Why Myspace Is Really Everybody's

The name is deceiving. It seems inviting. It looks intriguing. It feels private. It’s not. I admit to having a bit of a Myspace addiction. If the world thought email was the end of personalized interaction, they have yet to venture into this new solar system of cyber space. Calling a friend to make plans is a thing of the past. Simply post a message on his or her “wall:” Happy hour tonight?! You better be there! Love ya! I use Myspace to stay connected with my current friends and to reconnect with long-lost ones. When I meet new people (in person), I’m always excited to discover that they’re on Myspace too. There is, however, a group of people whose participation on this website does not make me happy: service members!

My mother always told me: don’t put anything in writing that you’re not willing to share with the world. Forget “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Don’t type, don’t post! This foray for good times and casual interaction has become a huge problem for gay service members. There is a false sense of privacy that exists and encourages Myspacers to open up and provide detailed information about their lives. Bad idea. Even if you don’t specify that you’re gay next to the “orientation” classification, pictures of you with your same sex partner, holding hands, kissing, wearing veils…well, let’s just say it. A picture’s worth a thousand words. So, this is my plea to all of you service members out there. If you can’t bear to part with your Myspace account (I can commiserate), restrict it, take down any incriminating photos, monitor the postings on your wall. You don’t want to end your career over some extracurricular fun. Just a little tip from my space to yours.

- Erin Turner