By Neena Strichart
Although I do not claim to be an Internet expert, I do enjoy my time on the computer. Whereas I used to spend a little quiet time playing Solitaire or another game on my laptop, I now find myself surfing the Web instead. Facebook is a new thing for me. I recently learned how to chat online but have only indulged a time or two. I find it a bit awkward, as I don’t know how to politely cut short the “conversation,” so instead I just email most of the time.
Getting back to Facebook— I like keeping up with the folks who are designated as “friends” on my page even though most of them are really more in the category of “colleagues.” I plan to set up a separate account for actual friends and family since I’m sure my colleagues aren’t interested in what’s happening with those folks— and vice versa.
One of the people I have chatted with on Facebook is our contributing writer Athena Mekis. She is still studying abroad. Being that she is so far from home, I know that her computer has been a comfort, as it is a tether of communication to her loved ones in the US.
Earlier this week Miss Mekis posted an interesting comment on her page regarding the Internet. Although I haven’t experienced the World Wide Web as she has, I do believe her comments deserve repeating, as some of you may find her words informative. With that said, I offer you the following:
About once a day for the last week, I have come across advertisements with men and women committing sexual acts. These ads are being posted, on individuals’ (not businesses) websites.Â
I approve of Net freedom, including porn on the Web, but I disagree with sex ads on non-pornographic websites. I don’t mind textual ads.
If an individual enters a clearly posted pornographic website, that should be legal, but if an individual is surfing the web, they should not be subjected to such advertisements.Â
My opinion gets muddled because I would not disapprove of alcohol or marijuana being advertised, but I do disapprove of sex ads. And I am aware that sex advertisers may be the only current businesses willing to pay website creators to place ads on their website. Even so, I still disapprove.Â
This topic increases my interest in media law, but I would like some discussion, criticism or support, in order to fine-tune my opinion.Â
After some discussion [with others], I have come to the conclusion that the current mode of Net neutrality is not at stake by discussing pornographic images and “permission” pages in a court of law.Â
The permission pages will alert individuals about sexual images before an individual enters the website, but they will not stop an individual from entering the website.
The idea of “permission” pages is simple and keeps regulation on the individual and his or her website.
