Thursday, November 29, 2007

Internet Health

The news today has simply been sad. I've been listening all day about crimes related to the Internet. Everything I've heard is a terrible indication of the unhealthy state of cyberspace. That unhealthy state is very reflective of a terribly unhealthy, restless and misguided society.

I realize it's much more complex than that; it's not the fault of the Internet - or could it be? Either way, worldwide use of the internet opens up a Pandora’s Box of illness. I have to think it also contributes.

So far the news today involves the poor victim of internet abuse who hung herself, child internet pornography found in the basement of a deceased sexual development counselor and the possible death of a teen, Emily Sanders, who was met at a bar by an internet "friend" and is yet to be located.

Many things come to mind about the overall health of our society and the mental health of our youth when I hear these tragic reports. First of all, if you're a parent, it's time to get involved, very involved with your children. You absolutely have to learn who they're speaking with on the Internet. More importantly, it's time to get away from the computer and encourage face to face socialization and friendship.

There are programs available for purchase that allow you to track conversations as well as site visits that your children or family members are conducting on the Internet. It might be a worthwhile investment to have one installed.

Take the time to set limits on what your child is allowed to do on the Internet. Use parental controls and block access to sites. I'm not so sure MySpace is a good thing. I'm beginning to think that social chatting over the internet should be entirely discouraged. The Internet should provide a vehicle for sharing and unity and a chance to experience cultural diversity. Obviously, we, as a society are not ready to use it toward enough good.

I'm not saying this should never be done. I realize for instance that dating websites have put many people together. It's just time to be really smart about how we use the Internet.

If anyone has experienced chatting or e-mails that are bullying or aggressive, I think it's important to talk to someone about it. It's possible that many a dreg of society could be recognized and halted before he or she does harm. If we all get a bit smarter and start paying attention to what a healthy balance in life is all about maybe some of the tragedy can be reversed. At this rate, it's only going to get a lot worse.

We sit in front of the TV and computer while the world around us is disintegrating. We don't care about that because we're no longer looking. We've lost our connection to core values, to mother earth and to the meaning of love and life. I'm convinced that things are very out of balance.

I'm out of here. I'm going for walk. Yes, I'll turn off the news. ◦
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