From time to time, I get concerned about online safety and the public side of blogging. I know a lot of bloggers change the names of their children and many don't publish photographs of their children online. Some bloggers are also reluctant to share their profiles and personal affairs, although others prefer to 'keep it real' and share their feelings, etc, in a spirit of mutual witness.
Today, I read a couple of interesting posts on these issues which opened my eyes a little further to the dangers of the Internet (here and here). I don't remember how I ended up at these blogs but my focus, lately, has been simple living, domesticity and sustainability - Catholic-style - and I was quite interested in the traditional values that I found on these blogs (though I haven't read many posts, as yet).
I haven't been very active on my own blog, lately, as I've been quite happily consumed with family life and my blog seems to be lacking in purpose and usefulness. So, after reading these posts, I'm thinking that, maybe, my blog needs a bit of an overhaul, as well as new direction, if it's to harmonise with Christian ideals.
I wonder what others think? Where does blogging fit into a busy life of domestic activity and how do others find a balance between privacy and Christian fellowship?
6 comments:
I have been involved in several discussions about internet safety and what we should do and should not do.
I don't believe children need pseudo names. I cannot see how using their real names can endanger them somehow.
I have posted photos and video's of our family. I suppose I started blogging for family to see photos of the children. I did hear once of a child's photo been photo- shopped onto some porn photo. I don't know what I would do if I ever saw a photo like that of our children on the internet. I probably would make my blog private and only have people reading it that I did know.
I may be naive but I generally believe that most people are good and they are not many (if any) people out there, reading my blog looking to ruin my life or shatter my beliefs.
There's a lot of common sense in your reply, Therese.
I think you're right about there being a lot of good people out there - it would be a shame to miss the chance to share with them, out of fear. I guess we face the same issues when our children start to go out alone. I always say a 'Hail Mary' after I say goodbye to them so, perhaps, the answer here is prayer, too?
Thank you for your comment, Therese:)
Hi Vicky! As with many of your posts I share your thoughts. Regarding internet safety, I worry about someone reading my blog, working out where I live and robbing my house when I've mentioned I'm going on holidays...!!
With pseudo names, I don't like the thought that someone who knows my kid's names, and can work out where I live, can then tempt them into a car...
Hmmm, am I too paranoid to blog?
Regarding blogging and domestic activity, I aim to use my blog as a record of my family life, and to connect with similar-minded people but I don't have many hours in the day to sit at a computer, so I only blog intermittently. Looking after my family definitely comes first.
I actually think that having the internet in our homes can separate parents from their children in a way that has not been seen before. While the parent might be in the room with their child, they are not truly present as they might be if they were, say, knitting or reading. A whole other topic.
Vicky, why don't you write about what you focus on for your family with the simple living etc, in a Catholic context?
God bless,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
What you say is just what I've been concerned about. I wonder if children are more trusting of strangers who seem to know their names.
I agree that the Internet can be divisive for families. I used to blog in the evenings, after the little ones went to bed, but now I usually spend that time with my older children. I was thinking of making a time for family writing so that we could all journal or blog about our interests.
Maybe, like you say, the focus of public writing should be on what we're doing, rather than who we are.
Thank you for your thoughts, Sarah:)
Interesting thoughts. For me, back when I started blogging in 2009, I quickly realized that there are waaaay too many bloggers out there for there to be one stalker that would track me down. I use my childrens' real names. I never put specifics, but people who read my blog will most likely be able to figure out: Our family members' first and last names and ages and the city we live in. It doesn't bother me that people know this. I am a very friendly person and I will talk to anyone about almost everything. =) I do this with random people at the park or doc's office and I do the same on my blog. I think as long as you treat your blog readers as real people, in real life, you are fine. By that I mean...one of the articles said that people blog about things they would otherwise only tell God. I would never do that! My blog is public, so if I wouldn't be comfortable telling a complete stranger at the park the info on my blog, then I wouldn't blog it, you know?
I like your principles, Elisa. And, I agree that there's something special about treating the world in a friendly manner. Again, I'm left thinkng that the best way may be to extend Christian love and fellowship freely, and to pray for the protection of our families.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Elisa:)
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