You're likely scratching your head at that title or you may assume that it has something to do with
NASA! Actually, it has to do with the Internet and something called MySpace, not outer space. This
article examines an Internet phenomenon that's growing like wildfire, along with its pros and cons.
by Cecil E. Maranville
When he tried to gain understanding of end-time prophecy, Daniel was told by a divine messenger that
the secrets of his prophecy were sealed until the time of the end. The messenger concluded, "...many
shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4).
We live in a time when knowledge itself rushes back and forth at a frenetic pace! I'm referring to
the Internet, a communication enhancer like nothing ever known in human history. People anywhere in the
world are able to communicate with each other in real time for free via chat rooms, instant message
programs and "blogs."
Anytime I mention that last word in a group, there are always some who screw up their faces in
puzzlement. Blog is short for "Web log." Web logs or blogs take on many forms, including providing
commentary on current events, such as we do at www.wnponline.org. Many news organizations and/or
columnists do the same.
Or a blog might be sort of a personal journal, posted on the Internet. You might think that it could
not be personal if it is on the Internet, and I agree. Nonetheless, millions of young people in
particular write details no less intimate than what you would expect one to put in a diary kept under
lock and key away from prying eyes. And they post these blogs on Web sites that millions of people visit.
More than 40 million members
One of the most popular is MySpace.com, which has over 40 million members! Of course, no one person
could read everyone's entries. But you can find MySpace members by name, e-mail address, by posted name
(which may be different from one's actual name) or by the school the member attends.
Further, you can search the MySpace database of participants by current students, alumni, year of
graduation or years of attendance. You can search by male or female or both. You can search by age, as
low as 16. You can search by "single, married, divorced, swingers" or "in a relationship." You can
filter your search further by looking for people who are on MySpace for "dating, relationships,
networking" or "friends."
