SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
Church leaders have taught over and over again that the Internet has the potential for both good and ill. “The Internet provides ways to express our faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen others, and foster what is useful, good, and praiseworthy,” according to Handbook 2: Administering the Church [(2010), 21.1.22]. “Church members are encouraged to be examples of thei
r faith at all times and in all places, including on the Internet.”
The Church uses a variety of social media channels to regularly post uplifting messages and invite members to “share the goodness.” Elder Bednar invited members to “sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth” following these four guidelines:
1. We encourage and welcome your comments and feedback, provided that you share your viewpoint in a way that is respectful and is not inappropriate, off-topic, abusive, harassing, profane, or promoting/soliciting third-party sites, and initiatives. Seek to Edify and Uplift Rather Than to Argue, Debate, Condemn, or Belittle. Be aware of your own range. Anger chases away the Spirit—and reason. Using your agency to allow unrighteous anger into your heart is one of the quickest ways to lose the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. After all, the Savior made it clear where that type of anger comes from: “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger” (3 Nephi 11:29; emphasis added).
3. Respect the Intellectual Property of other People and Organizations. The handbook states that when using the Internet and related tools, Church members should protect themselves, their family, others, and the Church from the dangers found online. “Some of these dangers include viruses, spyware, and other malicious software; identity theft; and po*******hy. Other Internet dangers include incorrect and misleading information about important gospel principles, excessive time spent on the Internet, and misrepresentation of people’s intent and identity.”
4. Be wise and vigilant in protecting yourself and those you love. (Remember, the world will have access to your messages and photos for all time). As adherence to this guideline. The Branch Presidency warns every member to refrain from posting comments that contain:
-Information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading;
-Libel, slander, or defamation of character;
-Text, pictures, or images that could be described as obscene, profane, lewd, crude, vulgar, offensive, provocative or pornographic, or as containing gang signs or symbols, political or religious propaganda, derogatory characterizations of any ethnic, racial, sexual, or religious group; and
-Inappropriate or “off-color” statements. In addition, Elder Bednar’s talk “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood,” encouraged disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to:
-Testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world.
-Proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days.
-Accomplish the Lord’s work. To help achieve those goals following the guidelines posted above would help us sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth effectively. Like this page, if you understand the guidelines and that you are willing to adhere to and follow the instructions! Reference:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/families-should-discuss-how-to-use-social-media-in-righteous-ways?lang=eng
