MySpace requires only basic information to create and maintain a user account. But as you cruise around the site, you'll notice that most users—especially teens—add a great deal of detail and personality. The more information they share, of course, the more information they're giving out to the general public, which is why in Chapter 5, we advise parents to remind teens to be very careful about the type of information they put out there. To add to your profile, click the Edit Profile link in the blue box in the top-left corner of your home page Figure 3.

The popular MySpace site isn't first teen fad to generate fear and doubt from the media and politicians. This Wired News photo gallery reminds us of past cultural backlashes. View Slideshow Last December, a mischievous student used a home computer to create an account on the social networking site MySpace bearing the name and likeness of his school principal, Eric Trosch. The profile the Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Hickory High School student bestowed on his principal was not kind.

The increasing popularity and widespread use of the Internet has made it an emerging venue for delivering health-related messages and interventions. The current study explored the potential for using social networking sites SNS , specifically MySpace, to connect youth to sexual health services. Surveys and focus groups with youth aged 14—19 living in low-income communities in California revealed high levels of overall Internet access, frequent use of SNS, and experience in searching for health information online. Interviews with clinic staff highlighted the successes and challenges of using MySpace as part of their outreach efforts.