The Media and You

Standards NightJanuary 19, 2014

If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. 

Media and EntertainmentYou live in a day of marvelous technologies that give you easy access to a wide variety of media, including the Internet, mobile devices, video games, television, movies, music, books, and magazines.

The information and entertainment provided through these media can increase your ability to learn, communicate, and become a force for good in the world. However, some information and entertainment can lead you away from righteous living.

Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Select only media that uplifts you.

Focus on the SpiritSatan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others.

Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way.

Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.

Beware of PornographyPornography in all forms is especially dangerous and addictive. What may begin as an unexpected exposure or a curious exploration can become a destructive habit. Use of pornography is a serious sin and can lead to other sexual transgression.

Pornography: Avoid It!Avoid pornography at all costs. It is a poison that

weakens your self-control, destroys your feelings of self-worth, and changes the way you see others.

It causes you to lose the guidance of the Spirit and can damage your ability to have a normal relationship with others, especially your future spouse.

It limits your ability to feel true love. If you encounter pornography, turn away from it immediately.

What Is Media?Newspapers

Books

Television

Movies

Internet

Texting

Scriptures

Ask the Missionaries!

Share the GospelEnhance and deepen relationships and to express your faith

and testimony in the Savior and the gospel.

Befriend those that may be less active.

Your online presence should reflect your values and standards. Connect to official Church sites, and share content from these sites that touches your heart and reflects those values and standards.

Express your personal witness of the restored gospel, as guided by the Spirit. Such messages should be personal; do not leave people with the impression that you speak for the Church, and do not form groups that give the impression that they officially represent or are sponsored by the Church.

Be a Follower of ChristAlways be an example of a

follower of Christ in your interactions with others in social media. Your positive example can influence those with whom you associate.

It’s wise to cease associating with those who consistently seek to drag others down and particularly those who post inappropriate material.

What is Social Media?

Be CarefulSocial media is a public platform.

Nothing is really deleted- It’s out there somewhere

Think before you type/send.

Many social media sites have a high risk of “drive by” exposure to content that may not meet your family standards. Discuss as a family what you will do when you see advertisements and other links that do not meet your family standards.

Time Wasted Be aware of how much time you

and your family spend on social media sites participating in activities such as playing games, posting meaningless updates, or holding inappropriate conversations.

If you are not careful, it is easy to spend too much time on these sites, causing other important aspects of life to be ignored. If needed, consider setting time limits as part of your family's Internet usage standards.

Be sure that you are not “damag[ing] authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones” (David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are,” Ensign, June 2010, 22).

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf“With so many social media resources and a

multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. … My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to ‘open [your] mouths’ might today include ‘use your hands’ to blog and text message the gospel to all the world! But please remember, all at the right time and at the right place.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson

Elder Russell M. Nelson“We are blessed to be living in such an exciting gospel dispensation. God is inspiring the minds of great people to create inventions that further the work of the Lord in ways this world has never known.”