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Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence
Does it seem like your teen can't tear herself away from friends on the computer screen (except to text them on her cell phone)? That's because MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube are your son or daughter's life, not just another passing diversion. All that energy and time spent online is affecting your teen's life in countless ways, from sexual pressure and privacy to social standing and self-esteem. Some schools are banning online networking sites, yet your child insists they're "no big deal." Who's right? Drawing on personal interviews with hundreds of teens, educator Candice M. Kelsey helps parents assess what they should — and shouldn't — be worried about when it comes to technology. A landmark book, Generation MySpace is the first guide to the new world of online adolescence, where you'll discover: The Appeal of MySpace: How interaction becomes addictive, and how to stop it from taking control Profiles, Adds, and Top 8 Popularity: How "friending" is redefining friendship Baring It All: How young kids are learning to market themselves — and why they're looking to celebrities and porn stars first From Predators to Cyber-Bullies: How to help your kids protect themselves
- GenresNonfiction
322 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2007
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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March 9, 2010
Daiimah Coleman
March 8, 2010
Emerging Internet Technologies
Book Chat
Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence
By: Candice M. Kelsey
MySpace
MySpace (a place for friends) is a free social networking website that originated out of Beverly Hills, California. It began as a site where you could go to try to contact people from all over the world and all walks of life by creating a contact page. MySpace was deemed the most popular US social networking site to ever be created in 2006. The company has since been taken over by the international company Facebook in 2008. MySpace profile usually has digital pictures and in depth information about the peoples interests, hobbies, lifestyle. Users have to be at least 14 years old to join. Once you become a member you can send messages and socialize and network within the MySpace community.
The age limit that is set up for children to create MySpace account is much to young to me, which is what led me to read this book. I think that is a very young age for a child to join a large social website like MySpace and not have any precautions to follow. I believe that this book will help parent, educators, and administrators become well aware of what to look for and how to talk to their children about their myspace pages and what they have on them.
There were many sections of the book that stood out for me. The section on cyber-bullying made me want to do parent workshops at my school about technology on a monthly basis and create a monthly newsletter when they attend this meeting. I would give them tips on how to keep them abreast and help them learn how to keep the lines of communication open with they are talking to there children about what they are viewing, discussing, and taking part in when they are on the computer.
“Kids have always picked on other kids but throw technology into the mix, and have a whole new animal to deal with. (Kelsey pg. 111)
This quote stood out for me because children attacking each other using technology is at an alarming rate and as a parent and an educator this makes me very leery of exposing my students and my children to the new technological advances that is leading this generation today.
When peer pressure enters the lives of students’ majority of the time they do not know how to handle it or when a child’s peer causes them problems they usually hide it from adults. When a child comes home and tell their parents that someone got caught smoking in school or they had an argument with one of their friends is viewed as normal things teenagers encounter once upon a time while growing up. Parents can usually handle those types of situations with ease. Today when your child comes home and shows you 25 text messages that they have received from other children that are full of hate, vulgar and obscene words, you would not deem that as normal behavior. As a parent I would you immediately know how to handle the situation. Should you just talk to your child, tell them to ignore the text, or change their phone number? This book not only gives you suggestions on how to handle situations like those above but they help you see the signs of cyber bullying or texting wars before they start so you can address the problems before they get out of hand.
The basic implication that social networking can have on students and learning is the notion of schools making a connection to the networking and reading and writing. Students are also learning how to create and use different types of technological media, which will help them in the future when they enter the workforce. Social networking can be used for students to work together to meet their academic needs.
The theme of the book is basically: Helping teens that are growing up using the new technologies that are apart of there generation survive online adolescence by making parents aware of what they should or should not be worried about when it comes to technology. To support her claim the author promoted strategies that were created by experts that can be used to help deal with teenagers and MySpace. The book gives a full view of a teenage world and teenagers using MySpace.
Here are the following strategies she promoted adults to use when dealing the issue of social networking:
1. Set your child’s profile to “private”
2. Block unsolicited users
3. Don’t open unsolicited messages
4. Assert your authority as the parent over the cyber life of your family
5. Monitor your families computer usage
6. Check all information on your family’s profiles on the social networking pages
7. Create a Family Internet Safety Rules and Usage Contract
8. Ask children tough questions on a regular basis
9. Cell phone rules and safety
10. Monitor and Filter Computer Software
I agree wholeheartedly with Candice Kelsey’s entire argument that she presented throughout this entire book because she exposed both the danger and safety aspects that life online can have on children without scaring parents or sending up red flags but by showing the warning signs when it is a potential danger. She showed you why children think social networking is so important because it fits into the world of being a teen and their lifestyle. The book took parents on a step- by-step online journey in order for them to get first hand knowledge and understanding of how social networking operates. Parents need to experience for themselves what it is like so when you approach your children you will be able to relate to the issues that they are having. When you have first had knowledge about the latest fads and issues that are going on with you children when you talk to them they will listen and hear what your saying.
School Districts and administrators have basically deemed social networking sites as non educational and have blocked these types of websites from there servers. This book might help with the fact that schools are striving to promote students increase their knowledge of the latest technological advancements. Schools and teachers are going to have to be trained properly so they can be involved Schools need to tighten their internet policy for students and parents by enforcing the fact that violations of the contract by using it in harming or threatening ways will result in severe punishment. Students need to know that their behavior online can be closely monitored without violating their privacy and offenders will be caught and dealt with immediately.
Instead of school districts blocking social networking sites from the server altogether, I think they could integrate in their educational programs, ways to show students on how to protect themselves properly while online and how to use social networking sites properly.
In conclusion Generation MySpace is a must read because it helps parents find out why social sites are influencing and overpowering the world of teenage life in today’s society. It is also a detailed practical guide that helps parents walk in the footsteps of the children in order for them to see how online life operates. I also think this book would benefit parents, teachers, and administrators in a huge way because the author is a teacher and a parent herself. The book gives you real life examples and experiences that can help guide you through or tackle the day-to-day drama that social networking sites like myspace, facebook, or youtube bring forth.
If I had to rate this book I would give it 5 stars. I think it is a must read for parent or any adult who needs to learn or understand how the teen online world operates. The book is straightforward which allows parents to get a full understanding of social networking.
March 8, 2010
Emerging Internet Technologies
Book Chat
Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence
By: Candice M. Kelsey
MySpace
MySpace (a place for friends) is a free social networking website that originated out of Beverly Hills, California. It began as a site where you could go to try to contact people from all over the world and all walks of life by creating a contact page. MySpace was deemed the most popular US social networking site to ever be created in 2006. The company has since been taken over by the international company Facebook in 2008. MySpace profile usually has digital pictures and in depth information about the peoples interests, hobbies, lifestyle. Users have to be at least 14 years old to join. Once you become a member you can send messages and socialize and network within the MySpace community.
The age limit that is set up for children to create MySpace account is much to young to me, which is what led me to read this book. I think that is a very young age for a child to join a large social website like MySpace and not have any precautions to follow. I believe that this book will help parent, educators, and administrators become well aware of what to look for and how to talk to their children about their myspace pages and what they have on them.
There were many sections of the book that stood out for me. The section on cyber-bullying made me want to do parent workshops at my school about technology on a monthly basis and create a monthly newsletter when they attend this meeting. I would give them tips on how to keep them abreast and help them learn how to keep the lines of communication open with they are talking to there children about what they are viewing, discussing, and taking part in when they are on the computer.
“Kids have always picked on other kids but throw technology into the mix, and have a whole new animal to deal with. (Kelsey pg. 111)
This quote stood out for me because children attacking each other using technology is at an alarming rate and as a parent and an educator this makes me very leery of exposing my students and my children to the new technological advances that is leading this generation today.
When peer pressure enters the lives of students’ majority of the time they do not know how to handle it or when a child’s peer causes them problems they usually hide it from adults. When a child comes home and tell their parents that someone got caught smoking in school or they had an argument with one of their friends is viewed as normal things teenagers encounter once upon a time while growing up. Parents can usually handle those types of situations with ease. Today when your child comes home and shows you 25 text messages that they have received from other children that are full of hate, vulgar and obscene words, you would not deem that as normal behavior. As a parent I would you immediately know how to handle the situation. Should you just talk to your child, tell them to ignore the text, or change their phone number? This book not only gives you suggestions on how to handle situations like those above but they help you see the signs of cyber bullying or texting wars before they start so you can address the problems before they get out of hand.
The basic implication that social networking can have on students and learning is the notion of schools making a connection to the networking and reading and writing. Students are also learning how to create and use different types of technological media, which will help them in the future when they enter the workforce. Social networking can be used for students to work together to meet their academic needs.
The theme of the book is basically: Helping teens that are growing up using the new technologies that are apart of there generation survive online adolescence by making parents aware of what they should or should not be worried about when it comes to technology. To support her claim the author promoted strategies that were created by experts that can be used to help deal with teenagers and MySpace. The book gives a full view of a teenage world and teenagers using MySpace.
Here are the following strategies she promoted adults to use when dealing the issue of social networking:
1. Set your child’s profile to “private”
2. Block unsolicited users
3. Don’t open unsolicited messages
4. Assert your authority as the parent over the cyber life of your family
5. Monitor your families computer usage
6. Check all information on your family’s profiles on the social networking pages
7. Create a Family Internet Safety Rules and Usage Contract
8. Ask children tough questions on a regular basis
9. Cell phone rules and safety
10. Monitor and Filter Computer Software
I agree wholeheartedly with Candice Kelsey’s entire argument that she presented throughout this entire book because she exposed both the danger and safety aspects that life online can have on children without scaring parents or sending up red flags but by showing the warning signs when it is a potential danger. She showed you why children think social networking is so important because it fits into the world of being a teen and their lifestyle. The book took parents on a step- by-step online journey in order for them to get first hand knowledge and understanding of how social networking operates. Parents need to experience for themselves what it is like so when you approach your children you will be able to relate to the issues that they are having. When you have first had knowledge about the latest fads and issues that are going on with you children when you talk to them they will listen and hear what your saying.
School Districts and administrators have basically deemed social networking sites as non educational and have blocked these types of websites from there servers. This book might help with the fact that schools are striving to promote students increase their knowledge of the latest technological advancements. Schools and teachers are going to have to be trained properly so they can be involved Schools need to tighten their internet policy for students and parents by enforcing the fact that violations of the contract by using it in harming or threatening ways will result in severe punishment. Students need to know that their behavior online can be closely monitored without violating their privacy and offenders will be caught and dealt with immediately.
Instead of school districts blocking social networking sites from the server altogether, I think they could integrate in their educational programs, ways to show students on how to protect themselves properly while online and how to use social networking sites properly.
In conclusion Generation MySpace is a must read because it helps parents find out why social sites are influencing and overpowering the world of teenage life in today’s society. It is also a detailed practical guide that helps parents walk in the footsteps of the children in order for them to see how online life operates. I also think this book would benefit parents, teachers, and administrators in a huge way because the author is a teacher and a parent herself. The book gives you real life examples and experiences that can help guide you through or tackle the day-to-day drama that social networking sites like myspace, facebook, or youtube bring forth.
If I had to rate this book I would give it 5 stars. I think it is a must read for parent or any adult who needs to learn or understand how the teen online world operates. The book is straightforward which allows parents to get a full understanding of social networking.
July 2, 2010
Book Review
Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence
Candice M. Kelsey, 2007
What - What stood out most for you in the book?
There were many quotes throughout the book that stood out.
“Kids have always picked on other kids, but throw technology in the mix, and you have a whole new animal to deal with.” Interview with Melanie C. Klein professor of Sociology, California State, Northridge
“Author: Are girls to blame, is it entirely MySpace at fault, or is there another culprit?
“MK” Absolutely there is another culprit. This behavior is merely a symptom of our schizophrenic culture where women are considered either a whore or a mother. Simply put, the MySpace girl is the product of a culture that teaches girls to be available and disposable.” 6
Dr Jennings Bryant found that 66 percent of boys and 40percent of females who had been exposed to hard-core pornography reported having strong desires to try out the behaviors they had witnessed and31 percent of high school males admitted to having acted out these fantasies in real life”
Why - Why did this passage stand out for you?
The quote on kids picking on kids stood out for me because this is a current concern in most schools. It amazes me how kids can start a negative campaign against another kid and others jump on board with more negative comments and this snowballs very quickly. All it takes is a few clicks on a keyboard and the send button and your comments are posted. This area of the book stood out to me because of the current rise in cyber-bullying. In the last few years we have heard of suicides and other violent acts committed by teens because of cyber-bullying and harassment
The interview with Ms. Klein stood out to me because it stated how girls and women can only be one of two things. Her opinion leaves no room for normal girls or women. What would she call a woman who is 30 and not married? She is too old to be a whore and is not a mother.
Dr. Bryant’s research stood out to me because it was very disturbing. If these young men are acting out these fantasies in real life, are they physically hurting young women or are these young women willingly fulfilling these fantasies? Could this be the cause of increases in sexual assault and date rape?
.
What - What implications do you think this will have on students and learning?
Students need to learn internet and social networking safety. Parents need to teach their children when they are young that the internet has its place in learning but that everything on the internet is not true and that it can be a dangerous place to “hang out”. Students need to learn that social networks are great places to keep up with friends and show their individuality but putting all of your information and movements online is not good practice. They need to understand that they will be approached by strangers and they should take the same approach that they have been taught about strangers approaching them face to face, get away from them and if they persist, let someone know what is going on. Students have to learn what to put on the internet and understand that what they put online is public and that anyone can access this information
Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
Generation MySpace is a book that details information on social networks and how students use these networks. The book was written to educate parents and educators on the negatives or what to be aware of when teens use social networks. There is also a chapter on how to keep teens safe while using social networks. It addresses the various social networking sites, how to join the networks, how a social network profile is made, the slang used on the internet, popularity and sexual pressures faced by social network users, how teens are introduced to drugs and pornography, and how to protect our children while they are online
React - Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author's point of view.
I agree that parents and teachers need to be educated about student’s use of social networks. With all of the statistics given in the book and from the research I did while reading the book, I have to agree with Mrs. Kelsey that all adults need to know what is going on with our younger generation and social networks. Mrs. Kelsey discusses many troubling issues that are scary but as she writes she is raising the red flag and not trying to scare parents. Having two children of my own, I thought that I knew what children were doing online. I was shocked and amazed at how much communication goes on and the lingo that is used. I am constantly asking my children what initials mean when I see them in emails and text messages. The author’s advice on getting on a social network was excellent advice. I got a family members logon and went to my children’s sites. I spoke with both of them about the contents of their sites. My son actually shut his site down for a period of time because I made him realize how much time and effort he was using to stay “plugged in”. My daughter has cleaned up some of her pictures and I hope she has stopped letting the world know when she is traveling etc. I think this book is a wakeup call to all adults whether they have children or not because every family has or will be affected by social networks especially MySpace and Facebook. We all need to be vigilant in our monitoring computer usage, watchful for changes in children’s behavior and willing to listen to our children.
We need to understand the pressures the MySpace generation is under because not only are they affected in school but also at home in front of the computer.
Connect - Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
One of the most current educational issues is cyber bullying. We have been hearing of more teen suicides because of cyber bullying by classmates, This is happening all over the nation and it seems as though few adults are aware of the amount of cyber bullying that is taking place. If students know about it they are not speaking up. Students need to be taught that they need to speak to someone if they become aware of a situation that is escalating.
Conclude – Give the book a rating and recommendation for what audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
This book receives four stars and would benefit adults and educators. Older teens would also benefit from reading this book because of the statistics, studies and actual cases involving teens.
Kelsey, C. M., 2007. Generation MySpace
Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence
Candice M. Kelsey, 2007
What - What stood out most for you in the book?
There were many quotes throughout the book that stood out.
“Kids have always picked on other kids, but throw technology in the mix, and you have a whole new animal to deal with.” Interview with Melanie C. Klein professor of Sociology, California State, Northridge
“Author: Are girls to blame, is it entirely MySpace at fault, or is there another culprit?
“MK” Absolutely there is another culprit. This behavior is merely a symptom of our schizophrenic culture where women are considered either a whore or a mother. Simply put, the MySpace girl is the product of a culture that teaches girls to be available and disposable.” 6
Dr Jennings Bryant found that 66 percent of boys and 40percent of females who had been exposed to hard-core pornography reported having strong desires to try out the behaviors they had witnessed and31 percent of high school males admitted to having acted out these fantasies in real life”
Why - Why did this passage stand out for you?
The quote on kids picking on kids stood out for me because this is a current concern in most schools. It amazes me how kids can start a negative campaign against another kid and others jump on board with more negative comments and this snowballs very quickly. All it takes is a few clicks on a keyboard and the send button and your comments are posted. This area of the book stood out to me because of the current rise in cyber-bullying. In the last few years we have heard of suicides and other violent acts committed by teens because of cyber-bullying and harassment
The interview with Ms. Klein stood out to me because it stated how girls and women can only be one of two things. Her opinion leaves no room for normal girls or women. What would she call a woman who is 30 and not married? She is too old to be a whore and is not a mother.
Dr. Bryant’s research stood out to me because it was very disturbing. If these young men are acting out these fantasies in real life, are they physically hurting young women or are these young women willingly fulfilling these fantasies? Could this be the cause of increases in sexual assault and date rape?
.
What - What implications do you think this will have on students and learning?
Students need to learn internet and social networking safety. Parents need to teach their children when they are young that the internet has its place in learning but that everything on the internet is not true and that it can be a dangerous place to “hang out”. Students need to learn that social networks are great places to keep up with friends and show their individuality but putting all of your information and movements online is not good practice. They need to understand that they will be approached by strangers and they should take the same approach that they have been taught about strangers approaching them face to face, get away from them and if they persist, let someone know what is going on. Students have to learn what to put on the internet and understand that what they put online is public and that anyone can access this information
Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
Generation MySpace is a book that details information on social networks and how students use these networks. The book was written to educate parents and educators on the negatives or what to be aware of when teens use social networks. There is also a chapter on how to keep teens safe while using social networks. It addresses the various social networking sites, how to join the networks, how a social network profile is made, the slang used on the internet, popularity and sexual pressures faced by social network users, how teens are introduced to drugs and pornography, and how to protect our children while they are online
React - Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author's point of view.
I agree that parents and teachers need to be educated about student’s use of social networks. With all of the statistics given in the book and from the research I did while reading the book, I have to agree with Mrs. Kelsey that all adults need to know what is going on with our younger generation and social networks. Mrs. Kelsey discusses many troubling issues that are scary but as she writes she is raising the red flag and not trying to scare parents. Having two children of my own, I thought that I knew what children were doing online. I was shocked and amazed at how much communication goes on and the lingo that is used. I am constantly asking my children what initials mean when I see them in emails and text messages. The author’s advice on getting on a social network was excellent advice. I got a family members logon and went to my children’s sites. I spoke with both of them about the contents of their sites. My son actually shut his site down for a period of time because I made him realize how much time and effort he was using to stay “plugged in”. My daughter has cleaned up some of her pictures and I hope she has stopped letting the world know when she is traveling etc. I think this book is a wakeup call to all adults whether they have children or not because every family has or will be affected by social networks especially MySpace and Facebook. We all need to be vigilant in our monitoring computer usage, watchful for changes in children’s behavior and willing to listen to our children.
We need to understand the pressures the MySpace generation is under because not only are they affected in school but also at home in front of the computer.
Connect - Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
One of the most current educational issues is cyber bullying. We have been hearing of more teen suicides because of cyber bullying by classmates, This is happening all over the nation and it seems as though few adults are aware of the amount of cyber bullying that is taking place. If students know about it they are not speaking up. Students need to be taught that they need to speak to someone if they become aware of a situation that is escalating.
Conclude – Give the book a rating and recommendation for what audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
This book receives four stars and would benefit adults and educators. Older teens would also benefit from reading this book because of the statistics, studies and actual cases involving teens.
Kelsey, C. M., 2007. Generation MySpace
March 12, 2009
There were many sections that stood out for me in this book. The whole chapter on cyberbullying has made me want to do a flyer for our parents for conferences in April. I want the flyer to be an introduction to MySpace and give them pointers on what to look for and how to talk to their child about what is on their MySpace page and their friends' MySpace pages. Parents are so unaware of what their child is doing online that it is scary. If every parent who does not know about MySpace read this book I think children would be in for a shock. Children would not be able to get away with what they get away with online if their parents were more actively involved in their online life. One parent was quoted "I would never take a peek at my son's MySpace. It's his special place, and it clearly means a lot to him. Why would I pry into it? I trust his judgment anyway." I feel many parents who feel like this would be in a world of hurt if they actually did see their child's MySpace. I have been on some of my former students MySpaces and I am horrified by the language that they use and more. I can only imagine if I was the parent of one of these teenagers.
This book is all about MySpace and how to talk to your child about their MySpace. Each chapter brings up important issues that are happening on MySpace and how to talk to your child about these issues. There were key chapters that I really liked. Addicted to MySpace was a chapter on why teens are on for hours and hours and what they do on their MySpace. Pimped Out is another chapter that explains what it means for each student to create their special look for MySpace. KPC (Keeping Parents Clueless) is all about the hidden codes children use to talk to each other on IM that parents don't know. The "Thanks for the Add" chapter was all about the gossip, popularity, and friends on MySpace. Wired and Ruthless was a chapter that gave me ideas to give to my counselors for topics for upcoming Family Advocacy Lessons. This chapter was all about cyberbullying, what to All of the chapters gave parents ideas about how to approach their child about opening the lines of communication, which I found could be very useful. At the end of some chapters it also gave the parents an assignment to work on based on the chapter. It also walks the parent through step by step in the beginning to create a MySpace and explore around the site. At the end of the book it gives parents recommendations for books and websites based on each chapter for futher exploration into the topic.
I LOVED this book. There were some chapters that I just couldn't put down the book. This is a very interesting topic to me and I enjoyed reading about it. I think that every parent who has a teenager should read this book and be informed about what their child is doing if they have a MySpace page or even online for that matter. Not even just teenagers, children as young as ten years old are on MySpace. Parents can not just assume that since their child is an athlete, getting straight A's, or has good friends that they can not be enticed by all of the adds or peer pressure on MySpace. The author is a teacher and has surveyed many young teens about MySpace. The teens quotes throughout the book was a real eye opener. Again, this is a great book!
I give this book the highest rating you could give it. On goodreads that is 5 stars. Many of the quotes or things taken from actual teens MySpace pages was a real surprise for me and I already knew a lot of things that were happening on MySpace with children. This book is for parents, but I also think that teachers should read this as well to become aware of some of the things our students are doing online at night and why their MySpace is so important to them.
This book is all about MySpace and how to talk to your child about their MySpace. Each chapter brings up important issues that are happening on MySpace and how to talk to your child about these issues. There were key chapters that I really liked. Addicted to MySpace was a chapter on why teens are on for hours and hours and what they do on their MySpace. Pimped Out is another chapter that explains what it means for each student to create their special look for MySpace. KPC (Keeping Parents Clueless) is all about the hidden codes children use to talk to each other on IM that parents don't know. The "Thanks for the Add" chapter was all about the gossip, popularity, and friends on MySpace. Wired and Ruthless was a chapter that gave me ideas to give to my counselors for topics for upcoming Family Advocacy Lessons. This chapter was all about cyberbullying, what to All of the chapters gave parents ideas about how to approach their child about opening the lines of communication, which I found could be very useful. At the end of some chapters it also gave the parents an assignment to work on based on the chapter. It also walks the parent through step by step in the beginning to create a MySpace and explore around the site. At the end of the book it gives parents recommendations for books and websites based on each chapter for futher exploration into the topic.
I LOVED this book. There were some chapters that I just couldn't put down the book. This is a very interesting topic to me and I enjoyed reading about it. I think that every parent who has a teenager should read this book and be informed about what their child is doing if they have a MySpace page or even online for that matter. Not even just teenagers, children as young as ten years old are on MySpace. Parents can not just assume that since their child is an athlete, getting straight A's, or has good friends that they can not be enticed by all of the adds or peer pressure on MySpace. The author is a teacher and has surveyed many young teens about MySpace. The teens quotes throughout the book was a real eye opener. Again, this is a great book!
I give this book the highest rating you could give it. On goodreads that is 5 stars. Many of the quotes or things taken from actual teens MySpace pages was a real surprise for me and I already knew a lot of things that were happening on MySpace with children. This book is for parents, but I also think that teachers should read this as well to become aware of some of the things our students are doing online at night and why their MySpace is so important to them.
May 24, 2008
"Your teen is just an overgrown cat (who makes a lot more of a mess)."
or at least that is one of the descriptions Candice M. Kelsey applies to today's average teen in her book Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence (her reason for making that particular comparison is that both teens and cats tend to operate on their own terms and schedules when it comes to sitting in laps and purring~or whatever it is teens do~i prefer my cats). So why am i reading this particular book you may well ask, and i'm not sure i have the answer to that question other than just a little quality control on my collection, or keeping up with the medium, or something, sometimes i just pick something up and read it and then it's read~guess some of us bibliophiles are like that at times.
Anyway, this is a great book for parents, or anyone who has to deal with today's teenagers (or pre-teenagers, or pre-pre-teenagers, for that matter.) Kelsey is the co-founder of a private high school in California where she teaches English, (she is also a mother) and is constantly embroiled in her students MySpace dramas. Although she is definitely not soft on the dangers of online social networking (and predators exist not only of the sexual variety, but in marketing and advertising bigwigs after that ever-lucrative teen demographic, and in the rather naive vulnerability of the teens themselves~though they often see themselves as more savvy than adults~and in some ways they may be. What Kelsey offers is practical and timely advise on how to navigate the "MySpace" world to experience it for yourself and then she offers you talking points and ways to approach your teen so that they might actually hear what you are saying (and talk to you, as well...)
or at least that is one of the descriptions Candice M. Kelsey applies to today's average teen in her book Generation MySpace: Helping Your Teen Survive Online Adolescence (her reason for making that particular comparison is that both teens and cats tend to operate on their own terms and schedules when it comes to sitting in laps and purring~or whatever it is teens do~i prefer my cats). So why am i reading this particular book you may well ask, and i'm not sure i have the answer to that question other than just a little quality control on my collection, or keeping up with the medium, or something, sometimes i just pick something up and read it and then it's read~guess some of us bibliophiles are like that at times.
Anyway, this is a great book for parents, or anyone who has to deal with today's teenagers (or pre-teenagers, or pre-pre-teenagers, for that matter.) Kelsey is the co-founder of a private high school in California where she teaches English, (she is also a mother) and is constantly embroiled in her students MySpace dramas. Although she is definitely not soft on the dangers of online social networking (and predators exist not only of the sexual variety, but in marketing and advertising bigwigs after that ever-lucrative teen demographic, and in the rather naive vulnerability of the teens themselves~though they often see themselves as more savvy than adults~and in some ways they may be. What Kelsey offers is practical and timely advise on how to navigate the "MySpace" world to experience it for yourself and then she offers you talking points and ways to approach your teen so that they might actually hear what you are saying (and talk to you, as well...)
May 22, 2012
This book was outdated very shortly after it was published. Not being an "insider" on the internet, the author misses a bunch of nuances. I.E. MySpace is for musicians nowadays, Livejournal attracts the writers, Blogger is for pretty much everyone else and has a heavy arts and crafts following, etc. Mixed in with what seems like Internet for Dummies is a few interesting observations on the nature of social networking and youth in the era of the internet. The book could easily cut its last few chapters-- which are, frankly, a little alarmist-- and be a better book for it. I would read chapters one to six and skip the last four, since the last four chapters have little useful information in them.
I think much of the author's suggestions regarding internet guidelines are also unrealistic, clinging to a different age. Communication through social networking and over the internet is now a valid form of communication, not something to be guarded against at all costs. Internet guidelines and restrictions are a little silly. Basically, a parent's job needs to be the internet version of teaching your kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Banning your child from the internet or restricting them from using it is foolish, in my humble opinion. You're only crippling them socially in the future, since the internet is where so many social interactions take place.
In short, outdated book, some useful information, academically interesting.
I think much of the author's suggestions regarding internet guidelines are also unrealistic, clinging to a different age. Communication through social networking and over the internet is now a valid form of communication, not something to be guarded against at all costs. Internet guidelines and restrictions are a little silly. Basically, a parent's job needs to be the internet version of teaching your kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Banning your child from the internet or restricting them from using it is foolish, in my humble opinion. You're only crippling them socially in the future, since the internet is where so many social interactions take place.
In short, outdated book, some useful information, academically interesting.
January 15, 2008
This is more for people (parents?) who don't really know what Myspace is... I found it interesting though. I would recommend flipping through it at the bookstore if you have time to kill.
July 7, 2008
gives good insight into how teens think right now and how this electronic age (texting, IMing, MySpace) is their social network - love it or hate it.
December 5, 2008
I'm interested in this book because the Archdiocese thinks this topic is so taboo!
Read
April 3, 2010Interesting stuff, helpful in protecting kids.
September 1, 2016
while the author is not anti-myspace, I was left feeling unnerved and depressed about American society in general and the state of our teenagers' moral compass specifically
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