We're forever being warned about the dangers of technology and the negative impact that it can have on almost every area of our life and health. It can have a detrimental effect on our physical wellbeing - the disruptive effects that using social media can have on our sleeping patterns have been widely documented. It can impact on our emotional wellbeing - social media's envy inducing and confidence reducing capabilities are well-known, and it can cause problems within our relationships - look no further than Chick-fil-A's cellphone coup challenge for evidence of the downsides are excessive attachment to our tech can have.
But does it get a bad rap?
It's impossible to argue that there are downsides to social media but it does have its pro points too. Online activism has raised awareness for situations and causes that deserve our attention and support (#blacklivesmatter, #bringbackourgirls). It's also served as a tool for sharing signs of solidarity (#prayforparis). So, how can Christians navigate this tricky tool and use if for good? Here are some of the ways that we can use social networking sites in a positive way to share our faith, give and be spiritual.
Share the good news
We are contributors as much as we're spectators when it comes to social media. It's wise to think carefully about what we share as our choices have a longer life span on the internet and this means that they can also have long-lasting effects. Our profiles can be an extension of our personalities so we can use the opportunity to share the things that are important to us, such as our faith, with our online followings. We might want to use Instagram to share a particular Bible verse that has improved our mood on a given day or write a blog post about our spiritual journey and share it on Facebook or Twitter.
Give
Technology has made giving easier than ever. By simply clicking a button on our laptops or sending a text from our smartphones, we can contribute to causes all over the world. We can also use social networking sites to respond to calls to give, to fundraise and to encourage others to make charitable donations to specific organisations or individuals in need.
Be spiritual
A new mobile app, Click to Pray, is just one of many which can help us connect with our spiritual side on social media. Click to Pray aims to connect Christians around the world in prayer. The prayers are based on Pope Francis' monthly prayer intentions and users can select three times throughout the day to pray. Bible apps, such as the Bible in One Year app, can also help us to engage with our faith on the go.
