MySpace is dying...

Shaolu

Lately I've noticed more and more JW groups on MySpace seem to be disappearing and losing members. At first I egotistically thought might have something to do with my efforts (I sometimes suffer from delusions of grandeur). However, a couple posts came to my attention on two of the private JW groups...

From "! YoUnG JeHoVaH's WiTnEsSeS!"
"Catlin" wrote:
I was just at my special day assembly this weekend, and we received a rather interesting message. A brother visiting from bethel gave a talk specifically regarding how the bible can be used to help us in todays world. He first made note of how the information at Gal. 5:20-6:3 can help married couples with communication problems.
What was even more interesting was the next point he made. He SPECIFICALLY NAMED "myspace, bibo, facebox, and other such network sites" as something that witness youths should NOT be a part of.
I'll admit, at first I thought to myself: "well, technically being 21, I'm not considered a youth, and I'm extremely internet savy, so I know all about what I'm doing, and I don't really have to stop using myspace.
However, he made a few points that really struck that although I knew, I hadn't really given deep thought. First, the internet and sites such as myspace although created and used with good intentions, are the perfect dwelling place for predators. Obvious, I know, but important none the less. I looked at a friend's profile and tried to find all the information I could on that individual. To my surprise I was able to find out what city she lived in, where she works, what she looks likes, who her friends are, what pets she has, her age, even her rough birthdate. With that information, even the stupidest of predators could find you.
Second point, Ps. 26:45, Prov. 22:3 - talk about how we should never dwelling with those that hide who they are. He skillfully pointed out that this does not merely apply to predators or apostates, but also to individuals living double lives. And there is no place at which this happens more than on the internet. The speaker was so enthusiastic about how we should not use such sites as this, that he was close to pounding the podium.

I wrote this only to share the society's view and what I heard at my assembly. My personal decision is to follow their instruction, and will therefore no longer be viewing this group, or any others for that matter. I do not find this to be the only conclusion to this instruction, but from comments posted on other forum topics, there are individuals living double lives and doing things contrary to Jehovah's direction. Therefore I thank all members for their comments and would advise all those thinking that elders and parents will never check myspace to think again; 'is my profile one that brings praise to Jehovah and an honest representation of who I am'. I apologize if I've offended anyone, and a great thanks to JW for posting those great bulletins.

From "TRUE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES"
"Myspace Won't Let Me Delete My Account" wrote:
Well the letter was read this evening. It is very clear that regarding sites like Myspace, the Christian Congregation is making a strong statement. We must take a stand towards christian principles when it comes to sites such as this. Sites which open themselves up to the debauchery that we so often see on myspace. It was quite clear that they are not hinting or making subtle suggestions. We are to cut ourselves away from even being associated with sites which harbor so much filth (and we know that myspace does!)

And with that.. I will be leaving as will my children.

Should you want to remain in contact, message me here on myspace and I will give you my real email.

I will leave this up for a day or so and then i'll be gone.

Love & Peace,
Michelle

It'd be nice to get a hold of that letter to see what it said specifically...

luvbug2007

Sounds like the jdubs, sepreating themselves from the "world". why dont they jsut be like the amish and live in their own confined community?

What-A-Coincidence

Thanks for that post. Very interesting.

"My personal decision is to follow their instruction." - Sure!

pg 42-43 "Releasing the Bonds" by Steve Hassan former moonie cult member ...

BITE MODEL:

I) Behavior Control

1)a) Where,how, and with whome the member ... associates. (CAN'T ASSOCIATE WITH PEOPLE ON MYSPACE)

6) Individualism discouraged; 'group think" prevails (WHATEVER THE INSTRUCTION IS, I WILL FOLLOW)

II. Information Control

2) Access to non-cult source of info. minimized or discouraged (LIKE MYSPACE)

c. Former Members (ON MYSPACE)

4c) Individual behavior monitored by whole group (BY THE WTBTS AND COMP.)

7) need for obedience and dependency (ON TALKS AT ASSEMBLIES)

III. Though Control

1b. Black and white thinking (MYSPACE IS BAD)

7. rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking (ITS JUST BAD)

8. No alternative belief systems viewed as legitimate, good, or useful (JW THINKING ONLY)

IV Emotional Control

3a4,5) Excesive use of guilt: your affiliations, actions (USED AT ASSEMBLIES)

4f) Excessive use of fear: fear of disapproval (USED AT ASSEMBLIES)

Dr. Wac says "YEP, a Cult"

SirNose586

This is no hoax, my dears. GB member Splane came and SPECIFICALLY denounced MySpace. We've had a MySpace Local Needs TM talk in my congregation.

Funny you should mention this Shaolu, as formerly belonging to a witness discussion group brought me here! My buds and I used to have our own personal message board. We'd get together every so often to play Halo LAN tournaments. They were a blast, and it's a shame we only got to meet about once or twice a year. There were a clique of older (27-34) guys who let a bunch of new people into their social circle, I being one of the new guys they let in. These older guys hosted the message board. They were cool, or so I thought. Bickerings and petty squabbles broke out on the board betwixt members. Soon people were giving each other the cold shoulder, and the board leaders started banning people for no reason. Then they shut out everyone except the old guys, to keep things like it used to be between them.

I figured, if I'm going to get snubbed by Witnesses, I guess it doesn't matter where I hang out online...

zanex

(shaking head)

Good Grief!!!! I knew the society was crazy but a vendetta against MySpace? Lol...I agree that there are a ton of predators out in modern society today but to blame such predatory instincts on something like an internet site? Such is human nature...oh well. I have been rather big on MySpace as of the last year and have re-connected with friends that I never thought I would be able to talk to again and it has expanded my world to include old friends spanning over the last 30 years. It is all in the controls that one sets in MySpace...if you go LOOKING for sexual deviance etc then duhhh of course yer gonna find it. Doesnt matter where you look...MySpace, Yahoo, anything really...as I recall wasnt there a pedo that was in Bethel even? Whatever...this just irked me...

-Z-

Zico

We had a letter from the GB about it. It didn't mention MySpace by name, but it said sites where you can put your picture up, have blogs etc... it described it in all detail, so I would guess this is going out to all Congregations.

heathen

One thing I can agree with is that myspace and social networks like it are no place for minors.It's like now they want to do back ground checks on people using the stupid thing rather than just make it off limits to children . Unbelievable.If you're going to protect kids than why not do it right? I hear the government is now wanting to do back ground checks on bloggers especially. I think it's nuts.

seawolf

Sounds like the jdubs, sepreating themselves from the "world". why dont they jsut be like the amish and live in their own confined community?

What makes ya think the Amish would want them?

luvbug2007

lol very true seawolf! lol

heathen

The Amish don't want any coverts at all . I've wondered why they dubbies don't just move on to some sort of compound , that way the elders don't have to sneak around and spy on them , they are right there all the time . I think the mormons like trailer parks .

MySpace is dying...

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