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Letters: Facebook: From PR tool to crime
Without too much argument, I'm sure we all agree that Facebook has become a very powerful tool, from relationships, event promotion, businesses, up to the start of the criminal acts we have seen lately
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ithout too much argument, I'm sure we all agree that Facebook has become a very powerful tool, from relationships, event promotion, businesses, up to the start of the criminal acts we have seen lately. Surely we have not forgotten the tragedy experienced by two teenagers who were the victims of "abduction".
It all started with Facebook. The Jakarta Post (Feb. 11) writes that MNT from Sidoarjo met Ari from Tangerang through Facebook five months ago. Later, MNT, who is only 14 years old, was reported missing along with Ari, an 18-year-old boy. MNT was found two days later and was confirmed to have had sexual intercourse with Ari, her boyfriend, who was accused of kidnapping her. Ari has been charged with allegedly taking away a child without the parents' consent.
The rise of similar cases behind Facebook friendships is basically an old story. People know people from various Internet websites. In fact, social networking through the virtual world is one of the technological advances that are not entirely harmful; it all depends on the users of these websites and the purpose behind it. As a public relations practitioner, the Internet is such a powerful tool: we all know we can practically get any information we want.
So for parents to forbid their children to socialize via the Internet is not the best solution. The world is rapidly changing and all of us must learn and embrace these changes. Since Facebook is for everyone, parents can start their own Facebook accounts to establish a relationship with their children.
This not only allows the parents to monitor and control their children's activities in cyberspace, but the children would love to see mom's teenage photos or know dad's favorite soccer player . have fun with it!
It creates a positive impression and respect not only to the children, but to their friends as well. This is what I call PR-ing yourself. Without realizing it, you become a PR executive for you and your family.
Syandra Kwan
Jakarta
