Question of the Week - Due 10/24/08

Background:
The Internet makes video available to the world almost instantly. Want to be famous (or notorius)? Just pick up a camcorder or webcam, and load your video to You Tube. You can make or break a reputation for yourself in a few minutes of upload time. Some teens are using You Tube to make a negative reputation for themselves -- brutally beating others so video of the event can be displayed on You Tube, along with bragging rights. Both girls and boys gangs are participating in this new form of exhibitionism. Others are filming themselves performing dangerous stunts.

Here are some links:

http://www.wftv.com/news/15817394/detail.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh9my9Khr64

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cocLxitM-YQ

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/227782

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,347949,00.html

Question:
The allure of infamey on the Internet seems to be inciting violent or dangerous behavior in some teens. Do you agree or disagree? Do you think the ease of posting on the Internet does (or does not) motivate some violent behaviors? What are some of the dangers that may affect us? What should be done about such violence? Is censorship a solution?