Church leader cautions against Web networking

PROVO, Utah, — A Mormon church leader has warned his congregation about using the Internet for social networking.

Some Web sites are moral danger zones where young people can be exposed to risque pictures and language, said David Lisonbee, a counselor for a collection of Brigham Young University congregations that are part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The sites also can be used by sexual predators to trap victims, Lisonbee said.

"The biggest concerns we have are on MySpace.com. ... You think you know who you're speaking with, but you don't know for sure," he said.

BYU sophomore Lauren Raps said she canceled her MySpace account last year after receiving messages from strangers and distasteful pictures.

"There were just a lot of things on there that popped up that I didn't like," Raps said.

Other students said they use the site while exercising some caution and common sense.

Kate Blaylock, a BYU senior, said she is cautious about meeting people online.

"I always report people that I don't know or that I think are questionable, but the only way I think you can become prey is if you put yourself out there," she said.