Formspring Social Networking Site Falls Under Critical Eyes Of Parents

A popular social networking website favored by teens is under fire by parents for its "anonymous" components. Launched in late 2009, the site has gained in popularity primarily because it offers the user the ability to ask all kinds of questions within the community without providing their identities. Opponents of the social networking site are referring to it as a breeding ground for predators and bullies.

The hook for teenagers is that Formspring is geared at getting to know your friends by asking questions anonymously. However, some people feel it is creating a venue for hurtful or perhaps harmful language. Frankly- it is the opinion of Silent Sender that teens likely already use a myriad of websites to accomplish the same thing, such as Yahoo! Answers, Wiki Answers and Askville, where anyone can post an anonymous question in a public forum. The threat of cyber-bullying does not originate from within the social networking medium- it begins with "how" our children are raised and parented. If kids aren't taught personal responsibility and accountability- they often act without considering the outcome

"A lot of parents just don't know it even exists," says SecureState Senior Security Consultant Tom Eston. "It is really up to the parent to get involved in their kids' lives and just communicate with them on a basic level and I think the kids will open up," admits Eston.

The ability to ask for information or gather information on-line while remaining anonymous is a fundamental right, especially if the questions are embarrassing. The adult equivent might be a forum helping men with erectile dysfunction. One might argue that sex addicts or worse may be trolling the forum. However, in cases where this power is being abused there should be some kind of effort to educate those who take advantage of anonymity to hurt others. Teenagers are teenagers and many make poor decisions in real life and on-line. The ability to send an anonymous message should require some thought before anyone clicks "send." A good reminder that stupid actions have consequences begins with good parenting. Talk to your kids about the ramifications of making poorly thought out choices while on-line or in the real world.

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