While sitting in a COS class today, the topic came up of filtering internet. iPrism and such. Personally, while on campus I have never run into the fabled “iPrism” block, and this got me to begin thinking what some students may be looking for that could be blocked. At my private school for the last year we used a website blocker. It’s extremely strict on what is shown and what is allowed, and it’s a ridiculous difference. The blocker basically removes any type of media or something slightly risqué, and was somewhat as an insult to my integrity when the system was introduced. Since having the blocker, I have found every possible chance to get around it to break the rules having somewhat of a rebellious attitude. If there wasn’t a block, would I still find the time to get onto these sites?
Before the filter was introduced at my school, I never found myself surfing the web, logging into facebook, or especially watching youtube videos just for fun. I have researched on youtube in the past (yes, it’s possible) and don’t have that availability to me anymore. I’m not saying the filter is inappropriate for there could always be situations where there is a total lack of discipline with internet, but there needs to be more student trust in the system.
As of the college classes I attend, I have begun to realize the temptation that I have faced in the past personally dealing with certain internet issues and when a quiz asked a question if the filter should stay on or not, I answered “yes, definitely.” The professor of the class brought up the subject a minute later in class, and there were several people that raised their hands immediately following the question. One of these students said that they wanted to be treated like an adult and can’t do that if there’s a strict filter on the web. Another student mentioned the male (and possibly female) struggle with pornography in teens. The student was a PA in his door and has already had conversations dealing with this topic, and can speak from experience. Both had legitimate points but this is the way I see it:
I have not had a filter on my personal internet since about eighth grade, and have struggled since somewhat with what I should be avoiding as a Christian. Since my acceptance of the faith as a freshman in high school the temptation has wondrously been almost absent from my mind. I am currently typing this blog on a Dell Studio 15 model laptop (there’s my advertisement of the day) which is connected to a wireless internet router which is at a max ten feet from my room. I have constant unfiltered internet access and have the trust of my parents to not go wandering the world wide porn industry. I have appreciated the unfiltered aspect of the unfiltered respect I have earned from my parents based on previous experiences, but I can vouch for the filter that the university has adopted. There is temptation for young men to seek arousal through internet fantasies and such examples of adult humor. (Not being a young female, I can’t really say anything about the subject from their viewpoint…) The iPrism filter has so far helped a couple young men that I know here on campus, one somewhat close and what somewhat distant. Both young men are fully content with the block, but that’s not what I have gotten so far from the young people in this class. They totally disagree with the idea of a filter and it makes me wonder what reasons they have for it. One such young man told that they needed to witness the real world as growing students. But what if there’s no ability to control oneself on the internet? Once in the world, there’s the option. If I’m struggling, cut the cord. That’s what the real world filter is. Here they offer harmless websites: facebook, youtube, the 700 Club fansite… Maybe the last isn’t so popular, but the point is, as young adults, we do need help with our lives. Respect those that need it.
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In public places like schools, and universities, and I believe even in homes there should be web filtering. There have been times that I'm looking looking for a really legitimate site, but accidentally get somewhere bad. Even though I leave immediately, I'm still stuck with those images in my head. I really believe that web filtering is a must.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, we are adults. I think that this should be a very loose filter. There is absolutely no reason to block sites such as facebook, YouTube, or flickr.
---Alex
http://MooreALX.com
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Just kidding. The argument that Christians need to "experience the world" is BS. That's like saying I need to murder someone to understand murder. Again, BS.
ReplyDeleteFilters are good. But they're not perfect. As someone who continues to struggle with temptation to look at Internet pornography, I put my laptop computer upstairs every evening, and I have my fiancée ask me every night where it is. Jesus said to "cut off" whatever causes you to sin, and that's not confined to sexual sin, IMHO. Whether the "cutting off" is putting some temptation aside, or cutting my Internet options, it must be done. Christ commands it, no matter how extreme.
I often look at a filter this way "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (Romans 14:13) I know this is in a section on food but it pertains to this as well. For many, things on the internet such as gambling and pornography are stumbling blocks. A filter, though not perfect, attempts to protect our siblings in Christ who struggle. I have a filter on my home network, OpenDNS, to protect myself, my wife, my children and guests. It is not that I do not trust them or myself, but I wish to protect against accidental exposure to that which might cause a stumble. God says we should "Flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:18) which in my opinion a filter helps us "flee".
ReplyDelete