This kind of scrutiny might lead us to opt out of it all. In a desire for privacy, we might be inclined to sidestep online interaction altogether. And that is a choice some are making.
Additionally, I’ve seen people discussing recent research studies and anecdotes about the negative effects of online interaction. (Ironically, I’ve seen all of these discussions online.) They claim these tools are changing our ability to relate to others and/or reducing our overall satisfaction with life. Perhaps that is the case for some people.
But I’ve also seen up-close examples of the power, both positive and negative, of online interaction. Extramarital affairs that started by a Facebook connection. Estranged family members who reconnected using social media. Military members who found community overseas. People on the verge of suicide who found their way to Church Online, where a caring person prayed with them and connected them to help.
Maybe it’s not as much about the technology but more about how we’re using it. When you consider the entire span of human history, online interaction is a relatively new way to relate. It’s difficult to assess where we are in its development and usage. We’ve created the wheel, but we haven’t reached enlightenment yet. We’re still learning so much about it and, more importantly, the best ways to use it.
While churches are getting traction in leveraging online interaction for gospel purposes, we have a long way to go in our personal lives. And I believe it’s worth the effort. The Great Commission doesn’t stop when we’re looking at a screen.
Really, I think it comes down to being conscious about what we’re doing online. These tools give every person a platform, and we each have to decide what we’re going to do with that gift of influence. My hope is that we’re able to find our way to not only sharing the gospel, but to living the gospel with authenticity online.
