Students respond to the web cam craze

The web cam scene is a fast-growing craze that is taking the Internet by storm. So, what do Concordia students think about the web cam craze?
“It seems like it’s kind of stupid,” says Junn Josef, a 20-year-old finance student. “Why would you put your life out to the public unless you want the attention? It is dangerous because there’s a lot of stalkers out there. You never know what people are capable of.”
Her linguistics counterpart is in full agreement. “I think it’s gross,” replies Tanya. “I think it’s a way for men to look at women, and it’s perverse. It’s just an expansion of Internet porn.”
Matt, a 20-year-old psychology student, does not agree. “I think if people want to do it, it’s perfectly fine. I don’t see what the point of this is. For me, this is really really weird.” Nevertheless, he admits that web-camming does have a purpose. “I guess it provides entertainment in a sick society. If Survivor or Big Brother can be popular, then this is a natural next step.”
Many other students testify that web cams have some advantages. Margharita Nehme, a 27-year-old psychology student, whose father is in Kuwait, brother is in Australia, and cousins are in Mexico one of whom had a little baby girl, is for web cam use. “It really makes the world much smaller,” she smiles. “It’s one of the greatest inventions, but people shouldn’t abuse it.
Lana Chackal, a 21-year-old English literature student, agrees. “The good thing is that you don’t have to take time scanning pictures. You just have it right there. Also if a friend of yours hasn’t seen you in a long time, you just take a picture and send it.”
Stelios Togias, a 24-year-old Masters student in public policy and public administration, also acknowledges the interactive element of web-camming. “There’s communication involved and openness. However, I don’t think it’s any more competent as a tool of communication than a telephone or email or fax.”
Matt does, however, see at least one disadvantage of the web cam craze: the possibility of attracting sex offenders. In addition, to attracting perverts and pedophiles, some students are disturbed by the under age issue. Johnathan Mina, a 22-year old English literature and liberal arts student, believes that young children are in danger. “Parents have trouble controlling what their kids watch on TV. Can you imagine how it would be on the Internet? We already have problems with web pedophiles. Can you imagine web cams?”
Meanwhile, Mark McKenna, a 19-year-old English literature and history student, is concerned with how web cam sites can leave girls vulnerable. The disadvantages for him are “obviously getting into contact with the wrong person or giving out too much information.”
Aware of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the web cam craze, many students are not interested in starting up their own sites. Ming-Te Cheng, a 22-year-old computer engineering student, is one of them. “No,” he laughs. “No way. I’ve gotta have my privacy.”