We're Going Public!

Recently I have noticed an influx in blogs going private. Maybe it's because of a recent report on KSL (a Utah radio show) about a man who was allegedly being "stalked," through his family blog and personal e-mail. I felt that the story was extremely one sided and left out many details, such as: Did he know the stalker? (even if it was just through the internet,) What was he blogging about? And what kind of comments did he leave in response?

Now I understand that people want their privacy, but it seems like too many people are living in a culture of fear. Especially if they think that some random person is going to start stalking them through their blog. Studies have shown that most stalkers, child molesters and kidnappers know their victims. The sad reality is if you have a student loan, home loan, credit card or debit card-your personal information is out there, regardless if your blog is private or not.

What I find a shame however, is that by limiting your blog to friends and family only, you never have the opportunity to share with others-yes even strangers-your thoughts, beliefs, and values. For example, a family friend recently lost their one year old daughter in a drowning accident. Their family has shared their tragic experiences through their blog, and not only have they touched the lives of hundreds of people all around the world (most of whom are strangers,) but they have had the opportunity to share their testimonies of the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation. My brother-in-law has a brutally honest blog, with a big cult following, and he has made many friends in the process. Lastly, my sister-in-law has a link on her blog to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-what a great missionary tool! And none of this would even be important if their blog was private.

"The internet can be used to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and can just as easily be used to market the filth and sleaze of pornography...Social networks on the Web can be used to expand healthy friendships as easily as they can be used by predators trying to trap the unwary. That is no different from how people choose to use television or movies or even the library. Satan is always quick to exploit the negative power of new inventions, to spoil and degrade, and to neutralize any effect for good. Make sure that the choices you make in the use of new media are choices that expand your mind, increase your opportunities, and feed your soul."

"Now, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration. Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true...You speak as one member-but you testify of the truths you have come to know."

-Elder M. Russell Ballard
Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet, Ensign July 2008