There is a new danger to our Christian faith in the internet age.
Recently, pastors and elders of the Brethren Network Fellowship (BNF) met to preview the Social Dilemma.1
The documentary directed by Jeff Orlowski, explores how companies use psychology to influence people. It unveils sychological manipulation used by social networks.2
“Despite social distancing we are more connected than ever before!”
Many social media apps are ‘free.’ But are they really free?
“If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product.” (Tristan Harris, former Google Design Ethicist, President and Co-founder of Center for Humane Technology).
The goal of Big Tech Companies is to maximize profits. Advertisers pay to catch our attention. We can get baited and hooked to view videos. Frequent advertisements interrupt free videos and we eventually are tempted to buy services and other things via on-line shopping.
Addiction is subtle. We can feed our desires, lose self-control and get addicted. Pay more attention to the things of Christ: To be taught by His Holy Spirit, to take every thought captive for Christ (2 Cor 10:5), to shine for Christ, and to lead souls to Christ.
Do not let social media reshape our minds and waste our time. Rather use social media and apps for work output and not for personal consumption. Salvage time to cultivate our relationship with Christ, and with fellow human beings. We are not digital beings.
Overcome temptations to internet addiction. Lovingly and firmly help our children and grandchildren to manage their use of mobile devices.
Be free from this new addiction by acknowledgement and confession. Many hours were wasted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Resolve to commit to spend time with God by bible reading, bible study, and private prayers. Cultivate friendship with those around you as social distancing measures are relaxed.
Be a master, not a slave of our mobile devices. Set our mobile devices to “silent” mode. Answer messages with discretion. Cease searching for best free videos and good buys. Ask God to search our own hearts. The indwelling Holy Spirit will reveal the secrets of our hearts. He will free us so that we can find time to gaze at God and listen to His wonderful words of life. The things of the internet world will be there but it will lose its glitter.
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
1 http://www.documentaryarea.tv/player.php?title=The%20Social%20Dilemma
