I came across an article that talked about the new wave in teen dating and how cell phones have become a major factor in the social life of adolescents. Unfortunately some things meant for good can also have an adverse effect. The problem that this article explored is the fact that teens are using cell phones and picture/video message as a way to flirt and send nude files of themselves.

"I've seen everything from your basic striptease to sexual acts being performed," said Reynoldsburg police Detective Brian Marvin, a member of the FBI Cyber Crime Task Force of Central Ohio. "You name it, they will do it at their home under this perceived anonymity."

Please know that this is not something new but with the rise in popularity of sites such as YouTube, MySpace and many other sites that capitalize off user submitted content, the playing field is wide open to exploit such activity. The problem that many people are finding is that teens are becoming more absorbed with image and fame and they utilize these tools as a way to pursue their moment in the limelight. This was the case in the recent attack on the cheerleader in Florida where six girls aged 14-17 years-old lured one unsuspecting girl to a house, held her captive, beat her, video tapped it and put it on YouTube in order to get famous.

Previously, if someone had explicit photos or even a video of someone else, the evidence could be destroyed and erased forever. Now, in a matter of seconds devices allow you to capture video or images and immediately upload them to the internet. The problem with this is the fact that once it's on the net, it's out there forever. There will always be a trail and some sort of way that your files can be uncovered. Yet the generation of today doesn't seem to understand that.



Private matters that used to be kept in the household are now a common occurrence on social networks. As a young boy I remember times when I was told "What happens in our house stays in our house." There was a time when family business was just that, now family business becomes everyone else's because people seem to be obsessed with this so called "internet fame".

There really is no way to stop this from happening; however parents do need to inform their children of the severity of doing something like this. Seeking attention and fame in the wrong way, could come back to haunt you for the rest of your life. It's not just teens doing it either. Lately the rise of celebrity "sex tapes" and captured unacceptable behavior have increased greatly and most of time these are from videos or photos that were captured from a cellular device.

The important thing to remember is that for every action there is a consequence. If its fame you're seeking, you just might find it, but you better believe that someone will find your dirty laundry and will be more than glad to air it for a nice price. 



Aaron Fields writes for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are his.