Public Library Pitfalls

Public Library Pitfalls

Hazards, Resources, Reviews
Modern Media Articles | First NRC Modern Media Committee *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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What Should Christians Make of the Metaverse?

What Should Christians Make of the Metaverse?

Devices, Gaming, Hazards
For most people, “metaverse” is a new word, and we’ve only heard it because of Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that Facebook’s parent company is changing its name to Meta. The new name is a nod to the future. Meta is positioning itself as the first mover of a new digital universe. In his latest announcement, Mark Zuckerberg's "reality" is that he is going to move beyond Facebook with an alternative reality to real life that encompasses a Utopian life, that among other things will "one day let you show up in a virtual space as a full-bodied avatar, or as a hologram of yourself in a real-world living room of your friend who lives across the planet." What should the church and Christians think of these things?  Following is one…
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Oculus Quest 2 Review

Oculus Quest 2 Review

Devices, Gaming, Hazards, Reviews
According to the webpage, oculus.com/quest-2/, Oculus Quest 2 is “an all-in-one headset filled with hundreds of unique experiences.” These experiences include playing games, doing a virtual tour of places around the world, and working out. It appears the main focus is to get teens and young adults to play games and “lose track of time” (also cited on their webpage).  To “lose track of time” is a very dangerous reality many gamers face. Time is a God-given gift that He instructs us to use to seek Him. Ephesians 5:16 speaks about “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This tells us that we must be wise about how we spend our time. In regards to the gaming aspect and being “immersed” in a virtual reality, Oculus Quest 2 can…
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Social Media and Its Influence

Social Media and Its Influence

Hazards
https://heisfaithful.github.io/culture/2021/09/21/socialmedia.html *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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Tinder App Review

Tinder App Review

Cell Phones, Devices, Hazards, Reviews
Tinder is an online dating app used by 7.8 million people in the United States alone, making it the most popular dating app in the US.  Of that, 75% are male, 24 % are female, and 30% are married.  With those statistics, one can see where problems lie in using an online dating app, which, as correctly defined on the Tinder website is a “popular app for meeting people” and “the possibility of forming connections that could lead to more”, or as most users know it as a “hook-up” app. Here is a basic rundown of how Tinder works for a person.  Once a user (supposed to be an 18 year age requirement) sets up their profile, Tinder can “match” them with other users.  From there, the user ‘swipes right’…
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The Evolution of Gaming

The Evolution of Gaming

Gaming, Guidelines, Hazards
It all started out as kids playing with stones → board/card games → then to video/computer games → consoles/mobile games. Some of the benefits of gaming are: strengthens relationships, reduces stress, encourages laughterincreases brain function and sharpens our mindsteaches patience and how to set goalsenhances creativity and self confidence One of the most amazing benefits of playing board games is that it pulls people out of the digital world. Board games engage us in activities that do not involve staring at a screen.  What does “gaming” mean today?   It refers to playing electronic games on a screen as regular gameplay or possibly a hobby.  A person who is into gaming is often called a gamer.  65% of American adults play video games with 60% playing at least once a day. …
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Sensual Addictions

Sensual Addictions

Events, Hazards, Pornography, Resources
On Parent's Day, Rev. Witvoet spoke about Sensual Addictions:  Smoother than Oil, Bitter as Wormwood.  This is an informative topic for older children and adults to help us understand how addiction works and the dangers of pornography.  You can listen to the topic here.  If you are looking for help regarding addiction, resources can be found here.
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Reeling in Reels

Reeling in Reels

Apps, Filters, Hazards
Has the app TikTok appeared on your kids’ phone? Have you heard of TikTok on the news? Did you happen to read our previous article on TikTok? (click to read) Are you aware of the controversy over the app and it’s creators? Even if you were aware of all this, the piece of information you may not have connected yet is that Instagram’s feature ‘REELS’ is a spin-off of the popular video platform. When TikTok was going through its legal battles, Instagram saw it as an opportunity to create another feature to give its users something ‘to do’ on their app, which in turn promotes Instagram’s virtual popularity.  The following article from The Verge provides more information. https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/5/21354117/instagram-reels-tiktok-vine-short-videos-stories-explore-music-effects-filters  Not all Reels are created equal, and that is the problem. Many…
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2020 Digital Device Gift Guide

2020 Digital Device Gift Guide

Cell Phones, Filters, Guidelines, Hazards, Privacy, Resources
Hello, Parents! Once again, the Protect Young Eyes team wants to prepare you and your children by providing parental control guidance for whatever digital devices your family may have. In the year of COVID, digital devices are everywhere and we suspect that many new ones will be joining the family in December. Remember, if it’s connected to the internet, then there’s a story of how someone somewhere has hacked into it or out of it. Especially during 2020 with more kids connected to screens than ever before. Check it out at https://protectyoungeyes.com/digital-device-gift-guide-2020-smartphones-gaming-gadgets/?mc_cid=dd022bd5da&mc_eid=09748b43c6 *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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