Articles
Social Media's Problem
Social Media's Problem
Denny Petrillo
“A fool does not delight in understanding,
But only in revealing his own mind.”
(Proverbs 18:2)
According to recent statistics, there are approximately 2.5 billion (with a ‘B’!) users worldwide of social media platforms. Projections are that in a few years it will bypass 3 billion. There are presently 243 million users in the United States - 81% of the population! (https://www.statista.com/topics/1164/social-networks/)
There are many good uses of social media. The exchange of news and the connection of old friends have been a noted benefit. It has also provided opportunities to preach the gospel to the lost.
One major problem, however, is revealed in this proverb. Before social media, those without knowledge and understanding had very few listeners. Now, thanks to social media, their unlearned ideas can be broadcast to the world. People without knowledge of world events or history can now express their views. People without even a surface knowledge of the Bible presume to argue theological points. Social media has allowed society to skip a very important aspect: “learn first, talk later.” Now, it is “learn? No! Talk? Absolutely!” A friend recently quipped: “Before social media we really didn’t know how many fools there are in the world. Now we do!” As Solomon noted, these fools delight “only in revealing their own mind.”
Consider several modern applications of this timeless proverb:
There are many who are not interested in learning. The book of Proverbs has made it clear that learning is work. One is going to have to invest time (1:20-33). It requires concentration and focus (17:24).
There are many who do not fear the Lord. According to 1:7, this has to be the starting point to knowledge. If a person tries to bypass fearing the Lord on the road to education, his or her learning will be faulty and conclusions flawed. Solomon says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10).
There are many who enjoy revealing their own opinions. When I was growing up, my mother said “you have to earn the right to speak.” Later, my teachers emphasized the importance of “credibility.” They said that no one should listen to one who has not properly studied a topic.
There are fools among us. We may even join their ranks if we presume to address topics that we have not personally studied. Solomon says that “fools die for lack of understanding” (10:21). If we are on social media, we must have our guards up. Some may even present themselves as an expert on a subject, but are fools.
There is understanding in silence. While it is tempting to speak up, wisdom tells us “Be quiet!” (10:19; 17:27). Solomon will say: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him” (26:4). Some comments on social media are so outrageous that it is a waste of time to even try to respond.
There is a time for speaking. As noted earlier, it is appropriate to speak when the topic has been well studied. Another time would be when a fool is apparently gaining a significant following. Solomon also says: “Answer a fool as his folly deserves, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (26:5).
