REXBURG—Keith Erekson spoke yesterday at the BYU-Idaho University Forum about avoiding deception in the information age.
Erekson pointed out the deceptions people face today are more in an information realm than ever before. His interest in sharing this topic stems from his historical background as well as the need in the information age for truth.
Deception can happen to anyone. Erekson says everyone is susceptible to it.
Erekson shared an experience when he was almost deceived by a bike company. In his interest in biking, he was shopping online and saw this amazing offer. The company shared this emotional story of why their prices were cheap. It wasn’t until he pulled out his wallet that he paused for a second. He researched it and realized it was fraud.
“Hurry! Act now! That kind of pressure, you know, is intended to make you not stop and think about it,” Erekson said.
Often times an individual needs to pause to recognize deception, he taught. Students should be careful when it comes to their personal desires and interests.
“The main tool that we use is information. That's how we succeed, but it's also the main way that deception works,” Erekson said in a BYU-Idaho Radio interview.
One of the ways students can avoid deception is through learning more information, Erekson said.
God has also given people tools to avoid deception including trusted messengers.
“The best way to ensure that no man deceive you is to watch for and listen to God's true messengers,” Erekson said.
The Holy Ghost can also be a guide to students as they navigate the world.
“That always means when you're doomscrolling, when you're working on an assignment, when you're in the middle of an intense interpersonal reaction, the Holy Spirit should or could be your guide,” Erekson said.