Social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace are endangering New Zealand teenagers.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace are not endangering New Zealand teenagers. These social networking sites have many factors which ensure safety for users. The safety features which social networking sites uphold, including page privacy and selective friends, are very reliable and are becoming increasingly stronger. Because members use these sites in the privacy of their own home, they are safer than the outside world and they may be a more sheltered and effective way to meet people. Moreover, the Facebook community, along with other social networking site communities, have friendly philosophies and most users adhere to this, and if they don't, there are effective ways to prevent abuse. However, I do acknowledge that sexual predators may use these sites as they are open to everyone, so the are capable of copying photos and revealing private information if members do not persist with basic safety procedures. 

Social networking sites as Facebook and Myspace sustain numerous safety features which enable members to use the sites safely. The features that are present within most social networking sites include selective friends, which allows users to choose who they are 'friends' with online, and therefore who can enter their social networking page, view their personal information and observe their photos. This is a successful way of keeping the members safe as it means they are in control and have full responsibility of their personal information. Another common safety feature is advising the users on what personal information they should reveal about themselves, such as only displaying their first name on the internet,  and warning them about the dangers of the internet. This is effective as it means all users are informed and aware of the amount and content that they should be presenting to a global audience. These features are reliable and dependable and ensure security for the members and the site. 

As internet use usually occurs inside the comfort of ones home, meeting people in the virtual world may have less dangers attached to it than meeting new people in the physical world, such as at a party. This is because, on the internet, users of social networking sites have the security of their home around them, so they are away from any physical danger. In the outside world however, when meeting new people, people are more immersed, vulnerable and susceptible to physical danger, as they are in the midst of it. 

Social networking sites, such as Facebook and Myspace, have communities which maintain friendly philosophies, and most members abide by this. As the sites have been set up for friendly communication, the users assume the friendly nature and proceed to utilize it while using the social networking sites. The pleasant nature is cemented into the social networking communities and if people interfere these philosophies, such as emotionally abusing another member over the internet, there are ways for the victims to prevent it, such as reporting abuse to the site or blocking the abusive member from their social networking 'page'. 

However, i do recognise that social networking sites are open to everyone, meaning that they can also be available to sexual predators and offenders. I acknowledge that this could be a danger to users because they are exposed to their offence. If members post photos or personal information on their social networking 'page', and they do not persist with basic safety policies, their information could be taken and copied onto the predators own computer, and used for their personal use. This is a hazard for users, although they are responsible for their own details and photos. 

Social networking sites are not a danger to teenagers. Sites such as Facebook and Myspace uphold numerous safety features which enable users security. The internet is generally used in the comfort of ones home, which is out of physical danger, and therefore social networking sites may be a safer and more secure alternative to meet new people. Furthermore, The communities of social networking sites hold friendly philosophies and most users comply with this. However, i do acknowledge that social networking sites are accessible to anyone, and sexual predators may use these sites and take personal information from other users.