Growing Up Online

In the documentary, "Growing Up Online," by Rachel Dretzin and John Maggio we learn about some of the downside to the internet. When we watch this video we get the sense that the internet is not safe, and that kids are at risk. We may hear something like, "is a predator looking for your child?" One kid stated that "we've been on the internet forever, we know what to look out for." This was a powerful quote for me, just because it is so true. As time goes on though, kids and teens use the internet more and more for personal use, rather than for school work. We use the internet as an "extension of ourselves." "Online I can be 100% me," and for many teens i think this is true. We are a totally different person, we can be who we want to be. One teacher stated that, "we almost have to be entertainers... We have to catch their attention." We, as teenagers, use our computers almost non stop. So now a days teachers are using Smart Boards to engage us into what they are teaching because monitors are the only things we seem to be interested in. Evan Skinner, a mother from the documentary, said "It us hard being on the other side." What she means is that, when you are a kid you don't want your parents to interfere with your life, but when your "on the other side" it is hard not to. One major point that hit me was "the words make it real." If we read something that hurts us on the internet, and we keep re-reading it, we will start to believe it. "Online amplifies and speeds up our ""real world" pains."

If I was to create a documentary on my life, I would emphasize how the internet has been a valuable tool in a lot of parts of my life. I use the internet for homework assignments that need research. I also have to use the internet for homework in band; who thought you would ever get homework in band. Many parents seem to believe that their children and teenagers are over using the internet, I know for a fact my mom does. If we know what the internet is, and how it can potentially affect us, we will be smart about it. I use Facebook just about every day, but I am very careful as to what i put on my profile or status. Facebook has helped me in a lot of ways too. I have friends and family that are across the state and some across the country, and it allows me to connect with them and see what they are up to. I have also made new friends, and found old ones that still remember me from elementary school. The internet may be a very dangerous place to put information, but then again, "we have been on the internet forever, we know what to look out for."