Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this sports social networking site has a ton of advertising that's presented as content. Many of the communities are based around brands (mostly clothing and sports equipment), and companies sponsor events, contests, and athletes who showcase their products. Users can register to create a profile, which can include photos and videos; those who say they're under 18 are asked to provide a parent's email address. Some of the profiles contain suggestive photos, profanity, and sexual comments, but most are fine.
Families can talk about Internet safety with social networking sites. Our Top Ten Tips for Kids for Viral Media is a great resource, but these questions should get the conversation started: What information should you include in your profile? What should you leave out? How do you know if you can trust someone enough to make them a "friend" so they have access to your private information? What can you do if you feel like someone is bullying you or wants to meet you in person?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Susan Yudt
Launched in November 2007, LOOPD.COM is a social networking site for athletes and fans...and the companies that want to make money off them. Fans can connect with each other, keep up with their favorite (mostly extreme) sports stars, enter contests, and share content. Athletes can showcase their skills through videos, photos, and event stats in the hopes of snagging sponsorship from one or more of the site's many partners. Communities are organized around sports, individual athletes, and brands; each is like a microsite with a distinct look. Users who aren't turned off by the relentless advertising will appreciate the site's cool videos and sophisticated design.
Extreme sports fans might also like the social networking site Go211.com.
Reviewed: 01/15/2008
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Sexual ContentSome photos of women in skimpy suits; sexual comments like "will she f--k me gently?" and "I want to ride it." Many -- if not most -- of the profiles are clean. |
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LanguageProfanity in some profiles and comments, including variations on "f--k." |
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Social BehaviorVaries. Some members keep it clean ("good luck!", "cool profile"), while others' sexual comments set a creepy vibe. |
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CommercialismRampant, including sponsored content, communities based around brands, and banner ads. |
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