Is the Internet safe?

In the article Truth, Trust and Teleprescenct Paula S. Tompkins from St. Cloud State University presents a real dilemma in the area of computer-mediated communication. With this new technology brings a new set of opportunities, not all of them good. The era of the computer has advanced to a point where it makes communication so simple and without a camera the “role playing” becomes more apparent. There are those that would like to pretend they are young to entice children into trusting them. The young, being so trusting, become easy prey. The intent of the internet was excellent, but the practical use becomes jaded. Should there be cyber cops? How can the predators be controlled?

"If recognizing the truthfulness of what others say becomes problematic, trust
fundamental to relationships and community is weakened, making on-going
communication difficult and sometimes impossible (Thompson, 2003.p 196).” The use of technology has become both a help and a hindrance. The computer seems to open up new exploration but also brings new dangers. The need to be vigilant has increased especially when trying to protect young children.

The use of blogs, texts and Facebook have become common place in today’s society, but we should be concerned about the next generations ability to communicate face to face. The non verbal cues which we value so much, eye contact and human touch we come to know from birth has been reduced to the touch of a keyboard. Are we going to be nurtured by the next HAL (from 2001 A Space Odessy)?