Student video warns of texting dangers

By: Dave Olson, INFORUM
A video shot by three Minnesota State University Moorhead students has been named a winner in a contest aimed at helping make modern technology safer for young people.

The video titled “Message Sent” is a cautionary tale about what can happen to a very personal image once the “send” button is pushed for a text message.

Adam Brant made the video with two friends, Torrey Halverson and Caroline Stommes, who also acted in the video.

Brant said their reason for entering the contest was twofold:

“If we can use what we like to do for fun to maybe earn some extra money and spread some good words, then, why not?” Brant said.

The video earned a $500 prize from the Internet Safety for Kids & Family program sponsored by Trend Micro, an international computer security company with U.S. offices in California.

The program’s “What’s Your Story” video contest challenges youths to make positive choices.

The video produced by the MSUM students won in the “using a mobile phone wisely” category.

Brant said there are few safeguards when it comes to protecting privacy on the Internet, and he said one way to prevent problems is to increase awareness of the dangers.

“They (young people) just don’t realize how fast it can spread,” Brant said, referring to electronic information, including images.

“The only way we are able to lower the numbers of this happening is by educating our peers,” he added.

The video can be seen at Trend Micro’s “What’s Your Story?” website.

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