SOCIAL MEDIA SCANDALS
What does your profile say about you?
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
What is Facebook?
According to WhatIs.com, “Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues.”
It is also a marketing tool for businesses. The private groups provide a support system. It is an easy method for old friends to keep in touch.
In a nutshell, Facebook is an online community. It brings people together.
Much like all things, Facebook has a dark side, especially in light of the recent scandals.
Facebook sold secure user information without permission. We are not as safe as we thought. Then again, we never were. The internet is a very insecure place if one is not careful. Countless catfish, scammers, and trolls run rampant, capable of victimizing honest people every day.
Not to mention the hatred and intolerance that seemingly has become acceptable behavior. During the November election, the heated debates became so out of control that I stopped logging in for several weeks. I also unfollowed many of my friends, because of the level of negativity in their posts. Several of the private groups REQUIRE an agreement to civil and respectful behavior.
We are not only subjected to hateful politics and news, but Facebook very clearly favors the democratic wing above the republican wing. Conservative pages and posts are intentionally deleted simply because of the content of their opinions and beliefs. It is a violation of our basic civil rights. Yet, Facebook seeks to silence the Conservative party.
My own sister Sgt. Megan Bruce who seeks to unite her fellow veterans and give them support in their trauma was shut down for no better reason. No warning. No explanation. No justice.
What has happened to our society where people need a reminder to be respectful? Where people need to think twice before accepting a friend request. Where we get so tired of politics that we are forced away of our own online activity.
It is the ease. People do these things, because they can. They get away with it. They are protected, even encouraged. Facebook is the perfect way to get attention. Facebook is addictive. These are the things on which we should focus: one’s conduct on Facebook and the impression they leave.
"I don't know what your generation's fascination is with documenting your every thought, but I can assure you, they're not all diamonds." (Mr. Griffith, Easy A)
Each profile is unique to the person behind it. It is a platform on which we express our beliefs, opinions, activities, and interests. It is a place where we can be unashamedly be ourselves. We have the opportunity to give others a lasting impression of who we are and what we believe.
But is it enough?
1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for 'bad company corrupts good character.'”
Take a look at your profile through the eyes of a stranger. Do you like what you see? How do you appear? What impressions do you make? How much room do you leave for your faith, for creating community, building bridges? Are you approachable? Are you tolerant and loving?
The people running Facebook have made many controversial decisions regarding their policy. It is enough to make us question the future of our profiles. I certain don’t relish the idea of total strangers gaining my personal information without permission. I fear that I’ll one day log in to find Christ In Culture gone, because management didn’t agree with my messages.
I want my security. I want trustworthiness. I want transparency. I want positive activity. I want Facebook to be a safe and loving environment.
