When it comes to technology, stay informed
The Internet and rise of smartphones has opened many doors for society – the ability to be connected no matter where you are, to locate a coffee shop or restaurant nearby in seconds, to talk to long-distance relatives face to face … the list goes on and on.
But, with all of this freedom and opportunity comes a dark side, and retired state attorney general chief deputy Jim Dill and district judges Ron Arnoni and Guy Reschenthaler shed some light on the aspects of the web and smartphone apps that parents absolutely need to know during a recent forum called “The Dark Side of Technology.”
The general public is familiar with social networking sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but lesser-known – and far more seedy – methods of communication are out there. Teens and predators alike are using sites that offer anonymity – and that comes with a price.
Hiding behind a computer screen, teens are far too naive and trusting to realize that they are communicating with people who aren’t who they say they are, and bullies can take their causes to horrific levels. It used to be that bullying happened face-to-face, and today’s technological advances mean that kids can’t escape it. Suicides have resulted from cyber-bullying and the use of innapropriate web forums or apps.
On the other end of the spectrum, so much information is now stored in cell phones that they are an identity thief’s dream. People have debit and credit card information stored, apps linking to home security systems, and for some, even the user’s social security number is stored in the phone. Homicides have resulted from robbers’ desire to nab unlocked smartphones to sell the hardware and data.
We can’t control our children’s every single move online, and we certainly can’t be right on top of every new app, forum, website or other means of communication. But we can teach our children respect, we can teach them safe online boundries, and thanks to public conversations like “The Dark Side of Technology,” we can educate ourselves.
We must stay informed – it’s the best way to prevent our loved ones from going to the dark side.