Some people will go online and say things they would never say to a person to their face, and that can cause problems. Proverbs 12:18 tells us, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” This applies not only to what we say to each other face to face, but also what we say and the pictures we upload to social media.
With the popularity of social media and user-generated content, as a society we’re becoming more and more addicted to the immediate affirmation of likes and comments from others. Scientists will tell you that it releases a feel-good chemical in our brain called dopamine and some can become addicted to this immediate feedback and the instant affirmation that it brings.
Sometimes when you’re just one person behind a screen, it can be tempting to act differently on social media than you would in real life. People often say or do things online that they would consider to be embarrassing or mean if they did it in front of others. Recent news coverage has highlighted the very negative effects this online behavior is having on young people especially.
Social media is a great tool and resource if we know how to use it in a constructive way. In Hebrews 10:24-25, Paul writes: “Let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” It’s important that we find a healthy balance between having fun online and using good judgment.
The cure to self obsession and selfishness which can be inflamed by modern technology is to take on the mindset or attitude of Christ which is spoken on in Matthew 20:27-28: “And whoever desires to be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Don’t get caught up in the world of “selfies.” Get caught up in serving and loving others following the example of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
If we would not say something face to face to someone, you should not post it on social media. We can cause offense to a little one without even realizing it. It is important we use our social media accounts to be a light and example to others and that parents teach their children to have this approach when using social media. Jesus Christ said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
We should also be aware of how much time we spend on social media. Are we becoming addicted to our interactions online and neglecting more important aspects of our life? “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
What we say online matters. “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36). Social media is a great tool and resource if we use it in a constructive way, as Philippians 4:8 admonishes us to do: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
