The Social Media Dilemma

It seemed like an important topic to include in a teen Sunday school curriculum, but I really had no idea how important until I inundated myself in documentaries, podcasts, and webinars.  Simply researching and putting this unit together had a profound effect on me both as a parent of teenagers and as a phone/social media user.

 "There are only two industries that call their customers 'users': illegal drugs and software." Edward Tufte, American Professor

I was shocked and appalled by the sheer addictive nature of the software and how gladly these internet-based companies feed.

These devices can easily turn into the yoke of bondage St. Paul warned us about in Galatians. Our social media accounts can easily become a cesspool of jealousy, envy, and depression. Hiding behind an internet screen, our words often lose integrity- building more barriers than bridges.

No one can deny the amazing conveniences, advantages, and benefits the internet, our phones, and social media provided. At the same time, there's a dilemma... isn't there? A problem worth discussing?

It is easy to claim that social media is a tool because of all the immediate advantages it provides right at our fingertips.  Is it really just a tool or is it something more?  Is it threatening our ability to personally connect? Have we forgotten what it was like to speak to each other face-to-face, to be genuine and kind with our words, or even how to be bored?

I would argue that social media has become a barrier to our ultimate goal as Orthodox Christians: Holiness.  It is time to become intentional and take control of our social media usage before it controls us.

“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” Psalm 32:9

I cannot stress enough the importance of this crucial topic - check it out HERE

For discussion: What house rules do you have in your home to help your teen use social media with intentionality?