The Morality Meter

A new tool helps teens navigate the complex world of social networking.


Sexting. Snooping. Obsessive messaging. Is it too much?

MTV has created a new online site called "Over the Line?" aimed at helping "young people draw their own line between digital use and digital abuse."

Teens can log on and anonymously share their experiences "about how cell phones and social networking sites are impacting their social lives." They can also vote on whether a scenario is "over the line," says MTV. "My boyfriend reads my texts whenever I'm out of the room, and gets mad at me for talking to any guys that aren't him," one user wrote. "This girl bullied me and kept sending me very harsh texts...and got everyone to hate me," wrote another, asking "Is this over the line?"

According to an MTV/Associated Press poll, 50 percent of 14 to 24 year-olds have encountered some form of digital abuse, including cyberbullying and sexting. Jason Rzepka, MTV's vice president of public affairs told ABC News that he wants teens to have "productive conversations" about what is acceptable behavior and what isn't, by using "Over the Line?" Think of it, Rezpka said, as a "morality meter."

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