Our three biggest fears

I think one of the reasons there is so much sensationalism around teen internet use is because this phenomenon touches on three of our society's biggest mysteries: teens, sex, and technology. Thus, I have renamed my blog "The Virtual Mystery Tour."

I think it's important for us adults to understand the teen cyberworld without infringing upon it. Teen cyberspace is precious to them because it is relatively confidential and it's been primarily their domain -- it's the secret clubhouse, or the big homemade "do not disturb" sign hung outside their bedroom doors. Teens are the first generation who have grown up with the World Wide Web as an everyday part of their lives. They still deserve some privacy, but that shouldn't stop us from understanding it a little better so that we can understand its appeal.