Written by Bri’Aja Lloyd

Earlier this week, a student here at Lincoln High School was publicly embarrassed because she sent a revealing picture to another Lincoln student. Unfortunately for her, pictures were posted to a popular instant messaging site. Though she sent the picture to just one student, it now floats in cyberspace forever.

In high school, it seems that everyone has a MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter page.  Visiting these social networking sites is almost like breathing to young adults at Lincoln High School. In the morning, during passing period, lunchtime, and even during class time, they can be found checking their pages. Although administrators have attempted to block all these time consuming websites, students have made it their business to break the rules and use proxy websites just to check their pages.

Senior, Amos Johnson, said, “I wouldn’t post anything on the internet nowadays, because I don’t want it to interfere with my future career.” As the interview continued, he started to mention how he wouldn’t want any of his bosses to see him in a “sticky” situation.

With technology becoming more and more apart of today’s society, employers have made it their business to check out future employees. No firm wants the face of their company to be someone that drinks and smokes and then has the nerve to put it on the Internet. With that being said, still teens and even adults have put that concern on the backburner and have continued to post these types of photos.

Some employers have made it very clear that they do not tolerate vulgar pictures or videos. Although many people don’t realize the affect posting can have on their everyday lives.

“I posted an away about my ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend, and I got suspended from cheer after she showed our cheer coach”, says sophomore, Emerald McMullen, 15.  She admitted that posting her negative thoughts wasn’t such a good idea, especially after she was punished. But when asked if she would post anything like it again, McMullen answered yes.

In schools all around the world, Facebook and MySpace are beginning to play a major role inside of the schools. Students have taken cyber space to another level. “They aimed me and were calling me all kinds of names,” said a senior here at Lincoln. She told about her experience with girls at her school that had been sending her rude instant messages. The student said that although she really didn’t care, she still thought that cyberspace did help play a role in the situation.

With sites becoming more and more apart of everyday life, it’s complicating our lives as well. Many students are unaware of all the negative aspects that come with posting. Posting lewd photos and status’, can prevent you from getting jobs, and even into college!  For more information about cyber bullying visit www.stopcyberbullying.org