Religious Feature (LDS Youth): Standing as a Witness Online

Have you ever been in a crowded room where everyone was talking but you?

The Internet can feel like that room—everyone seems to be shouting an opinion! Some of what you hear is true, but there’s also a lot of misinformation out there. As members of the Church we need to help spread truth by joining the conversation.

Church leaders are asking us to take part in online discussions. Elder David A. Bednar recently issued a challenge to use social media to “sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth.” He said that what has been accomplished “is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood.”

A great way to help create that flood is to add a blog to the social media (such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) you may already use. The advantage of a blog is that it becomes your own personal virtual room where you can express yourself however you want. Some people use blogs to express opinions, share their ideas for Personal Progress, communicate gospel messages, or teach a skill.



Another great way to use a blog is to post news and letters from a missionary who is serving. A missionary would have a hard time bearing her testimony many thousands of times over her mission, but when her testimony is online, she can do just that all day, every day, to people around the world.
Even creating a simple blog with just a testimony could answer the sincere questions of someone looking for truth. You never know if a post on your website is what might make the difference.

So you’re interested but don’t know how to get started? There are several popular hosting websites that make it simple to create a blog. Pick one, and you’ll be led through a quick setup, including choosing one of many predesigned templates that you can use as-is or customize. All of the different blog sites have a different feel, so you can try a few and which you like best. It’s that easy. You’re now a blogger!

I finally decided to create a blog when I realized that my voice mattered and that it could make a difference for those searching for answers. It’s not fancy, but it reflects who I honestly am and how the gospel helps me in my life every day. I’m glad to have a place of my own online where I can be part of the conversation!