Media Matters: Part 6
Yes, I have spent quite a bit of time this year focused on how much joy and happiness media has brought into my life. I’ve also spent time talking about the dark side and where you can take it the wrong way. For example, I’ll elaborate a little on my life at the moment - and the effects media has had on my life.
I’m happy to say this month was my official introduction as co-chair of the Prevention and Education Committee of the Kentucky Human Trafficking Task Force. This came about because of working in my field as a social worker and the boots on the ground work I’ve done with anti-trafficking organizations and groups in Wisconsin. It equally came about because of my understanding of social media and the internet - thanks to Tirzah and all of you! This is a huge blessing and a way I’m happy to serve my country and my state.
On the flip side, there is the reality that there is a need for me to be a part of this task force specifically because of the time I’ve spent around technology. We have a bill that just passed here called the “sextortion” bill. This bill makes it a felony for you to extort someone for sex. An example of this would be a young man here in Kentucky who killed himself because someone was blackmailing him with sexual images. Unfortunately, he is not the only one who has found himself in this position.
Maybe, you’re like me and live in an innocent world where you were safe and protected - for the most part. The Bible does tell us to think on what is “good, pure, lovely, of good report” and this side of social media is not those things. However, the Bible calls us to be “wise as serpents, but gentle as doves”. That means God is asking us to be aware of issues like this so we can pray, help pass bills, and educate those around us on these issues.
I want to address a very serious and specific topic that I’ve not talked about on here before - in relation to this. It’s the website called “OnlyFans”. Unfortunately, many parents, grandparents, and churches are unaware of this site (the safe individuals anyways). If you’re reading this and you’re a young woman, a significant portion of you will know what it is. It’s a website that allows you to sell things that pander to people’s sexual fetishes - whether it be full nudity or random body parts or even random mailed items. This is NEVER okay according to the Bible.
I’m telling you this because I care about you and your soul. I have been the one who keeps my own parents abreast of the current trends on social media. You should make the older generation around you aware of this. The sad reality is that the quickest way, as a female on earth, to earn income is by selling yourself online or in - person. I’ve spent time and worked with countless women who have done just that. The problem is I’ve seen the repercussions - low self - esteem, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, isolation, and lack of confidence. Every single one of those women will tell you it was not worth it.
The Bible tells us that we were created in God’s image. It also tells us that sexual sins are the worst because they harm us the most. They cause all of the things I mentioned before and hide the many talents God gave you. You are so much more than a body and there is no price tag on your life. If you are aware of sites like this, don’t use them and if you know any minors who are using this site, please tell an adult or law enforcement. It is never okay to sexually exploit minors. Unfortunately, this is the REALLY dark side of the web. Please watch this video from a Kentucky organization that is helping youth who have been trafficked and become more educated of the online dangers.