Web 2.0; Perspective of a Mom

I’m one of those people who isn’t too computer savvy, understanding little about “JavaScript” or “hypertext” or any of these technological terms regarding the internet. So I was a little surprised that I’ve actually been active in utilizing applications of “Web 2.0”. Call me ignorant, but I truly just try to stay afloat when it comes to technology.

Thanks to my Blackberry, which I finally started using this year for purposes of scheduling clients for work (I was addicted to a paper planner; still miss it), I’ve become very attached to Facebook, which is one of my closest experiences with Web 2.0 applications. Perhaps I’m even more out of the loop with the virtual world because my time has been hijacked by my two children, now seven and five.

Because of my children, however, I am forced to consider how Web 2.0 is going to affect my family and our community. As they age and move through the school system, I am seeing more computer usage than I ever would’ve imagined when I was a kid. Even for myself as an adult returning to college, I’m more exposed to social networking and multimedia avenues on the web than I would be otherwise.

After reading about the benefits and criticisms of Web 2.0, I can certainly see where both sides are coming from. Criticisms such as the lack of safety from potential hackers and viruses, the dangers of allowing too much personal information out there and attracting stalkers or identity thieves, the risks to individual or business reputations as a result from an unfair assessment or complaint, the risks of internet addiction and isolation, and the potential for violation of copyrights. These are all valid concerns, and we as a community need to be aware of these risks and utilize applications on the web with caution.

I have particular concerns for my children, when they’re old enough to use such applications on their own. What parent wouldn’t fear a stalker coming after their kids, or worry of their exposure to garbage and the ranting of lunatics in the virtual world? I know plenty of people who believe that something is true simply because it’s on the internet. There needs to be a level of maturity to understand the varied intentions of the masses on the web. This poses an added level of responsibility for me as a parent to make sure my children are educated on the dangers of virtual communication and web surfing.

On the other hand, the benefits are numerous. The possibilities Web 2.0 allow are staggering. I personally love the instant communication I receive through Facebook. Although virtual communication will never replace the warmth of actually hearing the voice of a friend on the telephone, or the bonding you create during a physical visit, it sure is better than nothing when you’re in the middle of a busy day and just want to chitchat for a second. Doing a Google search for directions is so helpful, along with sharing photos on flickr and Facebook, and who doesn’t love YouTube? Having the ability to interact with people around the globe in an instant and to share ideas simply cannot be beat. Thanks to some recent reading that was required by a certain instructor of mine, I discovered yet another Web 2.0 application that blows my mind; Second Life. It’s just amazing to me all one can do with technology these days.

I can’t help but think about what Web 2.0 will bring us several years from now. What will my children be exposed to? It’s both exciting and scary for me as a parent. From a positive perspective, I hope Web 2.0 will offer my kids resources and opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive with unlimited access to information and connections to friends and family. I don’t see a way to stop the progress of this technology, so as a family we just need to make a strong effort to educate ourselves on the potential dangers and use it with caution.