My dad used to — and at some points still does — say: “Some day your mouth is going to get you in trouble.” This age old wisdom is very much true for every generation. However it seems to be adolescents and teens who need the most help in this area.
The difference between current and previous generations is now we can talk to others from behind screens. E-mails, texting and social media have become socially acceptable ways to communicate through the Internet. And since most people seem to be connected to the Internet in some way, once information is out, it spreads like a wildfire. This can be a great way to broadcast important information fast, such as an Amber Alert.
Sir Isaac Newton is famously credited for stating that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. Newton may have been referring to the scientific motion that occurs in physics, but his law seems to be applicable to the rest of the world.
For instance, social outlets such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter popularity are soaring. We have nonprofit organizations that utilize these outlets to connect with its supporters and the people it helps. And that’s not all. Businesses both large and small use these outlets to offer coupons, news organizations promote its products, and even celebrities use social media to connect with fans. There are tons of people and organizations using the Internet for a lot of good reasons.
However, there is that equal and opposite force that exists — gangs.
MySpace, being the oldest, remains a top choice among gangs. “Crips, Bloods, Florencia 13, MS-13 and other gangs,” are all avid users of MySpace, according to an article on MSNBC.
The article said gang members are using social media to, “make threats, boast about crimes, share intelligence on rivals and network with people across the country.” It seems students are no longer the only ones networking for future jobs.
Luckily, the police are attempting to keep up with the online generation. The article said police are using these social outlets to catch criminal activity and monitor possible threats.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy David Anguaino was quoted at the end of the article, saying “you want the fame so you’ve got to go out there and talk about it. That’s when your mouth gets you in trouble.”
“Someday your mouth is going to get you in trouble,” my father said.
Maybe some more people should listen to their parents?
What do you guys think, are gangs a threat online and should police be allowed to monitor social outlets?
—Jennifer Pearsall
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