Online Friendships-Whats are the gains?

Which way of communication do you prefer?

□ Face-to-face

□ Phone

□ Computer

Whom do you find it easiest to communicate with?

□ Classmates

□ Family members

□ Fellow Christians

IN which environment is your communication least inhibited?

□ At school

□ At home

□ At christian meetings

 Did say that you prefer to communicate by computer rather than talk face-to-face when dealing with people? If YES, you’re not alone. Many youths use the Internet to start and maintain friendships. “The idea of being able to meet people from around the world—people you’ll never have been able to associate with —is alluring,” says a young man Romeo. Redeemer also points out an exciting angle: “You can control how people view you,” He says. “When you’re face-to-face, if you don’t fit in, there’s nothing you can do about it.” The little blunders we commit are overlooked in most online interactions

Now look at your answers to the second and third questions. Don’t be amazed if you find it easier to converse with classmates than with fellow Christians. “At school, there’s a greater chance of finding people who are going through the same things you are,” says Abigail. “That makes them a lot easier to warm up to.”

 Putting all these twists together,it may seem only natural that you would like to chat with schoolmates online. Mary admits that for a time she did that. “All my schoolmates talked online about things, and I didn’t want to be left out,” Mubarak, set up a Web page to keep in touch with peers. “Technology is advancing,” He says. “Communication is finding new forms. This is one of them, and I like it.”

What are some of the "Potential Dangers"?

Its obvious for some, making and maintaining friendships is easier online.The Internet gives you a form of confidence that you would otherwise not have. Many would agree If you’re shy,communicating online gives you a chance to plan exactly what you will say.

 But there are dangers to this communication, and we would be unwise to ignore them. To illustrate: Would you walk blindfolded through the streets of a dangerous neighborhood? Why, then, wander online without considering the dangers?

It’s way too easy to meet shady people,who at one time enjoyed casually chatting with strangers online. Sometimes it’s only a matter of minutes before someone makes lewd remarks or asks such questions as: ‘Are you a virgin? Do you do oral sex?’ Some even offer cyber-sex which we can say is not common in our cultural setting.

What if you’re just chatting with a trusted friend? Even then, you need to be careful.You could spend too much time conversing with someone of the opposite sex, even if that person is just a friend.The more time you spend sending messages to that person, the closer your friendship becomes, and conversation has the potential of becoming much more intimate.

Those Who Hide What They Are.....

 “I have not sat with men of untruth; and with those who hide what they are I do not come in.”Psalm 26:4 

 While online, do you encounter the type of people David spoke of? Under what circumstances do such people online “hide their identity?

Could it be that you hide what you are while online?Some start conversations with people and then take on a personality to fit the conversation,in a chat room.

Others also employed another form of deception.They soon start voicing feelings of love.Some of these being real expression and others being to scam you if care is not taken. Parents might not anticipate the possibility that their 13-year-old daughter was writing love poems to a 14-year-old boy.

Some end up arranging meeting strangers in clubs,beaches and many other places without thinking of their security.

PRECAUTIONS

No  doubt,there are times when online communication is appropriate. For example, many people—adults included—use the Internet to keep in touch with friends. If that’s true of you, are there any precautions you can take? Consider the following points.

● Monitor the amount of time you spend online, and don’t let it rob you of time for more important things—including sleep. .

● Communicate only with people you know or whose identity you can verify. Unsavory individuals regularly troll the Internet looking to exploit unsuspecting youths.

● When conducting a business transaction, be cautious. Be extremely careful about giving out personal information. Otherwise, you could become a victim of fraud—or worse.

● When sending photos to your friends, ask yourself, Does this truly represent who I truly am, or want to be perceived?

● As with face-to-face communication, if an online discussion becomes uncomfortable,end the conversation.

● Always be aboveboard in your use of the Internet. If you have to ‘hide what you are’ from your parents, something’s wrong. Be open to your parents.

MUST I THE AVOID ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS?

You want friends. That’s normal. Humans were created to enjoy the company of others. (Genesis 2:18) So when you feel the urge to have friends, that’s in harmony with the way you were made! Just be careful how you choose them.

Though it can be difficult be assured that you can find the best of friends if you choose them having strong moral standard.