While MySpace is one of the most popular social networking sites on the Internet there is the potential for cyberbullying and other types of conduct on the site just as on any other site. This shouldn’t discourage you from using and enjoying the site; however, it is important to learn what you should do if you discover you have become the victim of any such behavior on MySpace.

 

If you find that someone is pretending to be you on the site there are definite steps you can take to correct the problem. (Note; this is purely heresay, we haven't tried this ourselves) - MySpace recommends that you send them what is known as a ‘salute’ if you discover that someone is pretending to be you. In order to send the salute you will need to take a picture of yourself holding a handwritten sign with MySpace.com written on it. Your Friend ID will also need to be on the sign. This information can be found in the web address/URL on your profile; immediately at the end. This salute will then allow MySpace.com to remove the profile that is using your identify without your permission. Remember that you will need to include the web address/URL to the questionable profile when you send the salute to MySpace. Also, remember to include your email address if you do not have a profile on MySpace rather than your Friend ID.

Concerned that someone may have compromised your account? This could be the problem if you find that you cannot log in and things on your site look different. The first step that should be taken is to try and retrieve your password for your account through the Password Retrieval Tool for MySpace. After you have your password you should then be able to log into your account and change the password to your account. For added security make sure that the password for your account is not the same password that you use for your email account. The next step is to check to be sure that someone did not leave a comment on your page that could have changed the page.

If you find that you are not able to log into your account at all and you cannot receive the password for your account you will then need to send a salute (as described above) to MySpace. This will allow MySpace to verify that you are in fact the owner of the profile. Be sure that you do not post the salute in any public place.

For problems with someone harassing, bugging or bullying you on MySpace the best course of action is generally to do nothing at all. Most cyberbullies will eventually leave you alone if you simply ignore them. Since most bullies feed off the reactions they incite they will move on if you do not provide them with any fodder. You can also remove the person who is bullying you from your Friend List and this will prevent them from being able to add comments to your profile page. It’s also important to make sure that you delete any comments that person has left on your profile page as well as any messages they may have sent you through the MySpace Mail System-make sure you do not open the messages. For changes that may have been made to your page without your permission, you will need to ‘clean’ up the page by removing any HTML that might have been added by the other person. This can be done by simply deleting it.

Of course, if you ever feel that you are being threatened you should contact the authorities.