MySpace is an online community composed of free personal profiles foremostly aimed at a younger member. A MySpace profile generally includes a digital photo and detailed information on personal interests. The level of detail included in the profile is the user and submitted voluntarily. MySpace policy requires that users be at least 14 years to join. Members regularly send each other messages and "network" or socialize within the community MySpace.
The format of MySpace, it is easy for anyone to submit profile information, even if they have little experience online. Although the area has proved to be very popular, reportedly hosting over 60 million profiles, he also shot. The problem is that the vast majority of MySpace May be too inexperienced to realize the potential danger of posting personal information online. Some profiles do not contain only an image, but the user name and surname, place and details such as music and food.
This information allows a predator easily target and befriend a victim.MySpace Members can also choose to fill out "the investigation." The survey asks questions such as if the member has never had sex by immersing lean, smoked, drank alcohol or taken drugs. The members of this post to MySpace expect their profiles to be read by young people of their age, explaining the answers often suggestive and innuendo typical adolescent bravado. The provocation or not, MySpace profiles provide a "protected" hunting ground where potential predators may choose, stalk and befriend victims, ever seen. Strengthened by a multitude of personal information, the predator can easily handle the potential victim into a false sense of security and knowledge while deform entirely through its own false profile. Although prohibited by the Internet, false profiles are virtually impossible to prevent in this context.
In some cases, members of MySpace to show when requested. For example, in February 2006, CBS reported that a 14-year-old girl was approached for sex if MySpace by Robert Wise, a 38-year-old man. Wise was later arrested when police took the girl while the identity of Wise, without knowing it, has continued to seek sex.
MySpace other members were not so lucky. Several reports from the four corners of the USA have established an Internet link for children who were either murdered or have disappeared. Just before 14 years, Judy Cajuste of New Jersey was assassinated in January 2006, the girl apparently told friends that she had met a man in his twenties through MySpace. Similarly, 15, Kayla Reed of Northern California would have been an active member of MySpace, until the day she disappeared on December 2, 2005. His body was found seven weeks later, the victim of murder.
Although the connection of these and many other reports on MySpace May only be a coincidence, the implication is troubling. Because of growing concerns in April 2006, MySpace announced it is beginning to make announcements aimed at educating its users. The banners are part of a larger campaign that began in 2004, initiated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In addition, with effect from 1 May 2006, Hemanshu Nigan, a former federal prosecutor specializing in child exploitation, began to oversee the Security Division of MySpace. Nigan previously worked for Microsoft Corporation, the IT development strategies to better protect children.
In line despite security strategies, parents are well advised to take an active role in protecting their children online predators. For tips, see How can children use MySpace Safely?
