Internet Safety Reading

I chose to read the talk given by Elder Bednar at the CES fireside. I really enjoyed the talk and thought he made a lot of good points. One of the strongest ideas for me is that we sometimes become so ingrained in the importance of cyber relationships that we don't take the time to develop interpersonal relationships. This is so important because it is one of the skills that we need to learn. Another important idea that he shared is that we need to recognize our own reality. The example he gave of a man who created a different persona while online was surprising to me, but I can see how people can get caught up in it. The final main point was that technology can be a good thing. It allows us to get to know other people, retain friendships, and share the gospel. We need to utilize what we have in order to attain these goals.

As a parent or teacher, I would use the information given in this talk to teach my children/students about when to use technology. There are some instances when it's a great tool, and others when it can become a device of Satan. Knowing this, I would give them the chance to explore and find things on the Internet, but keep an eye on what information they share and discuss these ideas with them.

I think I can use the information from this article to become a positive influence as I perform the ideas for myself. Being an example is vital in teaching and will influence those around me greatly. I think I can also use it as I discuss these ideas with those around me and try to give them opportunities to do things that they wouldn't normally.