Integrity online

THE ISSUE:

When I go online, I can be whoever I want to be. My parents told me not to tell people my real name. So, I made up a cool little nickname. Then I developed a personality to go with it. Now, I actually have three different names that I log into forums and blogs with—sometimes all at once. I have a couple of blogs of my own—one is just a rant, the other one is kind of my attempt at being wise (as if!).
I have a MySpace page with a funky shot of my armpit as my pic. I’m pretty rude on myspace—I mean, I’m an armpit! On MSN, I have three nicknames and how I treat people is based on the persona I have built for that nickname. Sometimes people need a friend. Sometimes they need a whack in the head! So, I just pop up when I’m needed.
So, yeah, I’m like whoever (or whatever) when I’m online.
It’s not real anyway. It’s just text. It doesn’t matter what I say or do because it’s not really me—it’s my armpit! Some adults go stupid at us, telling us that we have to be nice online. I heard of one guy who has a whole hate- MySpace dedicated to him! That’s fame, eh? Well, not to the teachers. They’re like, “That’s bullying kids. Stop it or else.” Whatever! It’s not even real. It’s just a bit of creative fun.
That’s what I reckon, anyway.
 

RESPONSE:

As the internet developed it changed from being information-based to being relational. But in these relationships, “they” only know what you tell them.
Now, nearly everything that is “fun” online is based around interaction—and a lot of it is fantasy or fictional. Games like “ World of Warcraft” abound and online worlds like “Second Life” have become so intoxicating that some people spend more time having seconds than firsts! Far more people are involved in online interaction that intensifies or at least complements their real lives. Communication tools like Skype, MSN, blogs, Myspace, Facebook and innumerable forums allow us to communicate our views and share our photos, songs, stories and more. There is nothing inherently wrong with these forms of communication. As technology changes, so do our communication habits.
But, we must guard our integrity. As Christians we represent Christ—no matter what name or pic we choose. If we are followers of Jesus, then our every word, action, cut and paste, forwarded email, blog entry and quickly typed response must be run through the Jesus filter first.
You know about the Jesus filter, right? WWJD—what would Jesus do? It can be easier in real life because people are standing there in front of us. But when we are online perhaps we should add a bit to the filter—WWJHMD—What would Jesus have me do? When something has integrity it holds together under great strain. When a person has integrity, they stand strong in their moral convictions even while the world—first life or second life!—around them is pretending nothing really matters.  

ACT:

> Use your time online to strengthen relationships by listening, caring and being honest about your struggles and successes.

> While chatting online, if someone refuses to treat you with respect, tell them you are going to block them for a set time. Then, follow through. Don’t let people impose their lack of moral purity on you!

> Random acts of kindness are cool. Why not find as many blogs, MySpace pages, etc of your friends and say something kind about them.

LINKS:

> www.signsofthetimes.org.au/archives/2006/november/webwatch.shtm

> www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/respect-for-all-people.html

> www.copyrightaware.co.uk

> www.xxxchurch.com