Buffy and the Internet

Everyday millions of people click open a browser and explore the world of online social networking.  Checking e-mails, facebook, MySpace, and online dating websites have become routine for many, especially the young technologically savvy generation.  It is not uncommon to have the ability to google a person and find out where they live, how old they are, what they look like and what they're interested in.  Although a great deal of this newfound power is beneficial, how much danger comes with it?

Recently in class we viewed an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which had a story line that centered around the dangers of social networking on the Internet.  Although it is beyond farfetched that a horrible monster, who escaped from a book and is wreaking havoc on vulnerable minds  through the school's computer network, is in existence, there is a valid point behind the plot.  The show's writers and producers make viewers question their online choices.  For example, during this particular episode the character Willow becomes involved with a boy named Malcolm over the Internet.  Buffy becomes wary of Malcolm and worries he is not who he says he is.  In the end it turns out that Malcolm is actually a demon who was playing on Willow's insecurities and vulnerabilities to manipulate her for his own benefit.  Naturally, Buffy saves the day and Willow realizes how susceptible one can be when online.  She assumed that since she was telling the truth about herself online, others were doing the same.

This episode of Buffy shows how playing with the Internet is like playing with fire.  There is no proof that a person in a chat room for dog lovers really loves dogs, or that a profile picture on someone's MySpace is actually that person.  Hence a major flaw in the security of the internet and the danger of not having face-to-face communication.  A predator may not be able to steal someone's identity online, but it would not be hard for a predator to lie and manipulate in order to gain power over someone unsuspecting.

Using the Internet is like everything else in life, there are pros and cons.  What is scary is the severity of each.  The Internet is an easy trap for predators to use, and for those not watching their step it is an easy place to become prey.