The Internet is a forum intended to break inhibitions in networking, communication and both intellectual and creative freedoms. It is readily accessible through multiple devices by people of any economic status.
The inventions of the smartphone, 4G connections and cell phone cameras have brought regular people into the world of photojournalists. Posting amateur pictures of food, clothing and one's daily routine is a focal point of social networking.
But do we have too much freedom?
No doubt "inspired" by the infamous adult film series "Girls Gone Wild," members of social networking and media sites like Reddit, Tumblr and Twitter have created a "Gone Wild" movement.
Average men and (mostly) women use collective sites to publish explicit and anonymous photos of themselves.
ASU students have gained attention recently for an ASU-centric "Gone Wild" branch on Twitter. After only being active for a week, the account has amassed dozens of picture submissions and more than 2,000 followers.
First, I'll play the bad guy.
This kind of behavior is extremely irresponsible. Even if it grants "anonymity," it's only relative anonymity. Individuals are still recognizable from clothing, locations and facial features, if shown.
Just as people are still held responsible for what they post on Facebook and Twitter, photos of this nature can put people severely at risk. Information that is posted on the Internet leaves a footprint that never completely goes away. Pictures can be downloaded, saved and reposted by anyone. The danger is staggering.
Furthermore, because images are posted anonymously, it becomes impossible to verify the age of the subjects in photos. It may be directed to and from college students, but being of age or an ASU student is not necessarily verifiable in this context. Browsers of "Gone Wild" sites could unknowingly view underage softcore pornography.
This is an inherent problem with the "Gone Wild" phenomenon. The anonymity factor creates allure and encourages posting, but it puts the viewer in danger.
While the Internet can be regulated to a certain extent, there will always be exceptions. When people desire expression, they often find a way through the Internet.
This wave of new connectivity may be shocking and unusual to some, but as far as I'm concerned, it was only a matter of time before social networking was used for amateur nude photography.
Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S. that keeps the Internet running. It has become embedded in American life, and adult models and performers are held in high esteem in certain circles.
Does it surprise anyone that people secretly want to be just like adult models?
We might not want to admit it, but porn stars and nude models are icons in American culture. The "Gone Wild" movement is just an admission by college students — sex is important, and we want everyone to know, damn it.
Do I condone this Twitter account and its attempt to focus on a lack of inhibitions for partying, beautiful women and obvious disregard for self-respect as a student body? Not really. But it's good for a laugh. Mostly, I'm just scared I'm going to see someone I know. But I can't say this is a proud moment for the University.
Reach the columnist at mschan1@asu.edu or follow him at @MorganSukotto
