Online Chat Rooms and Boards

[sweetycakes]

I don't think forums like this are dangerous at all, if used in the right way.

For many people, especially if they live alone or are housebound, the internet is really the only social interaction they get. And of course boards like these can be used as a witnessing tool. Many people have testified on this particular board how the responses from other users have been beneficial, uplifting and supportive.

If people weren't on the internet, they'd probably only be sat watching TV. At least, online, they get to interact with other, real human beings and swap ideas and fellowship.

Like others have said, the internet, like any other tool, can be used either for good or bad. It depends on how you apply it.

But if it is there (which it is).....why not use it for good?.....instead of letting the devil have all the control?

Now, regarding kids using the internet.......yes, certain precautions should be taken. This is easier said than done, I know.

I recently caught our Jessica (10), talking online in one of the chatrooms that kids frequent.......and she was claiming to be 13! The point being that they are inclined to put themselves at risk, without realising it. So parents need to be more aware, and 'up' their monitoring of their use, as needed. Remember, kids are much more computer savvy (not to mention, devious), than we give them credit for.

Myself, I am not too worried about stalkers. Chance would be a fine thing :noidea:

But for many, many people, the internet is the best invention since sliced bread. I would say that there is as much Christian material out there on the web, proportionally, as there is in everyday life. And it is more readily accessible.

Long live the internet, and forums like this.

[kittylover0991]

That being said Crystal, I don't want to see you go but I know that you must follow where God leads you. I know that I benefit from your friendship as I'm sure others do also. I just wonder how long you've felt this way and if this could possibly be the enemy trying to pull you away from something beneficial to you spiritually since he's losing battles in other areas of your life. Just a thought.

Hey sis

Yeah, I dont' want to go either, but I need to find God's will on this....

As for how long I've been wondering this? It's been growing since about 8th grade, where it started? There was something that happened dealing with online from when I was in 8th grade and I *knew* that forums and chat rooms were"not dangerous"... yeah... naive. Well, like I said, I got into some trouble but I remember that my old youth pastor was always set against the things, and it turns out so is my youth pastor, and some other pastors, and some other people at my church, but the youth leaders' wife I've been talking about, she told me taht her husband goes to some forums, etc.... Obviously, I can't base this off of what someone says, but I've sometimes pondered it but always pushed it away. Sometimes, like this, I really consider it and the answer will either be change or just sticking with what I've always done...

On the other hand "4given", you may be right about the "the enemy may be trying to pull you away from something beneficial ..... since he's loosing other battles in your life"... You could very well be right and to be honest, I'm getting confused lately between the Holy Spirit and the devil on things that aren't necessairly "10 commandments say: Thou shalt not_____". Things like cell phones, college, majors, how long a slit can be ( ) things like that.. then chat rooms and forums... it seems to be mostly opinion and even conviction of the Holy Spirit depending... I know this place has been SUCH a HUGE blessing to me spiritually, and 4given, you've been there through so much already...

Ay... had a phone call and lost my train of thought I'm planning on "duking it out" with my youth pastor tonight if possible... because as has been said a fwe times, like cell phones (some pp went on rants this past week about them), they can be used for right or wrong, and I feel this can be the same way...

I've learned SO much...

Okay, I need to go for now!!!!

In Christ,

Kitty

[Treasure]

Kitty, the first thing that comes to mind as I'm reading your post is to not let your past determine your future. You're a much stronger, different person than you were in the 8th grade. That's not to say that you should expose yourself to temptation, but being cautious and discerning will enable you to avoid alot of those things. Hope that makes sense.

[MorningGlory]

There have been instances that my time here could have been spent doing something more productive (housework) but most of the time that I spend here is beneficial in some way and hopefully not just to me.

Oh, 4givenone, please don't worry about housework being 'more productive'; it isn't and it will still be there the next day. If you learn and grow from visiting WB then it is a great use of your time. If you work for someone else though they may not see WB as a productive use of their time.

[lupins_girl]

I think online chats and forums are a really good thing as long as people use them carefully. Just common sense, like don't give people your home address, probably solves any problems.