Social media is a modern-day phenomenon that has affected every person who has access to it. Although it has helped many people reach out to family and friends from far away, it also has caused the destruction of many lives and relationships. Simply put, while social media has benefits, it also has potential dangers that can destroy our lives.
Statistics tell us that a huge number of people today are active social media users. In 2017, about 68 percent of U.S. adults use Facebook. About 32 percent of teenagers, on the other hand, say Instagram is the most important social network for them. And regardless of age, an average user spends about two hours per day on any social media site.
There are so many more statistics there, but more than just the numbers, what we need to see are the real-life effects of these social media sites. Again, they can be helpful, but they can also pose a threat to our lives, especially for Christians who are bent on following Christ.
That said, here are a few ways social media endangers a Christian's life.
1) It allows room for secret sin
Here's the most dangerous effect of all: social media is a perfect breeding ground for secret sin. When used with a motive to commit sin and hide it, social media becomes a bane, not a balm.
When people use social media with an intention to do wrong, social media can be such a bad thing. And because it's easy to be anonymous or carry a different identity on the internet, the temptation to hide sinful activity becomes greater.
Ephesians 5:13 tells us to be transparent with our dealings.
"But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light."
2) Handled the wrong way, it will steal precious time
As mentioned above, the average user spends about two hours on social media. Those two hours could be spent on something more productive: exercise, spending time with family, studying, working, catching some well-needed sleep, praying, Bible reading, eating, or even finding an extra source of income.
The devil's job is to "steal, kill, and destroy." One of the ways he does that is by luring people into wasting their time on social media hounding after another person's life.
3) It pollutes the mind
Lastly, posts on social media can pollute the mind. With all the kinds of things being posted, shared, broadcasted and spread through these avenues, the mind can only take so much.
Today there's so much filth spreading on social media. Christians, especially men, need the courage to close the tabs on the browser and exit the page if the content is disturbing, not to mention stimulating towards sin.
Philippians 4:8 tells us what we should dwell on:
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
