Privacy guarded at Web sites for caring

Web sites for keeping family and friends informed during times of crisis operate on the same model as most social networking sites.

Access, privacy and appropriate use of the site are issues that must be considered when setting up the site.

Chris Monquist, marketing and communications director for CaringBridge.org, said their Web sites are not searchable by search engines like Google or Yahoo. Visitors to the site must know the exact name of the site.

Additional levels of security at CaringBridge.org include the ability to create a list of banned visitors, and the ability to require passwords. It is up to the user to decide how private their site will be.

Lisa Davison, Professor of First (Old) Testament at Lexington Theological Seminary, mentioned privacy concerns with a caring Web site.

”But if the patient is comfortable with the idea, it can be a great, compassionate way to keep the faith community involved without so much stress on the caregiver.“

While ”there could be potential for abuse,“ Davison added, ”overall it has a very positive potential for helping to connect people and keep them informed.“

Noting the ”immense support group that the Internet provides, you can share your experiences with someone in another country,“ Davison said ”that support is crucial for people to survive these physically and mentally stressful experiences.“