Tonight I had a fascinating conversation with my friend David and his lovely wife about the complexities of social media. How necessary is it? How much is too much? What good can be accomplished through it? Do we damage our humanity when the majority of our interactions occur digitally?
This satirical film hints at some implications of society’s growing dependence on social media. The advantages of social media and rapidly developing technology are apparent, but there are two sides to every coin. The effect of social media on one’s spirituality interests me more than any other aspect of the phenomenon. This topic is extremely relevant in our world, and I find myself grappling with it almost daily (See Digital Delight | downgrading).
I’ve started a list of questions to help gauge my use of all kinds of media, particularly the social kind. I’m sharing this list to help articulate my own position. As I continue to search for balance in life, I hope these questions will help guide my decisions in the seemingly insignificant moments that define my path toward eternal life.
When I have a spare moment, would I rather send a text, check my email, or surf the web than notice the landscape, talk to a stranger, or listen for the Holy Ghost?
Does my mind dwell more on the phone in my pocket than on having a prayer in my heart?
Can I make it through scripture study without checking my email or responding to a text?
Is my mind in class when I’m in class, at work when I’m at work, with God when I’m praying, and in the moment when I’m speaking with people?
Have I taken time today to ponder?
When was the last time I saw (in person) 90% of the people I interact with regularly through media?
Have I touched someone’s life today?
Am I embarrassed to see someone I have recently chatted with online because of something we discussed that I wouldn’t have told them in person?
Am I easily bored? Do I find delight in quiet moments, or am I antsy and nervous when there is nothing to do?
Do I feel close to God? Do I feel His love throughout the day?
As I think about answers to these questions, I see that the most dangerous problem related to media is the loss of a truly active connection to Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost. “For this reason it is vitally important to recognize the risks of digital detachment. Being constantly ‘plugged in’ can drown out the quiet whisperings and subtle impressions of the Holy Spirit, breaking our personal connection with God and making it difficult, if not impossible, to receive personal revelation.” (Digital Detachment and Personal Revelation).
The overuse of media poses a much more subtle threat to our spiritual progress than traditional “sin” because of its ability to overtake our lives quietly and quickly. We’ve all experienced it—one YouTube video leads to another. Have you ever looked at a stranger’s pictures on Facebook for no good reason? Pretty soon, if we’re not careful, we can entertain ourselves right off the straight and narrow path, having done no good, having performed no service, having given no thought to building the Kingdom of God.