Oftentimes, I become engaged into a conversation about Social Media. I love Social Media and the opportunities it presents, but many of the people that I talk with are skeptical about this new wave of communication that has grown exponentially in the last twenty years. It is amazing, actually, to consider how much has changed since 1996, when we barely had email, and now, when there is instant communication across the world. But, there are many that I talk with frown at the mention of Social Media.
I understand the skepticism associated with Social Media. There have been many different growing pains as sinful people have used the medium inappropriately, or others have used the medium to prey on innocent users. But the truth remains that Social Media is absolutely neutral. There may be those that try to quiet your message or even, in some countries, block your message—but the truth is that the medium of Social Media is neutral.
The best analogy I have heard for this neutrality is to equate Social Media with Money. Money can be devastating for people. I can be used to buy drugs, used to oppress others, or give power to evil people. On the other hand, it can be used to provide food for the poor, pay medical expenses of the hurting, or to advance the Gospel and to share the message of hope to the world.
Similarly, Social Media can be used to bully, give voice to evil people, and advance the evil grip gossip in our world. However, Social Media can be used to give a voice to the poor, raise money for those in need, or to advance the Gospel and to share the message of hope to the world.
What is important is how the medium is used. How are you going to use Social Media today? Are you going to use it to bring hope to the world?
It is up to you. It is up to us!
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