Things as they really are!

[Eyewebmaster]

When I read the talk of Elder Bednar regarding the topic "Things as they really are" from the CES fireside. I truly understand the what should I be doing particularly to the youth should uplift and strengthen them with their spiritual things. But when I seen that they are to much involve and addicted to computer games and spend lots of hours there my heart break. I've seen that sometimes they hide themselves just to go out with their friend to play in a computer shop just to spend money and play games.

My work mostly are online based and actually right now I'm working as an SEO specialist.

How could I help this youth?

I have some suggestion if this is right?

1. Teach them skills that I know especially on SEO

2. Continue to be with them

3. Join them in their activity

Please if you have some suggestion please let us know. Thanks

[slamjet]

I'm sorry, I am not following. SEO = Search Engine Optimization, for those who do not know and your question is very vague.

[Feathertail]

You could start by asking them why these games, and their friends, are so important to them. And then actually listening.

I personally spent a few years doing almost nothing but playing Final Fantasy XI Online. I logged not just hours, but over a hundred days of play time. Even though it was an online game, I played it mostly by myself, and when I wasn't playing it I was spending hours and hours thinking about what I wanted to do next in the game.

My parents didn't understand why it was so important to me, which isn't surprising, considering. I tried to explain that I knew what they wanted me to do, and that I was supposed to go on a mission and go to college and get a job and get married, but none of it seemed real to me. I couldn't make myself care about it; just feel rotten and inadequate that I couldn't. And be horribly aware that my life was passing me by.

The way I'm describing it, you'd think that that game was a terrible addiction, that consumed my life and made me unhappy. Which is the problem you're seeing in the people you're trying to reach. The "addiction" wasn't the cause, though. It was a symptom of my malaise. I latched onto the one thing I found that I could understand, and get excited about, and find others that I could discuss it with. And frankly, I rocked at that game.

The better I did at it, the more I started to care about my "real" life. FFXI is extremely realistic. After struggling to fit everything in my "Mog House," I started paring down my possessions and uncluttering IRL. I had to learn time management to make the Selbina / Mhaura Ferry. Working together with other real people who were playing the game, overcoming difficult obstacles together -- even becoming a leader -- helped me feel confident and assured. I made friends and created stories, that helped keep me going through a very difficult time in my life. I learned that I had control over my life, and started to use it.

When I stopped playing, it was because I'd found something that was better than playing that game. While on the web I learned about veganism, progressive politics, ethical shopping and how our stuff actually gets made. I felt sick at first, then realized I had to do something about it. Now I write articles for Yahoo News, and stories for people who need them, including one person who told me I saved his life.

The surprising thing to me is that when I found something that I cared about, all of a sudden the people who'd kept trying to get me to stop playing those games were (it seemed) trying to tell me to go back to them. I had to argue why I felt that my views were in accordance with church teachings. In the end I just had to be myself, even though it didn't look anything like the person they wanted me to be.

Are you willing to let those kids do that? Because if not, you're going to be really frustrated, I'll wager.

Careful with the SEO, by the way. Google just recently handed the smackdown to content farms, and they don't like it when people game their algorithms.

[rameumptom]

Help them get involved in other activities that they will find fun and exciting. Ask them about sports or other activities. Take them to see interesting potential job markets (police station, computer developer, etc). It may be that a mixture of activities will be needed, as not all kids like the same things. Finally, give them opportunities to serve.

Visit with their parents, so you can get their support and help in this.

[Eyewebmaster]

Thank you Feathertail for that experience you've shared. I have learn something there. Thanks.

Actually I understand what you mean regarding content farm and we will not be doing that. :) Anyway I hope I could teach them some basic task to do in the optimization of a site.

Thank you rameumptom for that summarized suggestion on how to let this young people get involve in church activities.