Good question. Others have also feared “having so much extraneous information on each other.” First, the software does complete monitoring to avoid holes in the system. Take, for instance, a similar program called X3watch which only monitors sites that are considered “objectionable” to put on the report. Because of the way the Internet constantly changes, the program can’t keep up. Covenant Eyes offers total accountability to keep up with the ever-changing Internet world.

Second, comments and complaints from our tens of thousands of members, most of them churchgoers, do not reveal that this sort of information about Internet viewing creates problems. There are many types of Internet addiction (beyond pornography) such as information addiction (people who spend 10 hours a day just reading the news), gambling, gaming, and cyber-relationships. The program we have is useful to keep track of our overall Internet use. So far no one has complained about this being a counterproductive thing.

Third, I will say that having an accountability partner can be a major change from our culture, which breeds individualism. Some reject use of the program because they simply can’t imagine letting anyone else into their “private” life. Many of our users testify to having had this hang up but later saw the value of friendships that are more open, honest, and transparent. Of course, the program isn’t for everyone.

Thanks for the question.

Luke Gilkerson

I would agree that monitoring software is powerless to really change people’s impulses. This is why the whole premise behind Covenant Eyes software is building authentic redemptive relationships between Accountability Partners, not using software as a band-aid for the immature to stay immature. In the end, all the software does it monitor, not block. Those who choose to use realize their need to let others into their secret world of Internet use that has presented a host of temptations and possible addictions. They surround themselves by those who can help them. The software is useless (in the area of sexual struggle) without the quality friendships.

As for the “Bronze age deity” comment, I would submit to you that it is really the other way around. There are countless numbers of people who are pinned under fear and shame about how they use the Internet, many who may also fear a “Mighty Smiter” because their temptations are not only shameful to them, but also secretive. The choice to sign up for Covenant Eyes Accountability Software is a first step in a direction towards reform. Covenant Eyes is a piece of software, not a god. It is entirely up to the accountability partnerships how “slight missteps” are handled.

Luke Gilkerson
Internet Community Manager
Covenant Eyes

Couldn’t help but find your blog interesting. The title grabbed me right away.

I’ve talked to many people who think the idea of accountability reports and partners sound like a subplot from 1984. Some see Covenant Eyes accountability software as amateurish, heavy-handed, and intrusive. For those who see little to no problem with viewing pornography or who have never been entrenched in life-altering sexual addictions, I could see why someone would think this.

But the more I talk to our Members and Accountability Partners, the more I see the value of our product. Maturity in one’s faith should bring about a conviction that because God is watching and cares about our actions and our dispositions, we live differently. Many people begin using our program because the knowledge that God sees has not yet affected their conscience. Many continue using the program not as their main deterrent to watching porn, but as a safety net, and as one of the aspects of a good, healthy accountability relationship with a trusted person.

I’ve written a little about this on my blog: http://blogs.covenanteyes.com/2008/01/24/why-accountability-part-1/

Thanks for you comments,
Luke Gilkerson
Internet Community Manager
Covenant Eyes