Ok…just to clear this up for some of you, Bebo is a social networking website, designed to allow friends to communicate in various ways. It has developed into an online community where users can post pictures, write blogs and send messages to one another, and I had an account on it for the past 18 months or so up until the other day when I deleted it.
What I liked about it was how easy it was to find old friends and keep in touch with them. In fact, I still like that aspect of it, but I have come to the point where I’ve realised that the bad is more negative than the good is profitable.
I recently read an article that caused me to think, “If this is how the secular society view this website, then why on earth am I on it?”
I started to browse the web for more info - just to see the impact and effect this social networking site is having.
This article states,
“We masqueraded as a 13-yearold girl, ‘Lizzie Murphy’, and were able to access girls of that age in schools across the country . . . without any obstacles.”
It goes on,
“Another private all-girls school in Dublin, which recently took steps to stamp out cyber bullying on another popular website, featured a club called ‘pedo club 4 37 yr old men (not me! )’ with the tagline ‘r u a pedo? ? if so den join now!’”
Norfolk County Council in England sent a letter to all the schools and in the letter it stated,
“It would appear that the website is being used for bullying, pornography, drugs references and other unsavoury activities.”
They were not only worried about the pupils accessing Bebo at school, but also at home,
“Whilst the website is blocked from access on the Norfolk schools network we are obviously powerless to dictate what is viewed in the home. We would therefore like to advise schools that they make parents aware of this site and the dangers associated with it.”
And finally, if you head over here you’ll find a few links to short video clips from BBC Newsline in which the message is the same, many ungodly people don’t like the social networking idea as it opens up a wide variety of dangers that make any benefits seems irrelevant.
But it wasn’t only the fact that non-Christians are against it, there are other reasons that are so obvious, I am now ashamed to say that I ever had a Bebo account.
1) The Porn - yeah, I know they have a policy, but the fact remains that it’s all over Bebo. It doesn’t matter that they usually get it down in 24 hours, what matters is it’s there. Why people find it amusing to put up porn instead of legitimate images of themselves or something beats me! The nasty thing about sinful images is their ability to emboss themselves in your mind with only the slightest of glances.
What is permitted is still competely unacceptable. Half clothed youths posing in a provocative manner is rampant on Bebo. Really…the more I think about how I had an account on it, the more I get this thought going through my head, “The Lord should ‘unsave’ me, I don’t deserve any grace, mercy or pardon - I should be sent to hell.” That’s a thought every believer should have, but this has made me feel it to a greater extent.
The Bible says,
“…neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”
2) The Language - again it’s everywhere, and unless it’s directed in hate or in a bullying manner then it’s accepted. Whether we like it or not, the more we read/hear profane language, the more likely swear words will float around in our heads and that’s really going to help us obey God’s command,
“whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
3) The Christians - again, like the porn and filthy language, they’re everywhere on Bebo. Sadly, also like porn and filthy language, they’re having a negative effect on people. I’ve seen so many professing Christian’s with things on their profiles that are just plain wrong! Openly flirting with the ungodly, uploading provocative photos and even swearing on occasions.
Now before you go and think I have a ‘holier than thou’ attitude, I too can look back and remember a few things I’ve done or comments I’ve made that I shouldn’t have. The whole atmosphere in Bebo is corrupt to the core.
At a time I may have said that you can join it to ‘evangelise’, but if any good were to come of it it would be an exception to the rule, and exceptions to rules only prove the rules, and in this case the rule is, you’ll be better off not on it.
In conclusion, let me just say that I haven’t written this specifically to get other people off Bebo, but just to let you know of my change of heart towards it. I would suggest one thing though dear brethren and sisters…pray about it. Seriously!
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Added Commentary
By Taleen
on 28.02.07
I’ve thought soooo much about Bebo recently too….especially since the abuse I got on it last week. I haven’t been on it as much at the sheer thought of that.
Deleting my account?? I don’t know…pray about it I guess. I do sometimes feel that its the only contact I have with the few friends that I have but I also suppose I have contact with people that I’d rather not have contact with.
Hmmmmmm….
The only thing that has annoyed me about this is my reduction in contact I’ll have with you!!!
By Armen
on 28.02.07
I know it’s not as ‘easy’ but you can always just email people. I’m not going to tell you what to do sis, but for me the bad outweighs the good.
And you’d hardly need to worry about the lack of places to contact me…you’re ‘contacting’ me right now, and you can always call or email
x
By David Williamson
on 28.02.07
I’ve been using Facebook for less than 24 hours, but I’ve already noticed the dramatic difference in tone. It seems far less sleazy. Good pastoral thinking!
By Armen
on 28.02.07
Thanks David. Although I don’t think I’ll ever head the ’social networking’ way again.
Thanks for the word of encouragement.
By Kyle
on 28.02.07
I thought there was a reason behind your sudden disappearance from bebo!
I’ve been thinking about this too recently. Someone actually mentioned it to me the other day, raising some concerns about the way things were being run on a particular Christian ‘band’!
I have found it a useful tool in terms of witnessing - and it has allowed me almost to use it as a training ground for talking to people from different religious backgrounds.
You raise some interesting points though bro, they’ll be taken into consideration and prayer!
By Armen
on 28.02.07
Kyle - I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I know you’re one of the few who (almost daily) actively engage in witnessing to people on Bebo. There is no doubt that it has aided to your increase in knowledge of the cults and other religions, but maybe it’s a little like me and how I used to go on the OpenAirOutreach forum all the time. I learned more and more that the doctrines of grace were biblical, and I learned how to expose Arminianism a little more. But there came a time when I had to leave, it was just no longer profitable.
But don’t just listen to me…take it to the Lord.
By James
on 28.02.07
Can’t argue with you on this….in addition the ones you’ve already mentioned, one other could be added….different people have described it as ‘addictive’. I think when it comes between you and the Lord…then there are problems….more time spent ’surfing’ Bebo than studying the Word/spending time with God. Something no doubt we’ve all been guilty of - myself included.
By Armen
on 28.02.07
James - Agreed! There was a stage (some time ago now) when I felt that this was the case with me also.
The old adversary is as subtle as ever!
By Chrystal
on 23.04.07
I’m studying social sites such as bebo for media studies at A level, and personally i think your wrong. I have a site on bebo and i think it is fantastic, not forgetting that it is also easy to maintain. When you say that the site is “rampant” with pornography i think that is a clear exaggeration. There are cases that are particuarly corupt such as the one you mentioned above but overall it’s a fun and sociable site.
Of course there are pros and cons to everything in life…you have to deal with it. As i read through your article and realised that your a christian i began to feel a strong sense of sympathy for you and your true lack of intelligence. If you are as religious as your article suggests then you are a moron, a moron for following a book that has no other evidence of truly happening. My sympathy lies with you…
By Armen
on 24.04.07
Chrystal - Welcome! I appreciate your input.
The first question I’d like to ask is, have you read this ‘book’ (the Bible)? I assume you have, since you feel equipped to call someone a moron if he/she follows it.
Secondly, why do you use the word ’sympathy’ to define your emotions towards me and my views, when you go on to call me a “moron” and one that has a “lack of intelligence”? I assume you are being sarcastic? If you were truly sympathetic, you would try and win me over by expressing genuine concern for me, without derogatory remarks.
I would urge you to study deeper into the effects of ’social networking’ Chrystal. Such as the dangers of paedophilia, internet addiction, severing the desire amongst teenagers to engage in ‘proper’ social interaction such as sports, soft porn, etc.
By Eleanor
on 06.05.07
i love bebo cant delete it its the best
By Scott
on 13.06.07
I think one of the many problems with Bebo is in a relationship when your Ex’s always get brought up on the site. Your girlfriend either finds them on there or they find her. Causes problems for no reason dragging up the past. Its too easy!! Thank god I dont have one.
By Emma
on 26.02.08
I am 12 and love bebo. It is fun for mates to have a laugh.. parents are paranoid.
By Sha-Cora
on 28.02.08
I have had a Bebo account for 2 years now. Bebo is where I stay in touch with my old friends, show my love for music, sports, and other interesting hobbies. The internet alone allows people of all ages to become exposed to pornagraphy and foul language. In my opinion the Chistians who do have a bebo account and know that it is a wrong doing should never have gotten one in the first place. Precisely, I Don’t have a problem with the website.
By Emma
on 27.04.08
I just deleted my bebo account.
It’s not for me to say its bad,
but if your a Christian and feel it is
bad, then it is wrong. It depends on the person,
if you are being a good example maybe its okay but not if the bad things about bebo influence you then I believe its wrong. Mine was a christian bebo page, but i was also influenced by the bad stuff on it aswell. I have a strong desire to follow God and if He wants me to give it up, fine! God bless you all.
By Rachel
on 07.06.08
I did have a bebo once, but a month after my mom told me to delete it, I finally did. For months now I haven’t had a bebo, and in fact, I’m happy. I’m not in as much drama, or fights on bebo. With bebo, I wasted alot of my life away. I wasen’t getting any work done, and my internet hours were expanding daily. I would normally go on at 3:45, and get off at around 10:00. I also realized that with a bebo, I had a high risk of getting kiddnapped, or abducted.
So, to all you teenagers/kids out there, I’m telling you, don’t even get a bebo. It’s not worth it.
By Jade..xx
on 09.06.08
The comment by ‘Emma’ says if god does not like bebo then she will not have it… who is to know if he likes it ?? or not like it ??
I have a bebo account and someone asked to add me called ‘bebos sexiest’ if pedo’s went on there the first place they would go is to that site. So i declined. I think bebo is good, but you just have to be safe and wary to who you are talking to. Stick to talking to the people you know. Even if you meet people and they are ok. They could still try to pressure you into things you dont want to do. I gave my number out to someone who i was talking to for about 4 months and he turned out to be a ***b asking me for sex and saying he wanted to be with me. He finally accepted that i didnt want to know him when i tx him sayin ***k off. but it took a while to get him off my case … xx
By bailey jackson
on 27.05.09
hay I am Bailey Jackson from MIS = Morrinsville Intermedite School. And i am doing my speech on Bebo. Thats alot for all the info you have given me throgh this page. Do you have any other info can you send to me on my gmail accont i would be very happy if you would give me your personal opinion on Bebo
By Crystal
on 27.05.09
hello my name is crystal and i’m from MIS and i’m doing a speech topic about bebo and thanks a lot for all the information that u have given me from this page about your personal issues
By bailey jackson
on 27.05.09
Opps i am bailey again just relised i have said thats but i ment THANX
By Kevin
on 27.05.09
Hi,
Through some personal experiences I have found that bebo is a relationship wrecker and it is also very addictive for some people. It is to easy for other people to try and charm your girlfriend or boyfriend out of a relationship with you futher more promoting “Unfaithfullness”. I think that some people on bebo need to get a social life outside of bebo with more face to face interactions or even by phone call or text. Some people on bebo should stop trying to ruin other peoples relationships and keep their nose in their own business. As for anyone who think it is “moronic” to avoid bebo, you need to work on getting some integrity,morals and values in life.
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