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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mathew Needleman on December 31, 2007 at 11:28am

I think the sites are safe but certainly brand loyalty is being created in subtler and subtler ways. The idea of targeting the young is nothing new but parents need to be having discussions with their children about the advertising so that children are aware what is an ad and what isn't. I worry that parents may be as naive as their children if they haven't experienced Second Life themselves.

Permalink Reply by Mathew Needleman on January 2, 2008 at 11:09pm

Children do need to be taught online safety. However, unless a student arranges to meet someone that they meet online or divulges personal information it's not possible for someone to reach through the screen and grab you.

Permalink Reply by Ginger Lewman on January 3, 2008 at 3:54pm

I agree with you on this point Nick. The dangers are different, but nevertheless as ominous. As a society, we actually support the advertising evils by buying into them (Xmas must-haves, Valentines dramas, etc). We end up being little thoughtless automatons on many different levels (self included, as I sit sipping my SlimFast), which is one of the ways we're directed around to our values systems.

Giving in to the ads problem is precisely giving into a predator, albeit another sort.

Both topics need to be addressed face-on; developing critical thinking is simply learning how to be aware of your surroundings--ALL surroundings. Evaluation is essential for all citizens.

Permalink Reply by Ellen on January 3, 2008 at 5:51pm

Wow. My comments on this subject will remain brief.
To equate advertisers with child predators diminishes the evil of child predators.

Words matter Mr. Pernisco.

Permalink Reply by Ellen on January 3, 2008 at 7:55pm

You "simply said": "or are they being stalked by online predators called advertisers?"