life is a virtual world developed by Linden Lab. A free client program called the Second Life Viewer enables its users, called residents to interact with each other through the use of avatars. Residents can explore, meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, or travel throughout the world. Second Life is for people aged 18 and over.
There are some benefits to using Second Life. Distance learning is a key benefit in higher education. Teachers can meet students in a Second Life classroom even when students are located anywhere in the world. It also gives people the opportunity to visit a virtual library who would otherwise not walk into a physical one. People get to express themselves through creativity on Second Life.

Growing up Online

2009-09-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

As families and schools across the world are "logging on," parents and educators face the issue of protecting children from the material they have access to on the internet. The internet has become so relevant for the youths of today. They see it as a continuation of their existence because it allows them to display a whole new identity different from the one their parents know about. Teenagers feel that when they cant talk to mom and dad about their problems they can always find someone on the internet to listen to their problems, whether the advice given is good or bad. They create a whole new private world outside of their parents' reach. Teachers are now faced with the difficult task of incorporating technology into the work done in the classroom. Devices such as projectors and smart boards are being used to enhance the learning experience.
Although the internet is very relevant to today's society, it can also have adverse effects on its users. for example, there is cyberbullying where kids get bullied on line and most end up committing suicide because of all the negative things said about them on the internet. There is also the fear of child predators. Children can be stalked online, coerced into meeting a complete stranger, kidnapped, raped or even killed. But the internet can be safe if used properly and with supervision.

social networking

2009-09-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups. Social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools,but it is most popular online. This is because the internet is filled with millions of people who are looking to meet other internet users, to gather and share information or experiences about any given topic. There are a lot of social networking sites on the internet. The most popular ones include Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Hi5 and Tagged. Social networking has its benefits. The most important one is making friends. Another is the diversity that it allows, you are able to become friends with anyone from around the world. Some of these websites have open membership and some do not. On the other hand, there are some negative effects of social networking. These include identity theft and online predators.