Facing Social Network Challenges… | Discipleship Playbook

Facebook has been in the news for a variety of reasons in the last week including whistle-blower testimony to Congress and service being unavailable to users for many hours. Perhaps you experienced the forced “fast” from one of your favorite apps/websites?

The negativity of social media has been tackled in a 2020 movie, The Social Dilemma. IMDB says this movie “Explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.”

It’s increasingly alarming as we hear and read about problems social media problems can cause, especially for children. As role models for these young ones, is the benefit of social media worth it?

These verses, originally written years ago (and updated in the final section,) share some thoughts:

Prayer tools online,

devotionals too.

Privacy unbound,

are “quiet times” through?

God, help us use technology

in ways that are good.

Not idolistic life-support but supporting life;

as most Christian efforts should.

May technology make relationships strong,

Holy Spirit ever powerful.

With love like Christ taught;

and child-like energy, hearts full.

Help us make effective use

of what technology avails.

Social media, phone and pics;

sharing love, which never fails.

And when tech cons overwhelm the pros

May we “stand up,” with actions and prose

Stir us dear God with surpassing praise

As your grateful, healthy children, we raise