The Cyber Effect: A Pioneering Cyberpsychologist Explains How Human Behavior Changes Online by Mary Aiken. Her 2016 book addresses not only the dark side of the internet, but human behaviors changed as a result of a new online addiction: smartphones and tablets. A key element throughout the book addresses the addiction of adults/parents to their own devices and how this has changed basic family structures.
Above all, do we want the internet to allow an eight year old child to purchase a bottle of vodka? Mary makes a strong argument regarding how the impact of internet access and online behavior impacts children. To this end, internet addiction begins earlier in life, around eight years of age after exposure beginning at two years of age.
The Cyber Effect also outlines without proper parental controls (consent is another issue) children often find themselves in very vulnerable online chats, group meetings and even gaming clubs. They are curious about many things in life. Google search is presenting rather shocking images and videos to young children.
There are larger issues to address. There is no version of Google Chrome for children. No chance to block search results for drugs, violence, pornography or other adult topics for children under 13.
Again, children are curious about a lot of issues and talk at school about those same subjects. However, at school CIPA guidelines restrict access to those search results above. But many children were connected to home computers during the pandemic, on weekends and over summer.
In addition, the number of children under 13 using fake IDs to gain access to Twitter and Facebook is concerning. Documented throughout the book reveals how predators lurk on social media to snare children. This is a must read book for parents of young children.
Meanwhile, Mary shares configuring a default home computer to protect children is sorely needed. The Slender Man trial in Waukesha Wisconsin is suitably discussed by Mary.
There is no better example why parents should not permit their children to keep their computer in their bedroom behind a closed/locked door. However there is little to protect children, and others including adults are easily duped online. Large technology companies reap millions in profit from sharing personal information.
At the same time children are engaging schoolmates and surfing the internet for a variety of reasons, some positive, but many negative. This calls into question why is this permitted in the first place?
Internet content is basically created by adults for adults. This remains a problem. And yet, anyone can have a fake ID and get full access to a favorite fetish.
Overall, the social impact of online behavior as outlined is maybe the most amazing change in human society. Worse yet, there is nothing addressing accountability on the internet.
However Mary does not seem very technically savvy. Seriously, this book could do without hints on how to make a favorable dating photograph:
• Wear a dark color.
• Post a head-to-waist shot.
• Make sure the jawline has a shadow
• Don’t obstruct the eyes (no sunglasses).
• Don’t be overtly sexy.
• Smile and show your teeth.
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Above all, these suggestions undermines the impact of her work. Let the shallow end of the pool (as Mary suggests many times in the book) give pop culture advice.
