Facebook was launched in February 2004 making this its 15th anniversary. Mark Zurkerberg started it as a way of connecting his Harvard classmates. It originally spread as a social network platform for college students. Currently the website generates more than $55 billion in revenue. It connects 2.2 billion monthly users and employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. It has made Mark Zurkerberg the fifth richest person in the world (source).
Facebook, along with other social media networks that have come along in the last fifteen years, has significantly changed our lives. While the contributions of Facebook to our lives are easy to see, we must also recognize the inherit problems with Facebook. If you use Facebook let me encourage to evaluate your usage by the following seven questions based on Biblical principles and teachings.
- Does the use of Facebook produce greater anxiety and worry in my heart? Jesus taught us not to be anxious about our life (Mat. 6:25). Scrolling through a news feed can produce greater worry, anxiety, and stress. Some have even quit Facebook for this reason.
- Do I waste too much time on Facebook, when I could be doing more productive activities? Paul taught us to “make the best use of the time” (Eph. 5:16).
- In my use of Facebook do I present a Christian example in all my posts, pictures, and comments? We should let our light shine before men on Facebook just like Jesus commanded (Mat. 5:16).
- Do I use Facebook wisely, recognizing that it often presents a glorified and unreal view of my own and other people’s lives? Facebook is not a complete picture of our lives. Postings can inspire jealousy or even be shamelessly attention seeking. As in real life, we should work to be authentic, real, and true on Facebook.
- Do I use Facebook in a way that honors the Biblical teachings on controlling my tongue and speaking with grace? Just because you type it doesn’t mean it isn’t coming from your mouth! God expects you to control all that you say whether with your tongue or your fingers (James 3; Mat. 12:36-37)
- Do I use Facebook for powerful, encouraging, and enriching purposes? Facebook can have lots of valuable purposes. You can stay connected with friends and family. You can encourage fellow Christians. You can share good content with others. You can learn from others. Do you use it for these things?
- Does my use of Facebook hinder my “real” relationships with family and friends? Social networks will never subplant face-to-face relationships. We must not let virtual friendships take precedent over family relationships that require conversation and quality time together. Let me say it directly, “Put down the phone and talk to your family!”
Facebook has changed the world over the last 15 years. You interact and communicate differently than you did back then. But as Christians we must constantly evaluate if we are using social networks in a God-honoring and God-pleasing manner (Col. 1:10).
