2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

The Christian and Social Media (1) Lights in every area

What is it? Creation social interaction through electronic means, primarily the internet. Communicating with friends and acquaintances, in many cases involving groups greater than our friends. Social Media

In 2015, 1.581 Billion users, with over 1 billion logging in EVERY day It is here to stay! Stats on Facebook In 2015, 1.581 Billion users, with over 1 billion logging in EVERY day 72% of adults visit at least monthly 91% of millennials (15-23) on Facebook Social Media

As of 2018, 2.414 billion monthly users, 244 million in US & Canada It is here to stay! Stats on Facebook As of 2018, 2.414 billion monthly users, 244 million in US & Canada 2/3 use it daily, 50% of adults over 50, 80% ages 25-49. Social Media

There are 1.7 billion adherents to Islam It is here to stay! Stats on Facebook As of 2018, 2.414 billion There are 1.7 billion adherents to Islam There are about 2.5 billion professed believers in Jesus* By 2020, it is estimated there will be more Facebook users than believers in Jesus Social Media

Social media is morally neutral It is not sinful to be on social media and it can accomplish much good. As with many things (such as money), it is about HOW you use it Social Media

What good can social media do? Opportunity to communicate instantly around the world. Connect with old friends and acquaintances Opportunities to evangelize, promote good will and good works (cf. Mark 16:15) Effective advertising Social Media

What good can social media do? Disseminate good information in rapid fashion It can be used to encourage and make a positive mark in our society A great way to learn about what is going on Social Media

Problems with Social Media Opportunities to communicate and connect with old friends, etc. Documented instances of adultery, and other sinful activities Opportunities to disseminate BAD information Social Media

Problems with Social Media Potential impact on mental health Low self-esteem and confidence Depression Envy, jealousy, bitterness, etc. Addictive behavior It doesn’t solve your social problems and often intensifies them Social Media

Problems with Social Media It is permanent Whatever you post is documented FOREVER! Even if you delete it, likely someone saw it and will remember it We are living in a time when one’s past will be used against him/her Employers Social Media

Problems with Social Media It often reflects the real you Modesty, language (including emojis and acronyms – e.g. OMG), entertainment preferences, who your friends are, what is really important to you, etc. Social Media

Problems with Social Media It can be a great waste of time! Daily usage We are often obsessed with it. How much do we use our phones? Do we neglect more important things? Social Media

Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego Perhaps one of the greatest problems. It can become about self-advancement (e.g. how many likes will I get?). Some go to great lengths to get them Bully messages (e.g. “If you don’t like this then…) Social Media

Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego Often falsely inflated validation. Most surround themselves with friends they agree with who tell them they are ok (even if they are not) Social Media

Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego How many are truthful with their posts (only positing the good things, or their spin) OR, posting their problems seeking attention. Social Media

Problems with Social Media It can inflate one’s ego Bragging – to make oneself appear better than others NOTE: This problem has to do with motives when one posts. Only you can HONESTLY reveal your true motives Social Media

Problems with Social Media It affects personal interaction A problem we have today is a lack of face to face interaction. We don’t really get to know each other as we need to IT is easier to attack, bully or belittle someone when you are not face to face Social Media

Problems with Social Media It can become addicting Many depend so much on social media, they “have to” be on it continually. It is this addictive attitude that promotes many of the issues we have addressed. Social Media

How can social media affect my example? In so many ways! It is communication, just like everything else we say It reveals your heart, and who you really are OR worse, leaves a wrong impression Social Media

How can social media affect my example? When we post without thinking or investigating it can harm our influence and possibly damage opportunities to teach the gospel It may be your FIRST impression! Social Media

The Bible and social media Proverbs 4:23, keep your heart with all diligence All that we do need to be governed by our spiritual heart. What is the world seeing in us? Social Media

The Bible and social media Matthew 5:13-16, Philippians 2:14-15 You are ALWAYS being an influence to others Even when you are online Social Media

The Bible and social media Ephesians 5:16 We are to manage our time wisely. Even good things can be wasting time or not doing what you should. (e.g. I see many preachers who seem to spend all day answering every doctrinal dispute they come across) Social Media

The Bible and social media Revelation 21:8, Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 15:18-19 We are to control our tongues. We should not lie (make sure what you share is truthful) We should not be hateful, bitter, etc. with our language Social Media

The Bible and social media James 3:13-16, Ephesians 4:31 What is your attitude when you are online? Are we ugly and hateful, bitter, selfish, envious, etc? OR are we kind? Social Media

The Bible and social media 1 Corinthians 15:33 Who are you associating with – online? Your “friends” can influence you in many ways, and you may be influencing them Social Media

What does your online activity say about you?