DY, regardless of the technical definition of “poisonous”, I doubt the author had that in mind. As for the rest of what you said, we both agree that trying to avoid nisyonos, when we can, is a good thing. But we obviously just disagree on whether the internet is an “avoidable” nisayon. I say it’s not, and therefore, we must properly educate ourselves on how to deal with it. You obviously think it is. And again, for what feels like the 5th or 6th time, I think filters are a good thing, you don’t need to convince me of that. And quite honestly, I feel that I don’t need to say anything more because just about every point I’ve made in my previous post holds ground. And you’ve made some great points as well. So that’s all that needs to be said. Thank you for this discussion.
Just one question though: Something that I quoted in my last post from one of your posts seems to be something that you would vehemently argue with, and so I wonder what you think of it. Here’s the quote:
“We must recognize this uniquely personal nisayon as a golden opportunity. Perhaps more than in any other area of our Torah-based lives, the internet gives us the opportunity to display our love for Hashem and our determination to fulfill His will.
Each time a Jew holds himself back from visiting a website that he knows is not appropriate, from one wrong click, he is acting out his pure love and fear of Hashem. It is a moment to be tapped in to; a moment that calls out for reflection and prayer.
We are declaring through our actions: ‘Hashem, I am Your son! I love You and I want You to be proud of me! Help me overcome my yetzer hara, help me fulfill Your will!'”
Obviously, you believe that doing the above in wrong, because it’s wrong to put ourselves into such a situation altogether. Yet it is part of the same brochure that was supposed to be handed out at the asifa.