Lds Teachings about Media Use and Effects

Like the spiritual advisors in many churches, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints regularly teach their membership about the uses and effects of media. According to Joseph Wirthlin, a member of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, leaders have publicly addressed the issue of media consumption more than 75 times during general conferences of the Church since 1950 [Wirthlin, J.B. (1990, November). The straight and narrow way, "Ensign", 20, 64-66.] . In addition to these conference addresses, the topic of media uses and effects is also found in Church publications such as the "Ensign" and the "Liahona", which are widely distributed among Church members. In these publications former presidents of the Church, including Gordon Hinckley [Hinckley, G. B., (2001, January). A prophet’s counsel and prayer for youth. "Ensign", 31, 2-12.] , have also cautioned members about media use. In an Ensign article Elder Ballard spoke of the power of meda "We are in an era when the information superhighway will have the capacity to cut a wide path into our homes. Fiber-optic computer technology can link homes to an incredible assortment of messages and influences. This highway will be a conduit of information that will have the power to change our culture and thus our very lives." This change can be for the positive or the negative. According to Victor B. Cline, a clinical psychologist and member of the church, viewing media with obscene content can have powerful negative effects. Individuals who view pornographic material are likely to become addicted. With addicton comes an escalated desire for it. "They soon need rougher and more explicit material to get the same kicks and excitement," he said. These individuals can also become desensitized to the abnormality of the behaviors portrayed, becoming accepting of what they once considered shocking and offensive. With the viewing of obscene media content comes the tendency and temptation to act out what has been viewed. "Appetite has been whetted and conscience anesthetized," said Cline. [Victor B. Cline, “Obscenity—How It Affects Us, How We Can Deal with It,” Ensign, Apr 1984, 32] Russell Ballard, “Filling the World with Goodness and Truth,” Ensign, Jul 1996, 10] Elder Ballard also taught that we must be selective in our media consumption. He says as we consider the importance of nourishing our intellects with the promising potential of superhighway resources, we must be ever cautious about our choices of programs and the impact of media upon our lives."

Church leaders encourage members to take an active part in choosing media content by letting producers and writers know what kind of media they want, and will allow, to come into their homes and families. Elder Ballard said, “We may be a small voice to begin with; nevertheless, let us speak out and encourage a more uplifting, inspiring, and acceptable media.” [Ballard, Russell M., (2003, November). Let Our Voices Be Heard. "Ensign", 16.] reflist