LDS leader urges young adults to drop digital masks to avoid spiritual risk
Apostle Quentin L. Cook argued that hiding online identity facilitates cruelty and cited historical examples of masked mobs.
By Ivan Mori ·
Quentin L. Cook, an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, warned on Sunday that online anonymity poses a serious spiritual threat. Speaking at a devotional held at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, the 86-year-old leader addressed young adult members of the faith via a global stream. He advised them to forgo digital camouflage and instead act as visible examples of their beliefs.
Cook stated that hiding in the dark to criticize others contradicts the Christian principle of shining a light. He described the act as incompatible with being a disciple and characterized it as hiding one's light. He urged the audience to stand out as committed followers, particularly during what he termed toxic times. He noted that many people face personal storms and suggested that young adults could serve as beacons through their public example.
The apostle drew on historical parallels to explain why masks encourage bad behavior. He recounted a conversation with a Jewish friend about preventing future atrocities. The friend pointed to the masked Ku Klux Klan of the early 20th century, which targeted Jews, Black people, Catholics, and immigrants. Cook also referenced the mob that tarred and feathered church founder Joseph Smith and early leader Sidney Rigdon, noting that those attackers painted their faces to conceal their identities.
Cook identified the desire to hide as a warning sign. He called anonymity one of the adversary's tools used to push individuals toward poor choices. He instructed members to avoid false faces in both digital spaces and in person. He encouraged the group to prioritize peacemaking and avoid the trap of hiding their true selves behind screens.
This message aligns with previous guidance from church leadership regarding online conduct. President Russell M. Nelson addressed the issue in a 2023 General Conference address. He criticized the prevalence of vulgarity and faultfinding, noting that many people believe it is acceptable to vilify those who disagree with them. He expressed concern over the use of pithy barbs to damage reputations.
The church's General Handbook also sets standards for online communication. It condemns language or images that are threatening, bullying, degrading, violent, or otherwise abusive. These documents frame the current devotional as part of a sustained effort to manage how members interact in public forums.
The devotional took place on Sunday and was streamed to a global audience of young adult Latter-day Saints. Cook's remarks focused on the moral weight of identity in digital spaces and the historical patterns associated with masked groups.
