Part II: The Truth Revealed. Internet and Social Networking Facts.

The Truth Revealed: Part II

Introduction

Part I

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Why Kids and Teens Need An Alternative to Social Networking Sites Created By Adults For Adults

To Avoid A Culture That Promotes Slavery, The Sexual Solicitation of Minors And Devalues Humanity

Many online sites and social networking communities haven't been able to monetize their businesses into the black.  According to USA Today, Facebook after five years, has apparently just started making money mainly through games and applications. Myspace reportedly loses millions.   Relying on mere fractions of pennies to monetize online businesses is a losing battle it seems.

Social media sites have turned to virtual currency to help make money. According to this CNN article, Edward Castronova, a professor of telecommunications at Indiana University says people transfer at least $1 billion into virtual currencies each year.  Businesses are starting to make money. It's the engine of success and longevity.  Because the safety of our members come first, we At Yoursphere.com, needed to insure that we could afford all the safeguards we have in place. Hence, our $39.95 annual or $4.95 monthly membership fee.

The consequence to our kids and teens however, with the inclusion of virtual currency with one particular application, at "Brand B" social networking site, is appalling. They boast of increasing profits 120% .

That particular application at Brand B "OWNED" is repugnant and heinous. I want to believe this is a "tongue-in-cheek" application, and surely they don't really mean harm, but take away the computer and this activity would be illegal and referred to as:

1. Sexual Solicitation of Minors

2. Slavery (sounds dramatic I agree, but look at the evidence. You tell me.)

And by highlighting "Over 1.7 Million People Sold Today!"  I don't want to be a part of a culture where people are bought and sold...and my kids and yours?  How dare a company profit by devaluing humanity, life, our children.

Where on earth is it okay for kids to be bought and sold? Yet online, it's a business of economics and monetization.

If you then visit the above owners profile page, his page showcases those that he owns.  No, that's not a type-o.

A buyer can zero in on a specific age group. In this case, 15- 16 year old girls. I chose not to include the screen shots of the girls who promoted promising to include breast shots to the highest bidder.

Now, after sexualizing them, further negative self-image reinforcement is being monetized by an advertiser, asking these girls (while the model's ribs stand out): Feeling Fat?

What is this teaching our teens? To devalue themselves and others?  Each and every one of our children deserve to have their positive interests, talents and aspirations supported. Not this.

Sexual orientation isn't the issue. The issue is this social media community promotes a culture that encourages kids to post risque photos in an effort to increase their purchase price. Then you can promote yourself and have status in the community based on how much you were bought for, or who you own. Troubling.

Please don't run and unplug your computer or eliminate internet access for your children. Instead use your knowledge to spread the word and create positive change for our all our children. We have to do this together.

I hope you can understand my commitment to creating a safety-first social media community for kids and teens. One that focuses on providing a place to support their positive talents, interests and aspirations while protecting them from this harmful culture. It really, truly, is unacceptable.  Shame on "Brand B".

I also hope the facts that I reveal in this series help you understand why I've committed myself, (including the entire Yoursphere.com team) to changing the environment our kids socially network in. As well, why I've decided to become an advocate for parent education and involvement regarding social media participation and the Internet.

Read Part I in this series: The Truth Revealed. Internet and Social Networking Facts

I'll keep you informed about Part III in this series.

Best. Mary Kay Hoal

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