Memory Verse: “But thou, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase”– Daniel 12:4 (NKJV).

Bible Passage: Colossians 4:5-6.

INTRODUCTION

Hundreds of millions of people are becoming increasingly interested in social networking sites to enjoy and maximise the relational opportunities of these sites. Are these networking sites the next big mission field or an enormous waste of time? Should a Christian participate in social networking? The answer to these questions should be determined by whether we can honestly ask God to bless and use our actions for His own good purposes (1 Cor. 10:31).

OUTLINES

SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBED
IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBED

Social media are web-based technologies that facilitate the sharing of ideas, thoughts and information through the building of virtual networks and communities. By design, social media is internet-based and gives users quick electronic communication of content (user-generated content) which is the lifeblood of the social media organism. Social media websites and applications are such that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

A social networking service is an online platform which people use to build social networks or social relationships with other people who share similar personal, business or career interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections. There are various social network platforms used by individuals based on their interests and purpose for use. Some commonly used social media sites are Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Quora, TikTok, Facebook, Messanger, Pinterest, Viber, Discord, Twitter, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google+, Telegram, Skype, QQ, Tumblr, Reddit, Snapchat, Zoom and other professional/business platforms.

IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA

It is important to understand the impact our status, photo, comments or blog posts may have in the future (Prov. 11:27-28). It should be remembered that social networking sites involve publishing on the internet mostly for public views which include friends, family, church members, current and future employers, school admission personnel etc. Social media has both positive and negative impacts on users.

Some of the positive impacts are:

I. The potential of the social media can be harnessed for the propagation, expansion and growth of the gospel (Is. 11:9):

ii. Corporate engagement: Social media can help improve an individual’s sense of reasoning with real or online communities and be entrepreneurs, profits and non-profit making organisations, advocacy groups, political parties, government sectors, etc.

iii. Building of relationships: Families, friends, associates etc. can easily connect and reconnect for meaningful relationships (Prov. 18:24).

iv. Social Media Influencers: These are social users who have established credibility and audience, who can persuade others by virtue of their trust-0worthiness and authenticity. You can become a great Influencer for God through social media (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 2:7). Souls can be won and discipled through you as you showcase Christ and the kingdom’s virtues to the world.

v. Ease of doing business: Products and services can be advertised or marketed in real time. It gives the opportunity to create a sales funnel whereby a new contact becomes a potential/serious customer (Proverbs 22:29).

Some of the negative impacts are:

I. Uncontrolled/untamed posts (pictures, videos, captions etc)- Proverbs 18:2; Col. 4:6. The consequence of any statements, both now and in the future, should be considered. It should be assumed that everything written or said is permanent and viewable by everyone (Prov. 21:23).

ii. Treating the Bible as irrelevant or archaic in relation to modern trends and techniques. Spreading of heretical teachings and half-truths.

iii. Playing down the God-factor as a social media influencer for the sake of retaining followers from all walks of life (Romans 1:28).

iv. Self-Isolation. Avoid physical meetings or interactions while using social media as a disguise to engage in some unethical activities/behaviour.

v. Social media addictions (Galatian 5:1): Limiting the amount of time( except for business purposes) we devote to these social networking sites is both healthy and wise.

vi. Attention deficiency syndrome i.e inability to concentrate on a task or programme for a specific period without diverting to social media.

vii. Physical disconnection among close relatives. Family members living together can even become familiar strangers.

viii. Vanity metrics. Relying on the response from others through likes, and comments to your posts in judging your self-worth or importance.

ix. Activities of scammers and fraudsters.

x. Narcissism. Excessive self-love or self-importance emerges when we rely on social media sites primarily to promote ourselves or draw attention to ourselves.

CONCLUSION: Be disciplined in the use of social media. It is also wise to have accountability partners; encourage your spouse, family members and Christian brothers/sisters to view your social networking activity and hold you accountable (Prov. 27:17).

QUESTIONS

Describe social media mention four (4) different social media sites you are familiar with.
Mention four (4) importance of social media to you and your followers as a user.

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