The Impact of Media

While Ben is studying, I'm watching a Webcast right now on Focus on the Family's Web site, http://www.family.org/, about media and its impact on the family. It's really more for parents, but even though I'm not a parent, I figure maybe it will one day be useful. They're talking about a great many things ranging from MySpace to instant-messaging to cell phones to TV, and discussing how to manage the use of technology in the home and particularly how to set boundaries for kids without being overly controlling.

It's really interesting to think about how many things that they're talking about didn't even exist a few years ago, much less when I was growing up! There is so much out there nowadays, and even while much of it is neat and intriguing and even helpful, there are many dangers and problems that come with these new kinds of technology and media. It's so important to use wise judgement as parents and adults, since our actions affect ourselves and those around us more deeply and profoundly than we often realize. As Christians, our call to a holy and pure life should be central to our own actions and should guide the choices we teach children to make, even though it's so easy to compromise God's standards nowadays and difficult to keep bad influences out.

One thing that is hitting me right now, too, is that it's so important for Ben and me to prepare now for having a family later, and to make sure we have a good, God-honoring pattern of technology and media usage now, because otherwise it will be so hard to change our pattern later. Although most wouldn't consider us media obsessed--we rarely watch TV--we definitely find ourselves on the Internet and e-mail too much at times. (Yes, this is rather ironic to be writing this on a blog!!) There is so much else to do in life, like spending time outside, making friends, and stuff like that, and it's important not to lose focus on what really matters. Technology should support what we do, but not ever rule what we do to the point that we're addicted to it.

I think that's all for now.. If you have thoughts about this subject, we'd love to hear them!