Friday, April 21, 2006

Christian social-networking

The reporting (about mainstream social-networking) isn't entirely accurate, but Associated Baptist Press does look at the downside as well as the upside of religious sites in this category. It cites a wise parent pointing out the false sense of security Christian social-networking cites can foster. "Ken Satterfield, a father and marketing specialist, told Associated Baptist Press anonymity of the Internet causes people to divulge personal information they ordinarily wouldn’t share. The Christian label on Xianz.com or Swordwalk, another Christian site, causes some people to let down their otherwise careful guard against strangers, he said.... As a parent, Satterfield said, he also struggles with the choice between shielding his children from potentially harmful media and letting them learn how to navigate the world on their own." Xianz.com supposedly offers all the services of a MySpace - customized profiles, blogging, music, etc. What this article doesn't say is if this by-invitation-only site of 4,500 members to date has similar security measures. Its founders, who say its growth is "incredible," "concede users with malicious motives might be able to access the site," Associated Baptist Press reports. It also seems to suggest an element of exploitation.

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