The chances of you being one of the 1.73 BILLION who use social media are pretty good. With this kind of global participation in social media you can only imagine how many networks are out there now. Maybe you are like my friend's 6-year-old and could name nearly all of them (ha!). This just goes to show that we are living in a highly technological and media based society. Me, I just know enough to do my job and post some duck hunting pictures. For many of the 1.73 billion online participants, social media is much more and we should view it as a tool or a means to do good not evil.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:1-5
Cons (when misused):
- Facebook has been linked to 66% of divorces in the U.S., (81% of the nation’s top divorce lawyers have used contacts and chats as evidence against their clients' spouses).
- 87% of bullied teens are targeted on Facebook.
- Can lead to bad conversations and sexual pictures.
- It can be addictive and distracting which takes away from getting to know people and missing out on conversation and fun activities.
Pros (if used correctly):
- Instantaneous connection to friends and family.
- Helps reconnect with friends anywhere in the world.
- Helps Christians join in prayer all over the world.
- Helps spread the gospel and the truth of Gods Word to places we can’t go.
How to honor God with your social media:
- Be aware of who your followers/friends are.
- Control responses during a crisis (What happens on the internet stays on the internet, good and bad).
- Set an amount of time daily (30min. or an hour) that you will be on social media. Or maybe set a time of day for time spent of social media (How much time are you spending reading the bible?).
- Be sure to set your privacy setting.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
