2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

The killer’s next victim, Jodie, is targeted when she wrote a tribute to Angie on her MyJournal page. Was there a case to be made to leave that page open after her death or was this a law enforcement misstep by not shutting it down immediately?

I think they should have shut it down. Or at the very least, monitored it so that as soon as someone started posting, they then could shut it down. All they did was give the killer more info.

I was surprised they didn’t think to shut it down, too. It would make sense if they were monitoring it but since they weren’t it had no business staying up.

It made sense to me that the police would want to track who accessed the page. However, they should have done a better job monitoring it.

Agreed. I don't know who (in real life) would have the kind of influence these young girls need to learn how dangerous it would be to do these things on social media.

We who are older are worried about having our identities, our tax refunds, and other tangible things stolen. I know my own mother would have refused to let me have access to this stuff, and I couldn't lie to her in a convincing way. In part, at least, I'm thankful for my parents' vigilance, even though I thought they cramped my style.... Now I worry about my grandchildren.

Charlene wrote: "Now I worry about my grandchildren. ."

To a certain extent, it is more difficult for parents today to know what their kids are up to on-line. Kids have so many more options with secret groups on Facebook and Whatsapp. Parents really need to be more vigilant.

It’s really, really tough, especially with apps that mask themselves as something else.

There are so many "what ifs" here. I can see why they left it up and, with the nature of Angie's posts, I can see why they should have taken it down. I don't think Carina thought that her friends would post what they did. I agree that it should have been monitored better.

I was surprised at the messages they posted. I get that they wanted to honor her but this helped nothing.

I'm torn on this one as it's easy to make a case for both sides. I don't think Carina & the police could have foreseen what these girls did...seriously dumb. Unfortunately, it's definitely a sign of the times today. And also showcases how invincible young people appear to think they are today.

Well said, Sandra.

My "baby" is turning 41 in July and her oldest brother will be 50 in September. And I thought parenting our children was a challenge before cell phones and the internet. Of course, temptation and feeling invincible -- and making stupid choices -- was present since there were first teenagers, I assume (and why stop with that age group, ha).

Our sons are between 39-44 and I remember my mom saying how much more difficult it was for me over what she had to deal with. So I imagine each generation has difficulties. But it does seem really scary in today’s world.

All generations have unique challenges for sure. The biggest difference today, imo, is technology - which allows these sicko's much easier access to potential victims and affords them the info to track them down...even when they think they're posting "anonymously". It's very scary. In my generation, the bad guy had to physically cross paths with the victim in some way for them to get on their radar.

This book was written some time ago and may have been prescient in this storyline with the online site being a major factor in some of these women’s deaths.

I agree, Sandra. Before social media, the bad guy would need to make physical contact with you in some way. Now he can stalk you through your social media history.

One of our sons is still single and I worry that he will get together with a crazy. Although I have to admit, social media can be a good thing. My youngest son met his wife in a chat room!