ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world's largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, in a new survey asked readers, "Do you have safety concerns using chat rooms?" The majority of those who participated in the survey answered "yes" to the question. Some readers have had unpleasant experiences and others are cautious because they have heard stories through the media about online predators. One Believer wrote, "It depends on the type of site it is." Usually one can tell if a free chat room is safe by reading the content displayed. (http://www.christianet.com/christianpenpals/)
Out of 315 participants, 183 had safety concerns in using an online chat forum. Various participants shared stories of being stalked to hackers trying to hack into their computers. Christians desire a safe place to be able to chat with others and share God's love. Bill Cooper, President of ChristiaNet, offered some advice to Believers by saying, "Try to find Christian chat rooms that are monitored. Don't give out personal information, and pray for discernment."
Seventy-six participants responded "no" to the survey question. A Believer that uses ChristiaNet's free chat room said, "ChristiaNet is the only chat room that I belong to, and I know that it is safe." Many of the responses in this group include Christians who just don't participate in Christian chat rooms or they have learned which ones to use and how to use precautions when doing so. Believers that have had some success with using an online discussion forum revealed that they have been able to make new friends and share their faith. It is possible to lead someone to Christ using online communications.
Fifty-six readers were unsure about using a free chat room. There were several participants in this group that have never been in a chat room. One reader wrote, "I use my inner feelings, if I feel uncomfortable, I don't do it so I haven't used one yet!" Another participant isn't really concerned because there is the option to log off when the conversation goes awry. Believers in this group, who use online discussion forums, say that Christian chat rooms are the only kind they will participate in. Even at that, a Believer should be skeptical. Sometime people use Christian sites to deceive others. For more information, visit: http://www.christianet.com/articles/
About ChristiaNet
ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world's largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, receives around one million visitors per month and has 400,000 email subscribers who have access to an online shopping mall, job bank, Biblical and life application resources, free ecards, Christian blogs and friendship communities.
