Teen's tips for avoiding MySpace dorkiness

Web Culture/Social Networks/Myspace/Soumya Srinagesh
Found on: news.com

During a House of Representatives hearing last week, politicians discussed the strengths and flaws of social-networking sites and are now considering legislation that would restrict the use of these sites in public schools.

As much as I love MySpace.com and would detest restrictions for its use, I will concede that social networks are only as strong as the people who comprise them. So here are my five rules for using MySpace. I hope you all consider them--yes pink_Sparkle_fairy and sk8erPrincess246, I am talking to you.

Rule No. 1
If you don't know people, don't assume you can trust them. Before I confirm friend requests from strangers, I think to myself, "Why would strangers choose to be my friend over the Internet?" Probably not because they want to invite me over to eat ice cream and watch "Friends" reruns.

Many strange MySpacers are 40-year-old perverts or prepubescent boys; if you suspect the former, alert an authority figure. If it's the latter, run to your doctor and make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date (just kidding, sort of).