Growing Up Online: Scary or Normal?

As I started to watch Growing Up Online for the second time (previously viewed in another technology class) my heart began to break for the students and individuals who have the desire to live and create and live different personalities on the internet. On the video, students talked about technology and explained that "everybody uses it" and also explained how they can have a different persona than they do in real life. I think a big part of the online excitement for young individuals might be that they can do things without anyone looking or watching; such as their parents or teachers. Have we created a society where children, teenagers, and adults alike are unable to show their true character and personalities?

Schools are constantly struggling with the issue of being engaging and interactive enough for students that come from such a technological generation. Even though this video is disturbing, it also makes people aware of the current situation. If we are aware, then we can do something about it. As a teacher, I will make sure my students are informed about the dangers as well as the positive aspects of the internet. Students often claim that they participate in things online such as verbal abuse or relationships because it gives them "something to do." This is when we as teachers need to intervene and show them how to use technology responsibly.

I do not want to be deemed the over-protective mother/teacher who will not let her children participate in anything without being monitored, but I also do not want to be the one who has a child or student that commits suicide because of an internet related cause.

I know, and completely understand that technology is something present in our culture today that we must embrace. Students are doing everything from surfing the web, chatting, texting, gaming, etc. and I as a teacher must be able to learn these technologies and teach students the proper way to use them.