Facebook Phenomenon

I am relatively new to the world of Facebook. For a number of years I hesitated joining because I was not sure that it offered the best means of communication. Not long ago I joined ranks and have enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and maintaining greater contact with those who are currently a part of my life. While there is much to be appreciated about Facebook I have learned that my initial concerns were valid. There is potential danger inherent in the communication produced by these social network users. These dangers are revealed in two particular types of status updates; they are what I call the vague or mysterious status and the “message” status.

I am sure you know what I am talking about. After reading the vague status you come away knowing less than you did before reading it. This type of status suggests a dire circumstance or a life changing event. Usually the reality is far less significant. The mysteriousness of this type of status can produce unnecessary speculation or apathy – neither is healthy in communication. The other type of status is far more nefarious; I am talking about the “message” status. These updates are designed to deliver a message (usually negative) to a person or group and yet neither is identified. This type of status generally portrays the unidentified individual or group as despicable, ignorant and worthy of scorn. These status updates also have the power to leave one wondering whether or not they are in fact the object of derision. These status updates are relatively common and have the power of hampering fellowship, destroying trust and generating antagonism.

When contemplating our use of social networks such as Facebook, I believe that there are four important biblical principles that ought to guide not only the things we post but the way we handle the frustrations that produce such posts.

1. We are called to be people of integrity and our words must be measured and true.

Matthew 5:37 “But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil.”

2. If the issue is sin, Scripture directs us to deal with it directly and discreetly.

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won a brother.”

3. As we seek to live together in Christian community many times we must silently and joyfully bear with one another.

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

4. Sometimes silence is better than words.

Proverbs 11:13 “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.”

Proverbs 12:18 “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”