The Good and Bad of Social Media
There have been many divisive tools throughout history.
The hammer. The wheel. The printing press. The firearm. The explosive. The internet.
Perhaps I gave away my position too quickly. Notice I said tool. I think social media is a tool. And, by the way, why is a hammer divisive?
Think about it: A hammer is designed to pound something into something else. No one could seriously ban hammers. Despite being used to build idols that offend God, weapons that assault human dignity, or act as weapons themselves, hammers aren’t the problem. They’ve also built churches, hospitals, schools, and homes for countless people, and they have been essential for the dignity of work.
Hammers are tools. Simple as that.
The wheel has carried families to new futures, but also tanks into battle. The printing press has printed Truth… and lies. The firearm has saved lives, provided nourishment… but killed as well. The explosive gave us roads, bridges, and dams… but also horrific destruction and trauma.
As for the internet… well, we’re living that controversy.
Why Is Social Media Bad?
For those of us who are fed up with social media, there is good cause. (And this is coming from someone who has worked in digital marketing for over a decade.)
Social media foments disorder. It spreads lies. Promotes addictive behaviors, false standards and stereotypes. Fuels peer pressure, shaming, and immoral behavior.
Social media is a deadly combination of society, which can often be equated with “bad company;” media, a leader in stimulating emotions; and the instantaneous nature of the communications age, which means you can react now without prudence.
In fact, you’re encouraged to react in the moment. Comment, share, be sad, or happy, or angry… right now. Don’t think, just act.
It has only strengthened the bond with our screens, tearing us away from relationships with flesh and blood, nature, responsibility, intimacy, and of course, our Creator.
While studies will continue to reveal the damage, we can say with great certainty that social networks have contributed to real world violence, bullying, discrimination, policy and lawmaking.
Most tragically, it has played a hand in the loss of friendships, family members, lives, and souls.
In addition to rewiring the brain, there are even physical side effects on our backs, necks, and eyes.
I mean, is there even an argument for the other side?
Why Is Social Media Good?
As tough as it is to follow the act of the downsides of social media, the upside is real.
For starters, the ability to share stories of hope, kindness, and courage. The ease of updating others on how you are doing and making plans to meet up in real life, or via video if that’s too difficult.
The creation of groups around shared interests, causes, and hobbies. The wonderful proliferation of beautiful content, whether artwork, poetry, craftsmanship, entertainment, food, or experiences—and so much the better if they glorify God.
The spread of information regarding history, philosophy, scientific pursuits, technology, political change, religion, nature, and more.
Social media allows us to more closely experience the happenings in other lives and places. It can better connect us to plights, concerns, and joys.
It’s not intended to replace real life, nor should it, nor could it ever. When it supplants or dilutes real life, that is a negative that must be addressed, not a nail in the coffin.
“Social networks can facilitate relationships and promote the good of society” or “lead to further polarization and division between individuals and groups.” We “can either encourage or demean one another, engage in a meaningful discussion or unfair attacks” (Pope Francis, 50th World Communications Day).
It’s a Tool
Look, the reason there is a lot of darkness on social platforms is not because of social media, but because of fallen humanity.
The invention of social media was not a diabolical plot hatched by an inner circle of evil geniuses. Every social platform I can think of was started by individuals who wanted to connect with others.
People, just like the rest of us, who wanted to belong. To be loved. Some of them are misguided, even profiting off of the wounds, insecurities, and selfishness of others.
But the tool itself, the concept of an online space where you interact with other people, like the inventions of the wheel, printing press, and internet before it, is not inherently wrong. It’s how we choose to use this tool that matters.
Social media is changing every day. As Kyle Chayka writes for the New Yorker, “Social media as we once knew it has fractured. But deconstruction can be a healthy process. Some people talk with A.I. chatbots on Character.ai more regularly than they speak with their human pals, and Reddit has been reinvigorated as an avowedly human community. Friends congregate on text-message threads more often than Facebook.”
Can Catholics Use Social Media?
As for Catholics, we cannot retreat. And we aren’t. We’re regrouping. And, God willing, it will produce a hundredfold.
“I would like to… encourage them to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world” (Pope Benedict XVI, 43rd World Communications Day).
“Catholic communicators avoid rigidities that stifle or imprison… They do not cage the Holy Spirit, but seek to let it fly, to let it breathe within the soul. They never allow reality to give way to appearances, beauty to vulgarity, social friendship to conflict. They cultivate and strengthen every sprout of life and goodness” (Pope Francis).
“Catholics should not be afraid to throw open the doors of social communications to Christ, so that his Good News may be heard from the housetops of the world!” (Pope St. John Paul II, 35th World Communications Day).
“May Catholics involved in the world of social communications preach the truth of Jesus” (Pope St. John Paul II, 35th World Communications Day).
Do you think social media is inherently bad or good? Join the conversation! Shoot us an email at info@yellowlinedigital.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
