Modern Problems / Ancient Solutions
According to recent statistics, there are approximately 2.5 billion (with a ‘B’!) users
worldwide of social media platforms. Projections are that in a few years, it will bypass 3 billion.
There are presently 243 million users in the United States (81% of the population!) 1
There are many good uses of social media. The exchange of news and the connection of old friends have been a noted benefit. It has also provided opportunities to preach the gospel to the lost. However, the dangers of social media are now being more clearly seen and identified.
According to a study, social media has led to numerous problems, including,
- low self-esteem, which may be prompted by incorrect perceptions that others’ lives are
“better” than yours
- increased isolation and loneliness
- anxiety or depression
- onset of social anxiety disorder
- a fear of missing out (FOMO), which can lead to even more social media usage
- disrupted sleep patterns, especially if you use social media right before bedtime
- decreased physical activity, which may affect your overall health
- poor grades or work performance
- ignoring the relationships in your “real” life
- reduced ability to empathize with others 2
Another study came up with the following conclusion:
A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal revealed that Facebook was aware of
mental health risks linked to the use of its Instagram app but kept those findings secret.
Internal research by the social media giant found that Instagram worsened body image
issues for one in three teenage girls, and all teenage users of the app linked it to
experiences of anxiety and depression. It isn’t the first evidence of social media’s harms.
Watchdog groups have identified Facebook and Instagram as avenues for cyberbullying,
and reports have linked TikTok to dangerous and antisocial behavior, including a recent
spate of school vandalism. 3
Biblical Solution
The wise man Solomon made an interesting and relevant statement around 3,000 years ago (well before there was a thing called “social media.” He said, “A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind” (Proverbs 18:2).
One major problem, however, is revealed in this proverb. Before social media, those without knowledge and understanding had very few listeners. Now, thanks to social media, their unlearned ideas can be broadcast to the world. People without knowledge of world events or history can now express their views. People without even a surface knowledge of the Bible presume to argue theological points. Social media has allowed society to skip a very important aspect: “learn first, talk later.” Now, it is “learn? No! Talk? Absolutely!” A friend recently quipped: “Before social media, we really didn’t know how many fools there are in the world. Now we do!” As Solomon noted, these fools delight “only in revealing their own mind.”
Consider several modern applications of this timeless proverb:
There are many who are not interested in learning. The book of Proverbs has made it clear that learning is work. One is going to have to invest time (1:20-33). It requires concentration and focus (17:24). The amount of “misinformation” on the internet is staggering. People who do not have sufficient education or evidence are nevertheless given a platform. The biblical solution is simple. Go back to the Bible. Study it. Memorize it. Give it the attention it deserves, and social media less attention—which it does not deserve.
There are many who do not fear the Lord. According to 1:7, this has to be the starting point to knowledge. If a person tries to bypass fearing the Lord on the road to education, his or her learning will be faulty and conclusions flawed. Solomon says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10). Many of the loudest voices on social media are avowed atheists, evolutionists, and are openly anti-Christian.
There is no fear of the Lord with them. There will come a day—too late for them, sadly—but a day where they will be filled with terror as they stand before the God of the universe. As the inspired writer said, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).
There are many who enjoy revealing their own opinions. When I was growing up, my mother said, “You have to earn the right to speak.” Later, my teachers emphasized the importance of “credibility.” They said that no one should listen to one who hasn’t properly studied a topic.
There are fools among us. We may even join their ranks if we presume to address topics that we haven’t personally studied. Solomon says that “fools die for lack of understanding” (10:21). If we are on social media, we have to have our guards up. Some may even present themselves as an expert on a subject, but in reality, are fools.
There is understanding in silence. While it is tempting to speak up, wisdom tells us “Be quiet!” (10:19; 17:27). Solomon will say, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him” (26:4). Some comments on social media are so outrageous that it is a waste of time to even try to respond.
There is a time for speaking. As noted earlier, it is appropriate to speak when the topic has been well-studied. Another time would be when a fool is apparently gaining a significant following.
Solomon also says, “Answer a fool as his folly deserves, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”
FOOTNOTES
1 https://www.statista.com/topics/1164/social-networks/
2 Kristeen Cherney, “What are the downsides of social media addiction?”
3 “Just How Harmful Is Social Media? Our Experts Weigh-In.” https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/just-
how-harmful-social-media-our-experts-weigh
