Whether it’s good or bad, social media is here to stay, primarily owing to its numerous advantages, and it’s profoundly ingrained in the brains of the young. Therefore, try as they might, Christians cannot ignore it, but we must first learn to comprehend it.
Now, in this essay, we will discuss how Christians should use and behave in social media. Here, we may begin by considering the issue of social and political division and how social media adds to it.
In this case, the most popular response is that algorithms trap us in “echo chambers.” As a result, we only receive news and ideas from our own perspective, which fuels polarization and extremism.
However, the reality is just the opposite. After all, people who often listen to opposing viewpoints will never change their minds. In fact, they may grow radical because opposing viewpoints are perceived as assaults on their existence.
Moreover, historically, many people’s identity was determined by how faithfully they served God, community, and nation. However, in our mobile, independent, digitally-driven world, we have become increasingly disenchanted with face-to-face societies.
Furthermore, in our increasingly secular world, God and religion no longer function as a source of existence. As a result, our connections have dwindled, and our identities have become frailer.
So, how might socially isolated people with vulnerable identities obtain the validation they require? Several principles can help move social media away from polarization and toward moderation.
First, we may learn to listen carefully and attentively. So, avoid getting into an argument with someone immediately. Instead, strive to follow them and pay attention to them for a moment.
For example, as you criticize them, agree to something within their viewpoint. As good Christians, we should learn how to recognize and validate their objectives, challenge the idolatrous manner in which they seek those objectives, and then re-direct them to realize their greatest ambitions in Christ.
Finally, avoid justifying everything you or your party has said or accomplished. Instead, you must be willing to be self-critical when using social media.