TL;DR
Sharon G. Flake’s “Terms and Conditions May Apply” is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the potential consequences of social media use and the importance of understanding the fine print. It follows the story of twelve-year-old Genna James, who finds herself in a dangerous situation after accepting the terms and conditions of a social media app without reading them thoroughly.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Writing Background
”Terms and Conditions May Apply” was written during a time of increasing social media usage among youth. Flake, recognizing the need for young people to be aware of the potential risks and responsibilities associated with social media, crafted this novel as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding the terms of service before engaging with online platforms.
Author’s Introduction
Sharon G. Flake was an American author known for her contributions to young adult literature. Her works often explored the experiences of African American youth and she garnered numerous awards for her writing, including the Coretta Scott King Award and the National Book Award.
Key Insights
Throughout the novel, Flake emphasizes several key points:
- The importance of reading and understanding the terms and conditions of any agreement or contract before accepting them.
- The potential dangers of sharing personal information online, especially for young people.
- The need for parents and educators to have open and honest conversations with young people about social media use.
- The importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the digital age.
Chapter Summary
- Chapter 1: Genna James, a twelve-year-old girl, signs up for a new social media app called “ConnectU”. She accepts the terms and conditions without reading them, eager to join her friends on the platform.
- Chapter 2: Genna begins using the app and quickly gains popularity, amassing a large number of followers. However, she soon realizes that the app is tracking her every move and collecting her personal data.
- Chapter 3: Genna discovers that her personal information has been hacked and used to create a fake profile. She is then blackmailed by the hacker, who threatens to release embarrassing photos of her unless she pays a ransom.
- Chapter 4: Genna confides in her parents and the police, who help her to track down the hacker. She learns that the hacker is a former ConnectU employee who has been using the app to exploit young users.
- Chapter 5: The hacker is arrested and Genna’s personal information is recovered. However, the experience has left her shaken and has taught her the importance of being careful about what she shares online.
Conclusion
In the end, Genna realizes that while social media can be a fun and convenient way to connect with others, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. She encourages her friends and readers to always read the terms and conditions before accepting them and to be mindful of what they share online.
Others
”Terms and Conditions May Apply” received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of social media use among youth and its timely message about the importance of privacy and safety. It has been used in schools and libraries to teach students about the responsible use of social media.