My words were rightly written
After my article about the dangers of the social networking sites I felt perhaps I had sounded like a prophet of doom and slightly regretted writing it. However, I feel I am now vindicated because sadly my comments have proven to be only too true.
This week we have been reading here in England about the sad case of a 17 year old girl who was lured to her death by a serial rapist who 'befriended' her on Facebook. He posted an entirely false photograph and identity and, as a lonely and vulnerable teenager, she was taken in and persuaded to meet up with him with fatal and tragic results. It beggars belief that this man was able to hide his true identity, even though he was known to the police, due to our human rights laws! Even our Home Secretary has attacked the site for it's 'irresponsibility'. So what was set up originally as a way of people corresponding and chatting to one another has now become much more sinister. Obviously most people who are on these sites are genuine. Maybe they exaggerate or 'big up' themselves somewhat but only to attract more 'friends' (it has to be said mostly of the opposite sex) but it also has it seedier and more dangerous side which, I for one, find very disturbing. I sometimes despair of the culture of 'social networking' or rather what it is now becoming. Not something I want any part of at all even though I am always being urged to do so. I'll stick to writing my e-mails, phoning my friends and family for chats and ofcourse contributing to your blog.
Blogger's comments:
Well I just don't know whether we should call them 419 ners of cyber criminals, nowadays a lot of people are using the internet to engage in dubious activities. We, the younger generation find facebook, twitter and other social networking sites fascinating but the danger is that we might be communicating with the wrong people thus getting closer to their ulterior motives. Barbara's letter should definately serve as an eye opener for our readers.
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