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Developing Righteous Technology Habits

Developing Righteous Technology Habits

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Purpose

Learn how to protect yourself against online dangers that can dull your spiritual sensitivity and keep you from reaching your divine potential.

Description

Satan is a master of deception. He makes lies look like truth and dangerous things look like fun, especially online. If you decide ahead of time how to deal with online danger and temptation, it’s much easier than deciding in the moment.

As a group, work together to create a technology code of conduct that you and other group members can follow to help you stay safe from online dangers.

Begin the meeting with prayer, asking specifically for inspiration about what to include in the code of conduct. Consider pledges like the following:

  1. I will limit the time I spend on social media.

  2. I will only visit websites with uplifting content.

  3. I will avoid websites, shows, and games with immodest, immoral, or violent content.

  4. I will associate with friends online who share my values and standards.

  5. I will seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost through daily prayer and scripture study.

  6. I will strengthen my ability to resist temptation through regular temple attendance.

Review resources on LDS.org such as Internet Safety and Safeguards for Using Technology that provide guidance for using technology wisely.

More Ideas

  • Draw your favorite technology—President Thomas S. Monson said, “Your mind is a cupboard and you stock the shelves” (“Constant Truths for Changing Times,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 19–22). Draw a picture that represents what technology you put on your shelves. Your picture might include your favorite TV shows, a phone or tablet, the computer, or different websites you visit. Are your shelves stocked with righteous items?

  • Illustrate temptation—Bring a spool of thread and invite a participant to hold his or her thumbs close together. Wrap the thread one or two times around the thumbs, tie a knot, then ask the participant to break the thread. The second time, wrap the thread around the thumbs five or ten times and ask the participant to break the thread. Finally, wrap the thread around the thumbs enough times that the thread is impossible to break.

  • Explain that giving in to temptation can be like wrapping thread around our thumbs. At first it may not seem serious, but over time temptation can restrict our agency. Finally, have someone cut the thread with a pair of scissors. Explain that when we can’t free ourselves, we can turn to the Lord. Through our faith in Him and the power of His Atonement, we can escape the bondage of temptation and sin.

  • Focus on the good—Talk about favorite uplifting social media or other websites. As a group, read Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 and discuss how the sites we visit online can influence our thoughts and actions. Explore safe, fun websites such as the Friend, the New Era, FamilySearch.org, and web indexing. Visit the LDS Media Library temples page and download a picture of the temple to display on your mobile device or computer.

  • What should I do when I see pornography?—As a group, watch the video “What Should I Do When I See Pornography?” Talk about the three things you should do when you see pornography: 1. Call it what it is. 2. Turn it off or turn away. 3. Talk to a parent or a trusted adult.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to have safeguards for using technology?

  • When has the Spirit helped you avoid inappropriate content online?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about using technology for good while avoiding temptations and traps?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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