Beware of Secret App
Last week I was surprised by all the hoopla regarding a new
app called Secret. Students are able to
post thoughts and ideas on the app anonymously.
The creators describe the positives that can happen from the anonymity,
such as being able to reveal embezzling to a boss without being deemed a
snitch. However, the opposite is also
true. Slander and cyberbullying has hit
a new high. People are name-calling and
bashing others without fear of repercussions because no one knows who posted
it. Not only are the words appalling,
but many are posting pictures and images that are equally grotesque all under
the cloak of secrecy.
app called Secret. Students are able to
post thoughts and ideas on the app anonymously.
The creators describe the positives that can happen from the anonymity,
such as being able to reveal embezzling to a boss without being deemed a
snitch. However, the opposite is also
true. Slander and cyberbullying has hit
a new high. People are name-calling and
bashing others without fear of repercussions because no one knows who posted
it. Not only are the words appalling,
but many are posting pictures and images that are equally grotesque all under
the cloak of secrecy.
What is it within us that causes us long for anonymity? I’ve pondered this since I learned about the
new site, and I’m taken back to the beginning. Way back to the beginning. In the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve
first ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they
immediately hid behind fig leaves. They
knew their actions were wrong, and yet they hid in shame. Ever since we have lied and cheated to hide
our true selves. If others knew how we
really felt, we would all suffer lives of solitude. However, Christ died to save us from our
sinful selves and to make us new. Sadly,
many are living this new life in an old dump – a place where sin abounds with
the promise of no consequences. The
saying, “Your sins will find you out,” is true.
You may be able to deceive for a little while but one day the truth will
be revealed.
new site, and I’m taken back to the beginning. Way back to the beginning. In the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve
first ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they
immediately hid behind fig leaves. They
knew their actions were wrong, and yet they hid in shame. Ever since we have lied and cheated to hide
our true selves. If others knew how we
really felt, we would all suffer lives of solitude. However, Christ died to save us from our
sinful selves and to make us new. Sadly,
many are living this new life in an old dump – a place where sin abounds with
the promise of no consequences. The
saying, “Your sins will find you out,” is true.
You may be able to deceive for a little while but one day the truth will
be revealed.
Insecurity, bitterness, and revenge all serve as motivating factors
for demeaning someone else online, but what is it that draws others to visit
the site not so that they can add to the slander, but so that they can read
it. Is this a modernized form of gossip? Have we stooped so low that seeing our family
and friends demoralized is now entertainment?
for demeaning someone else online, but what is it that draws others to visit
the site not so that they can add to the slander, but so that they can read
it. Is this a modernized form of gossip? Have we stooped so low that seeing our family
and friends demoralized is now entertainment?
Parents, be wary of letting your children correspond on the
new app. I fear that the bullying on
this site will lead to great destruction – damaged reputations, broken relationships,
and perhaps even suicide.
new app. I fear that the bullying on
this site will lead to great destruction – damaged reputations, broken relationships,
and perhaps even suicide.
There is freedom in the light. Don’t be deceived by the darkness.