+ WEEK SEVEN REFLECTION POST

For my last blog post of the semester I wanted to write about how social media strengthens my testimony.

This week I was watching a YouTube that made me question some things. I have been watching this particular youtube-er for a a few years, and this week she posted a video about her coming out and announcing that she is gay. I don't know her personally, but I think that social media has a powerful influence and makes us feel connected to the people that we watch on YouTube or see on other social media sites. I was pretty surprised by her video and it led to my friends and I having a pretty deep conversation. Someone's sexual orientation is their choice, but I fully heartedly stand with what the prophets have declared about marriage that is ordained of God is between a man and a woman. Only men and women have the power to replenish the Earth, and the relationships we form in this life are a part of our Heavenly Father's plan.

Social media can strengthen what we believe, but it can also make us question our beliefs. I think that it is really good for us to sometimes question what we believe and feel challenged, it can push us to gain a stronger testimony, but we also have to be wise and cautious at what we expose ourselves to. It is vital for us to keep the perspective of the Gospel in mind as a media consumer.

After watching the video, I was prompted to study more about what our believes and same-sex attraction are. It is easy to live in a bubble, and it is good to have experiences that push us out of that bubble and solidify what we believe. I also spent some time on mormon.org, I don't think we really mentioned this in class, but I think that it is a form of social media. It allows members to post content and interact with others. I love that the Church is supportive of using technology and social media to its fullest capabilities to share the Gospel.

Like a social media platforms, there are good's and bad's to all of it. I think it is important to be involved in a variety of social media platforms, but to be aware of our purpose in using it and monitor what we do/how much time we spend using it. Social media is a powerful tool in connecting human kind together and sharing our believes and different part of our lives. Seeing how others use social media is a good reminder to me of how I want to use social media and what motivates me. I love having platforms that allow me to share goodness around the world, to my closer friends and strangers, and to be a witness of what I believe.