The Internet is not called the World Wide Web for nothing. Through its network of hyperlinks and interactive capabilities, anyone with a modem can "chat" with someone across the world.

"The Internet is a new source of information that offers tremendous opportunities as well as another potential -- becoming addicted," said Elder L. Tom Perry in the November 1999 issue of the Ensign.

Church leaders have increasingly voiced concerns over the appropriate use of Web chat rooms and online relationships.

"Don't try to create associations through the Internet and chat rooms," said President Gordon B. Hinckley at a youth fireside on Nov. 12, 2000. "They can lead you down into the very abyss of sorrow and bitterness."

A telephone survey taken by the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire from August 1999 to February 2000 found that 19 percent of youth (ages 10-17) who used the Internet regularly were the targets of unwanted sexual solicitation. Of this figure, less than 10 percent were reported to the police.

"Internet has also facilitated the predatory activities of adults who use its anonymity and accessibility to stalk children for evil purposes," warned Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the May issue of the Ensign. "Parents and youth, beware!"

Eric Denna, president of the BYU Sixth Stake and information technology vice president at BYU, said one problem with the Internet is that "you never know who you're talking to."

Denna said he strongly discourages chat room use because people can say they're one thing and they're completely the opposite.

Even in LDS chat rooms, there is no guarantee of the personal background of other guests, said Heather Newall, 24, a senior majoring in English, from Lindon, and Web master of LDStalk.com.

"In the chat rooms there's always a feeling of safety, assuming people are BYU students or members of the church, but you never really know," she said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 31 Oct 2001