I used to utilize social media much more. I still view it, but I can’t remember the last time I posted. I’ve wondered if I should eliminate it entirely. Here are a few reasons why I might just say “goodbye” to social media.
1. Social media is an easy way to waste time.
That does not mean all time on social media is wasted, but too much of it in my life has been. What I think will only be ten minutes of perusing becomes forty-five. I have never met a person who is on social media who also said, “I’ve never wasted time on it.” Pastor Jim Orrick’s line, said at a summer youth camp, helps and convicts me: “The thing that you do crowds out the thing that you might have done.” Added to this is the reality that time is short: “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Is it really worth it to spend so many hours on these websites?
2. Social media is a platform for images and videos that are dark and/or spiritually dangerous.
I’m astounded by what I’ve seen through the years. For example, there are some who love to post gruesome violence. Others post photos of their daughters that are incredibly immodest (going to prom, for example, or at the beach). And sometimes random, indecent photos or videos just “appear” (not necessarily posted by people you know). I’ve heard a number of people say they have had that experience, and for some it has led to viewing pornography.
There may be a great benefit to the use of social media, but is it worth having to deal with this? It’s probably far more dangerous for most believers than we realize.
3. Social media is an avenue that too often replaces “creative” or “reflective” time.
I despise that “urge” to look at my phone when I’m standing in line, or just sitting on my porch. Yet as much as I don’t like that feeling, I regret how often I’ve pulled out my phone and flicked away. I’m confident my experience is the norm. I was recently in line at a grocery store and noticed that the three people waiting behind me were not on their phones. Can you imagine that happpening today? I promise you, it did! It was a strange phenomenon! This consistent tug toward our phones that too often keeps us from thinking deeply might only be overcome if we take drastic measures.
4. Social media can weaken our mental capacity for certain activities.
Extended reading; memorizing; conversing; listening; studying; writing — there have been times in my life when I’m sure I am not accomplishing these at a level I could have because my mind has been warped by the overuse of social media. Just type “social media’s effect on the brain” in a search engine and you’ll see the science behind what I have experienced. So we not only have to ask, “What am I gaining by being on social media?” but also, “What might I lose by being on social media?”
5. Social media too often becomes a place where believers speak in ungodly ways.
It’s shameful what I have observed some believers, even friends who are pastors, write against other Christians. I’ve sometimes known each “side” and thought to myself, “If they were face-to-face, there is no way they would talk like this to each other.” But online, it’s much easier to be cutting and stern and proud and dismissive. It’s just so ugly sometimes, making Christ unattractive to a watching world. I know some people would respond to this by saying, “Let’s not get off of social media, but let’s become the people who don’t fall into this malicious spirit and instead show a more loving way.” That may be right. In fact, I’m sure that’s the only way forward if we continue to use social media. I just wonder if the medium is so tainted that it’s not even worth it to start that kind of a revolution.
6. The effect on people through our posts on social media is almost always not as profound as face-to-face interaction.
I’m not sure how posts on social media might minister to people, but I know that the Bible speaks of face-to-face relationships as an avenue to serve others. Consider all of the “one another” verses in the New Testament that assume close relations with other people typically in local fellowships. Think also about a verse like 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” It’s Scripture like this that makes me think, “That’s where our energy should be going regarding influence and effect upon other people’s lives!”
So . . . Good Riddance?
I’ve never met a person who is completely satisfied with his or her usage of social media. I’m fairly certain that most of us don’t engage social media very well. Some of us are addicted and wasting our lives online. Maybe, just maybe, the best decision would be to remove it from your life completely and not look back.