Commentary: MySpace.Com: Personal Space, With Risk

By Larry Fiorino

With approximately 43 million users, MySpace.com represents one of the fastest growing online communities on the Web today.According to BusinessWeek magazine, MySpace picks up an average of 150,000 profiles per day.Since its launch in 2003, the site is changing how teens and young adults meet, date and talk to each other. Users create profiles about themselves and network through a process called friending.Originally set up as a community for independent rock bands to distribute their music, the site has grown into one of the largest community-building Web sites available today.While this online networking is extremely popular with users under the age of 30, there are some inherent risks that users and parents should be aware of.MySpace only allows information concerning a user’s profile to be displayed if a user chooses so, however many users may not be aware that seemingly innocent information can make them a target.All users must realize that certain information could make you identifiable to stalkers and other predators. Information about the gym you use, the school you attend or places you frequent can reveal your identity.In addition to information, MySpace allows for pictures to be posted, and a picture of your car with the license plate visible could cause you to be found.Parents should employ all means necessary to be sure their kids are not using MySpace in a way that would put them at risk of predators or cyber-bullies. Parents should know that no one under the age of 14 is allowed to use the site.Unfortunately, not everyone is entirely forthcoming about their profiles, so children and predators can fake profiles rather easily. The use of site-blocking software or key-logging software should be considered.For more information on how to keep yourself and your kids safe online, visit WiredSafety.org, a site that is recommended by MySpace.Larry Fiorino, the founder and chief executive of G.1440, a Baltimore-based e-solutions firm, writes this column, Web Sightings, every week for The Daily Record. The opinions expressed are Mr. Fiorino’s and not necessarily those of The Daily Record. He can be reached at 410-843-3800.