We all use social media in our daily lives. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, you name it. We love being able to keep in touch with our friends and families, but at what cost? Social media isn't perfect. In fact, is it even helpful at all? Here are the seven deadly sins of social media:
1. Gossip/spreading rumors. Stop with the vague Facebook posts and long tweets. It's not worth it to start a fight online. What will you achieve? Nothing. In one of my previous articles, I mentioned the verse Matthew 7:1-3. YOU ARE NOT GOD. It's not your place to judge other people. Move on.
2. Fake news. This has affected our society so much in the last decade. We are so easily influenced that we're paranoid as to what's real. Fact-check, and take a few deep breaths. News outlets live for click-bait, so be aware of what your news sources are reporting.
3. Attention. Social media can be easily used as a tool to put yourself out there. But how are you doing so? By ranting about your ex? Accusing someone publicly of something they didn't do? Don't draw attention to yourself in the wrong fashion, especially if you're 20 and looking for a job. Employers would rather not see Facebook posts from you, cussing out your neighbor for mowing the lawn late at night.
4. Divide. This is a BIG one. Facebook is the biggest offender of this. We will not all share the same mindset. You have lives to live. Don't waste your anger on someone who's different than you. One of my good friends said, "Your political opinions shouldn't shape your morals." Lives are also not defined by skin. We all have a soul, and should unite in that.
5. Bullying. I recently added a couple of people on Facebook who didn't know me personally. In two days, both of them had bullied me because of something I posted about my faith. I was shocked, but this is the world we live in. I understand that people have different opinions, but use your words wisely and not to make blind accusations of someone's character. If you don't know them personally, don't attack them. Also, NEVER believe what someone says about you if they don't know you. You're worth so much more than their words.
6. Making private information public. Snapchat recently launched their new feature, "SnapMap" which shows all of your friends locations and what they could be up to. That's great and all, but anyone can add you as a friend and see your location, and the Our Story feature shows where your latest snap came from. It's torn relationships apart because of publicly accusing one's significant other of cheating. Maybe they could have been, but that's between the two of you. Not to mention, one wrong person could now look on the app and track you. Be safe, and don't use SnapMap.
7. Isolation. I wish that I would spend more time around other people. It's great to be able to Snapchat and text my family far away, but human interaction is essential for a reason. Also, for the single peeps, PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY DURING A DATE. BE there, and engage with the person you're on a date with. I've also been guilty of this one with my boyfriend when we're out on a date night. This also goes when you're out with friends and family.
I want you all to know that social media can have it's upsides. I love being able to text my grandmother every morning and let her know how much I love her. I also love being able to keep in touch with my long-distance friends. However, it can be dangerous. Don't commit these sins, and don't use social media too frequently. Be safe out there, friends. God bless.
