Social Media: Abuse, Fame & Power Struggle

Man has seen many great technological inventions ranging from automobiles to space exploration. By far, the internet is the most fascinating technology ever to be discovered by man. It has become a resource tool for almost every person. Through the use of the internet, reaching anyone across the globe can be achieved by just a click/tap on a button. Also, the revolution in modern-day industrialization with Artificial Intelligence couldn’t get any better without the internet. Better still, the internet brought in its wake various applications meant to create social interactions among people. Truly, the world wide web has opened man to many possibilities. However, it has become obvious that many people abuse internet usage, particularly on social media platforms. That is what I intend to address so that we may not become victims or victimize others on social platforms.

Abuse on Social Media
From mockery to belittling and from slander to throwing shades. Abuse comes in various forms on social platforms. It’s all over the place and sometimes we laugh about them only to find out rather later the bizarre damages they have caused. Hurling insults at others on social platforms reveals a poor up-binging. A mature mind will not consider insult as a solution to a problem. However, for some strange reasons, that I do not know, some people find satisfaction in verbally abusing others, and with no shame, they do so openly. We must not entertain these behaviours because there are no benefits to claim or moral lessons to be learned from insults.
Yet, it is sad to see the weight of insults thrown about in videos and comment sessions on most platforms. Some people have gained mastery in social media abuse whereas others have learned to attach some form of politeness in the way they insult by using abbreviations, gifs, and emojis. I believe we can do better. Especially, those of us who are born again and have the Holy Spirit in us. Pay attention to God’s word, which says:

Yes! It is your phone and you have the right to speak and text your opinions freely. But your freedom is not a warranty to verbally abuse others or attack their personalities because you disagree with them. You can do better. In that same spirit, I offer this caution that our lives must not be centred around our images on social media platforms. Such that any ill comment on our social image would trigger our emotions to retaliate or even harm ourselves. Rather, we must do our best to be like Jesus everywhere we go, even on social media. This leads to the next point.

Fame & Power Struggle on Social Media
The internet is a good resource tool for work and social interactions. Nonetheless, it has become for many a platform to boast and show off. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no problem in thanking God openly for the many blessings he bestows on us. Yet, I speak of a rather alarming concern where people ‘fake’ to impress, or go to extreme lengths to display what they do not have. Life has become a competition for many people on social media. They want fame; they seek to possess bragging rights and oh! the least said about followers and subscriber count the better. Yet, there is an excellent weight of glory that we shall receive if we focus on adding positive values to others rather than becoming the centre of attraction on social media platforms.
God’s calling on each individual is so unique that there is no need for competition. The least of all places being on a social media platform. Unfortunately, that train has already left the station with many people forming stronger attachments to social media platforms than a personal relationship with God. However, when we begin to understand our worth in Christ and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ for our sake. We will find joy in boasting in the Lord and spreading His goodness and love to all instead boasting before men and of our earthly possessions. If there’s a reason to be famous on social media, do so for the Lord. Use the media platforms available to you to propagate the Gospel and have fellowship with your followers in any way possible. The Bible says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord”

We are powerful because of the power of God at work within us through the Holy Spirit. From the time of Abraham to this present age of internet and artificial intelligence, God remains God who keeps His covenant. We must endeavour to honour God with our lives and use the privilege of the internet to tell others about God’s love rather than bickering, abusing others, and chasing after fame. Amen
Stay blessed!