When we were assigned to come up with a research topic dealing with media, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to focus on. As I thought of the world we live in today and how involved adolescents are in social networking and the internet, I immediately thought of cyberbullying. Social networking is a place where many people express their thoughts and feelings as well as staying in contact with friends from the past. It is also a place where people can say whatever they want, to whomever they want. When bullies use social networking to pick on someone, the results may not be immediate however if they have blackmail or anything they are able to spread it faster and to more people.
As I began my research, I had a broad idea of what I wanted to write my paper on, but I didn't know what specific aspect to focus on. I found an article that dealt with online predators and how they come in contact with teenagers on chat rooms. When I read this article I remembered a show that I had seen that was about police setting up fake accounts and trapping these offenders. The police pretended they were teenagers and would tell the predators when to come over. Instead of meeting the teenager at the house, the police would be inside waiting to catch them. This topic really interested me, but I wasn't sure where exactly I would go with that.
The other topic that I was able to come up was, How has cyberbullying affected suicide among teens? As I began research on this topic I was able to find more reliable sources and information, so I am leaning more towards this topic. I was also able to find several personal stories that really hit home with me and made me more excited to research this topic. As I have been on facebook and other social networks I have seen small acts of bullying. Although these instances haven't led to suicide, I know that it is possible and it has happened many times around the world. The internet can be a very good tool, but when used for the wrong reasons it can be very harmful.
I think the topic idea is really cool and I think its awesome that you found that articles on police officers trapping offenders. I never knew they did that and I'll be interested to read what you researched if you choose this one. As for the second topic, I also find it very interesting. It is so sad to hear stories in which someone has taken their own life as a result of cyber bulling. Good luck in which ever topic you have chosen. I think they are both great!
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