Facebook--Entertaining or Ensnaring?

Yesterday I saw a news report that many teenagers are becoming depressed from viewing the happy photos and reading the positive posts on their friends’ Facebook pages. Called “Facebook envy,” jealousy is emerging in both adults and children who imagine that their friends have amazing lives and perfect relationships. Although such perceptions are always more fantasy than fact, such thoughts profoundly affect many who negatively compare their own disappointing circumstances.

Facebook can reveal what’s in our hearts. It’s so easy to be ensnared by attitudes such as these:

Jealousy:  Confess it, and ask God for a heart that rejoices with those who rejoice. Recognize your discontent. Quit focusing on what you lack, and thank God for what you have. (I confess that I find myself envious of friends who travel a lot!)

·         Pride: Would we mention to a friend that we had a party and didn’t invite her? How will posting party pictures affect her? Would we go on and on about our babies to friends who can’t have any or about our husbands to singles who long to marry?

·         Unfaithful thoughts: Sending personal messages may lead to an emotional affair and further.

·         Time-wasting: Social media can be a huge distraction from God and his work.

·         Hypocrisy: Describing only life’s positives portrays a fantasy.

Yes, Facebook does provide a valuable forum for us to stay in touch with friends, read helpful advice, and generally be in the know. It is an easy way to encourage friends and tell them that we care. Of course, we should share pictures of the new baby, the wedding, and family events! We just need to do so thoughtfully and wisely. I enjoy the benefits of Facebook, as you likely do also. But when it becomes a snare to us or when our posts hurt our friends, we must rethink how we approach it.

Let’s love others as Jesus does, even on Facebook!

What snares have you experienced?