INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY, What Harm Can It Do?

	INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY What Harm Can It Do?
	Pornography Goes On-Line ALL OVER THE WORLD, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE USE THE Internet every day. Many log on to conduct business, to catch up on world news, to check the weather, to learn about different countries, to obtain travel information, or to communicate with family and friends in various parts of the world. But some—married and single adults as well as a surprising number of children—will be going on-line for a very different reason: TO LOOK AT PORNOGRAPHY. COMPUTER PORNOGRAPHY, also called cyberporn, is so popular that it has become a multimillion-dollar business. The Wall Street Journal observed: "Find a Web site that is in the black [profitable] and, chances are, its business and content are distinctly blue [pornographic]." The Journal went on to explain why people turn to the Internet for pornography: "Customers can view racy fare without having to slink into a sleazy bookstore or even visit the back room of the neighborhood video shop. Customers can peruse raunchy fare in the privacy of the home—or office." Pornography and Children Sadly, many of cyberporn's viewers are children. Youngsters who are prohibited by law from purchasing pornographic literature or from renting pornographic videos can gain access to these in their own home with a few clicks of the mouse. The choices are endless. Many children regularly visit Internet sites without their parents' knowledge. In fact, The Detroit News states that "more than two in five children have subscribed to a web site or other service online even though nearly 85 percent of parents have rules against doing so." While most children—and adults as well—are careful to hide the fact that they dabble in pornography, not everyone sees the need to do so. Some consider the practice to be a harmless form of recreation. Others concede that pornography is not good for children but reason that what adults do in private is their own business. In some countries the controversy over pornography has turned into a full-scale political battle. On one side of the argument, free-speech proponents campaign in favor of pornography, and on the other, family-values advocates lobby the authorities to ban pornography. Awake! does not take sides in political issues. The purpose of this series is to inform our readers of the dangers of viewing pornography, to suggest ways that they can protect themselves and their loved ones, and to provide Bible-based suggestions for anyone who has become ensnared by pornography and wishes to break free. The dangers of pornography are discussed in the following article.

Young People Ask....Is This Person Right For Me?

I recently found myself developing feelings for someone who I thought would make a good match for me. However,after reading the article, I discovered that the qualities I liked about her were not qualities that are truly important. The article helped me to realize that spiritual qualities and the way a potential mate treats others are of primary importance. I thank Jehovah for this articles like this one,which give protection and guidance to us young ones.

Meet The People Of East Timor

I read this article with great interest. I first heard of this country when the news reported on riots there. Since then I had been concerned as to how people of East Timor were getting on and how the witnessing activity of Jehovah's Witnesses there was affected. I was surprised by the spirit of these people,who don't give in to cruel circumstances but vigorously continue on with life. I am going to remember the indomitable spirit of the people of East Timor and the big smile of Jacob and his family.