I was very surprised to find the Frontline video very accurate. Sometimes movies about the Internet get outdated so quickly that when we watch them in school, we just laugh at their inaccuracy. However, this movie got a lot of things right. What really struck me was when they asked the kids about how they avoid predators. I completely agree with the fact that most kids aren't on chat sites, and are definitely not looking to talk to strangers and give away personal information. On the other hand, in the beginning of this movie they emphasized the gaming that kids do online. I think that they focus too much on this. Although many kids do play online games, I believe that the majority of the time is spent networking with friends. Only a minority of kids get together to play these games together.
On the positive side, the Internet helps kids learn to type faster, which may seem futile, but when it comes to typing papers and doing school work it makes a big difference. Also, I think that in some cases social networking can help face to face socialization. However, the Internet IS dangerous, and we've all seen kids get kicked off sports for drinking pictures. Or having their Facebook hacked.
On the opposite end of the spectrum you have feral children. Where as most kids these days are increasing the amount of other people they talk to, feral children have noone. I think that most of what a feral child is missing is nurture. It is in our biological makeup to act like a human; to eat, walk and survive. However, things like eating with utensils, reading, talking and dressing are not instinctual. Children learn how to act in a social environment by watching others. If scientists were able to conduct an experiment where the feral child was able to watch humans but not interact with them, I believe they would be much more advanced. We learn and adapt so much by conforming with others. Of course without nurturing from a parental figure or being taught how to do certain things a child will be wild and lagging in development.
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