injenuity

Posted by Jennifer on November 18th, 2007 in Uncategorized

Fifteen years ago I was a member of a local, live BBS in Las Vegas. There was a young man who was a very active member, both in the online community and in our live gatherings. He was obviously emotionally vulnerable and could often be seen posting comments about his depression. He asked me out on a date, and I declined, citing our age difference as my excuse. I did go shopping with him once with my younger sister.

One evening he was online posting about his depression and stating that he had a gun and was going to kill himself. Other members goaded him and dared him to do it. One young lady was smart enough to call the authorities. As they pounded on his door, he pulled the trigger. It was too late. What a tragic and senseless loss.

This week there has been a lot of attention focused on the Megan Meir story. I am a mother who has experienced the senseless and preventable loss of a daughter. While mine was only a baby, I understand the grief and need to find an outlet for frustrations as well as an explanation for what went wrong. I sense, from what I have seen and heard in the media, that this battle is going in the wrong direction.

First of all, it is not just children who are emotionally vulnerable. Focusing on children, neglects other populations in need of assistance. As a long-time community moderator, I have experienced the emotional vulnerability of adults on numerous occasions. Whether it manifests in flame wars or in members leaving or being removed from the communities, it is a very real concern and one which affects all community members.

Secondly, mobilizing to petition for regulation and legislation restricting the usage and access to Web technologies is not going to solve the underlying problem. Myspace didn’t exist in 1692 when the actions of a few bored, repressed, teenage bullies led to the brutal executions of at least 20 members of a community. I don’t want to make light of the problem of cyberbullying. It is a real concern, as is the question of whether or not to allow unlimited Web access to emotionally vulnerable populations. I would just like to focus my attention to a concern that I feel is being vastly ignored.

Through the Web, we now have access to unlimited information, resources and people. While this has improved the quality of life for many populations, there are countless individuals who lack the necessary reasoning and critical thinking skills to process this information and make educated decisions. The American education system is criticized for “teaching to the test.” There are multiple sides to this debate, but I think a broader perspective, which includes emphasis on test content, is more productive.

We need more formal education in logic, reasoning and critical thinking skills. Four year college degrees typically require a course in this, but by then, it is too late for many. I believe we need to include these skills in all content areas of our K-12 programs and extend this instruction into workplace training programs. Without education on effective means of processing the constant barrage of information we face as citizens, many of us will likely end up as bullies or victims of bullying. I personally feel it is irresponsible to bring technology into to the classroom and simply block content we feel will be harmful or offensive. We must teach these children about the processes that lead us to restrict access. We must show them how to evaluate information and sources. We all need to learn that just because we have the power to do something, doesn’t mean we should do it.

Finally, a little more public education on the theories behind Value Sensitive Design would be more beneficial than enacting federal restrictions on technology. I hope my thoughts are recognized by readers as my personal opinion. I am not a psychologist or an expert. Please do not think I lack empathy for the tragic loss of Megan. I has taken me several days to compose my thoughts into something I feel may benefit others. My heart goes out to her family and the families of victims in similar circumstances.