As I began to study religion and the internet it was amazing how you really can find anything on the internet. There is so much information out there—some of it useful and some it not. The thing about the internet as we all know is that anyone can post something or create a website on the internet. But some religious organizations have done an especially good job in setting their messages apart from the others.
Two religious groups that I think have used the internet to effectively set themselves apart are the Mormons and the Scientologists. A bastardization of both religions’ goals in using the internet would be to promote awareness and to encourage conversion.
Whether or not you believe in either religion, the LDS church and Church of Scientology are both organized cultures—with distinct beliefs and hierarchy. Both churches have a lot of coverage in the media, but especially on the internet. They also both have well-designed websites set up by themselves to answer questions about their beliefs, to provide comfort, and to encourage viewers to learn more (and ultimately convert). The Mormon website, as you all know, is Mormon.org. The Scientology website is Scientology.org and they also have a video website (http://www.scientology.org/#/videos/the-basic-principles-of-scientology) that is very similar to Mormon.org.
The most interesting thing that I found about the religions and their use of the internet was specifically their use of advertising on the internet. Using Google type in Jesus Christ or Jesus or Christ and every time Mormon.org comes up in the Sponsored Links section. Doing the same thing but using the word spirituality Scientology.org comes up. And words like church or religion often bring up both Mormon.org and Scientology.org.
I admit that I do not really understand how the Google Sponsored Links section works, but it appears that both of the churches are paying top dollar to have their websites represented in these searches.
Do you think that design and layout of a website makes a huge difference in the appeal of that religion on the internet or is the message more important? What do you think the perceptions are of people that see other religions advertising on the internet?
As an art student I’d have to say that the design and layout of a religious website absolutely affects the initial appeal of that religion to the viewer. Amidst countless webpages, the primary visual impact of a particular page can stop the surfer and intrigue them to read more.
ReplyDeleteThe creative choices approved for use in the design can say a lot about the religion before the viewer has even started to read. Colors, sounds, layouts, effects, all of these things affect us emotionally whether we are aware of it or not.
Once the viewer gets past the immediate impression from the visual effects, the text may be read. However, more often than not, when browsing through the internet, rather than reading the full text of a site, attention is paid to the images provided and bolded or emphasized words.
A skilled designer could carefully lead the first time viewer through that religion exactly as it wants to be seen. In this way, browsers can even be misguided into a false state of understanding. Obviously, in the end, the ultimate message is the selling point of any religion, however, less-than-agreeable details can go masked or completely unnoticed if design is utilized in that way.
Personally, when I come across religious websites, I am far more interested in the ones that appear to be officially funded and advertised for by that religion. The internet is an ironic tool. We are provided with so much information on any given thing. However, like the author said, anyone can create a page and post information which may or may not be true. This becomes especially difficult when trying to research religion. When I view an official site, such as Mormon.org or Scientology.org, I at least can be assured that the information that I am being presented is compatible with the endorsed message of that religion. However, even these sites need to be taken with a grain of salt because only the information they choose to share is shown.
I think that any time a website is user friendly it leaves you with a positive feeling. I know that when I am online shopping or doing research and a website is difficult or confusing, I will stop what I am doing and change websites. For me it really can make or break my opinion of a brand or organization if their website isn't informative of helpful.
ReplyDeleteI would not leave any religious website entirely responsible for the conversion of people. I think it is only a stepping stone to create a postive image or feeling in a persons mind. A religious websites purpose should be to inform, inspire, and create interest. It would be almost ridiculous to hold an internet site responsible for doing the converting. If it were me I would be extremely cautious while learning about religions from their sponsored websites. Obviously they are going to be slightly skewed in order to portray that particular relgion in the best possible light.
I do feel these websites have a vital role, I do feel that some websites have urged people to conversion, but I do not feel that any sane person would wholeheartedly convert to a religion based on a websites information.