In recent years there have been a number of discussions about the Internet's effectiveness at exposing the Soicety for what it is and enlightening cult members that there are alternatives to being a JW.
Ten years have passed since one of the founding sites for witnesses, H20 was created. In that time, numerous JW forums have appeared and disappeared, one of the most famous and long lasting boards is of course JWD.
JW forums such as this one have been effective at highlighting the deceitfulness of the Jehovah's Witness organization. Thousands of members and exmembers alike have posted their stories, comments and advice.
Through forums such as these, the destructive policies enforced by the Society have been uncovered and dispersed the world over for all to see. News coverage of child abuse scandals continues to proliferate.
It can now be said that the Society have lost the credibility that they once had and cherished.
This era of JW's and the Internet has matured and grown and now the Society have an effective opposition to deal with, who often guage the Watchtower's barometer to determine when and what will change in the future. Rarely are they wrong.
Many members who have been on this forum are now in the last stages of healing and completely walking away from anything JW related, while others keep a toe in to please family and friends, while biding their time.
The next phase of JW's and the Internet will probably be an established opposition, made up of various members who continue to report what they find regarding Watchtower activities. This catalyst of events will cause the topic of "apostates and thier material" to be raised more frequently within the collective mindset of Jehovah's Witnesses.
It is hoped that when this happens, JW's themselves will be more willing to openly talk about controversial issues within their own circle of friends, which will in turn allow their friends to open up. This does seem to be happening more and more, although such discussions rarely happen on a congregational level.
The Society know they have a fight on their hands, for hearts and minds. The opposition however, have the upper hand, for their sole purpose is to expose truth and error while fighting for justice.