Blog || Back to BLOG list
|
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND THE CHRISTIAN CHILD
| |
 |
The fact is that we are living in the 21st century and information from technology is a reality that we cannot do without especially for our children. Millions of people use social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to participate in the relational components of the internet. It is where the enemy finds unlimited joy multiplying lies, division and confusion at supersonic speed. Remember, lots of good is accomplished on the internet, also. However, one may be tempted to ask, are these networks the next big mission field or an enormous waste of time? The key question will be, should a Christian participate in social networking? As individuals and especially as a child of God, the answer to these questions should be determined by whether we can honestly ask God to bless and use our actions for his own good purposes. |
|
Therefore as 1
Corinthians 10:31 states, "So whether
you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it
all for the glory of God". If we are willing
to let God use our participation in Social
networking for his glory, then as children
of God, we have the freedom to
participate with some restriction and
control. Pope Benedict called for a
greater Christian presence online in the
midst of "vast cultural transformation"
caused by the digital age. New
technologies, he said are "giving birth to
a new way of learning and thinking, with
unprecedented opportunities for
establishing relationships and building
fellowship. He opined that if technologies
are used with wisdom, they can
contribute to the satisfaction of the desire
for meaning, truth and unity which remain the
profound aspiration of each human being.
The Pope also emphasized that the "Christian way" of being present in the digital world means being "honest and open", responsible and respectful of others. It is a way of communicating that is consistent with the gospel, supported by actions worthy of the same witness in one's daily life. "Believers who bear witness to their most profound convictions greatly help prevent the internet from becoming an instrument which depersonalizes people, attempts to manipulate them emotionally or allow those who are powerful to monopolize the opinions of others," he said. Christ's truth is not questions of online popularity; rather, it is the full and authentic response to that human desire for a relationship, communion and meaning which are reflected in the immense popularity of social networks. While noting that "direct human relations" are always essential to sharing the faith, he invited Christians to "confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible". Children who choose to participate in social networking should be aware of the negative consequences of social networking that has ruined so many. We should understand and remembered that not everyone on the internet has pure motives, and we should use safety precautions, utilize the privacy settings that are provided, and be very selective as to who is accepted as a "friend" or "fan". It is our duty as parents to interact regularly with our children and be active participants in their use of social networking sites. If possible check the history of the sites visited for the day or week. As a matter of fact, Christians should be conscious of the danger of narcissism (excessive self-love and preoccupation with self) inherent in self-oriented sites. Research studies have shown that overuse or wrong motives in social media participation can breed narcissism. Most of the social media sites primary motives are to make us believe that we can promote ourselves or draw attention to ourselves. It is time to take a step back and be watchful what we say on the internet. I would strongly suggest us to utilize accountability, encourage spouses, family members, and Christian brothers and sisters in the church view our social networking activity and hold us accountable. The Lord has directed us in Proverbs 27:17, "iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens his friend's countenance". It's also important to realize and understand the impact our status, photo, comments, or blog posts may have in the present or future. It should be remembered that social networking sites involve publishing to the entire internet, including family members, current and future employers, college admissions personnel, etc. The implications of any statements, both now and in the future, should be considered. We should remember that everything written is permanent and viewable by everyone and it could be positive or negative. Unfortunately there have been stories of many youths globally resulting in devastating outcomes of ruined lives and in some cases death. Therefore, limiting the amount of time we devote to these social networking sites is both healthy and wise. As we consider the other side of the coin, there are definitely a lot of positive aspects of social networking. For the Christian child, social media sites can be an enormously huge productive mission field. Social networking provides us with an ample venue to reconnect with old friends and increase our sphere of influence positively which can lead to evangelistic opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Social media creates and allows us to reenter the daily lives of people we may have lost contact with and open up new avenues for sharing Christ. With such a great opportunity, we can influence the views of others by what we post, bringing encouragement, hope, and spiritual guidance to others and using friend lists or Facebook status updates to pray regularly for friends and their needs. As the Bible directs us, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as we see the Day approaching" as directed in Hebrews 10:24-25. As ambassadors of Christ, every place or situation is our opportunity to propagate Christ, therefore, social networking sites is another fertile ground that we can use to engage spiritual seekers on the internet, meeting those seekers where they are. Social networking can be just like face-to-face evangelism, we can establish credibility and authenticity in the seeker's natural and comfortable environment, and then build and share the love of Christ with new online friends and others as the good Lord leads. Finally, the following information was sourced from Facebook, Twitter, Like/Unlike, YouTube and Time statistics. The figures will further reinforce for us the huge opportunity social networking provides for Christian evangelism if wisely used. It is estimated that more than 500 million people are on Facebook. More than 175 million are on Twitter and YouTube attracts more than 2 billion users per day. In terms of sharing, more than 30 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) are posted on Facebook each month. There are 95 million tweets a day and more than 24 – hours' worth of video content uploaded very minute. I found that among the most "liked" fan pages on Facebook in 2010; are the following, Lady Gaga, the Twilight Saga, Starbucks, south park, and Mafia wars, and the "least liked" fan pages are religious organizations which was ranked 1, others include education, pharmaceutical companies health and Libraries. People now spend 110 billion minutes on a Social Network. That is nearly 2,000 collective years each month. About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States. The Middle East and China are the two regions embracing social networking the fastest. Therefore, the numbers don't lie; time spent on social networks jumped 24% in the past year and those numbers continue to climb rapidly. The world is officially and irrevocably connected with online social communities which we are inclusively part of it. For Christian youths, I strongly believe it's a time of answered prayer. As we seek to diligently determine to share the gospel, we now have the Internet, which is fast proving to be the main communication artery to people's hearts and minds. The gospel clearly outlines our charge, no more excuses. Wake up, believer. It's time to go here, there and digitally, everywhere. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Social networks are ideal picking grounds and platforms to spread the gospel of Jesus. It's the perfect setting to show that Christian youths are people too and can live godly lives. Jesus commands us to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. What a better way to do this than the World Wide Web. Social media is a tool, to share, encourage, and discuss the glory of God and how we can advance his kingdom using the time, talents treasures and tolls that have been given to us. As the Lord directs and leads and in obedience, he will prepare us well and provide us with all that we need to be fishers of men to the glory of his kingdom and because social networking is an integral part of human life. Be blessed. By Apollos B. Goyol, PhD Associate Professor American University of the Emirates Dubai, UAE | |