This Could be Somewhat Scandalous

I’m coming back to writing after several years’ hiatus. When I was last here, social media existed but it didn’t seem to have quite the power that it does now. Or, maybe it’s that I had tiny people then who are currently in the throes of their teen years. Regardless, I’m now pretty well-versed in two or three media platforms and, as someone trained in psychology, I’m not thrilled with what I see.

The click-bait is really beyond anything that has previously happened in the history of the universe. What is it about our nature, specifically now, that makes us waste hours of endless scrolling or watching or commenting? Why do we have such a vested interest in people we don’t know? (I know, you think you know Taylor but, really, you don’t). It’s not just Taylor, by the way, it’s well-established in Catholic circles as well. I know you like this priest or that influencer but, trust me, they’re not everything you see on their Instagram page (trust me on this).

Hyperbole is the style of the day. Look at the first sentence of the previous paragraph. It hurt to write, it’s so bad, and yet it’s so tame compared to much of what you read in the news or on the webpages today. It’s even commonplace in official, grownup discourse. My college kid said the recent debate should have involved a drinking game with “ever” being the secret word. I think it would be funny except it’s changing us. It’s changing how we react and experience things. Everything is SO emotional now; often with the absence of much intellect. It’s also habituating us to things that are actually tragic or wonderful or miraculous. Nothing stands out as special because everything is.

The need to be an influencer has taken over traditional vocations. I shudder every time I talk to a kid who should be thinking about what he is going to do with his life and he (or his parent) says, “I’m gonna play games on the computer and make a million bucks.” Even the traditional vocations aren’t quite that successful unless you have a social media presence. I know, I know, how will the kids follow you? Truthfully, maybe you only really need the kids that are near you to know you and interact with you, I don’t know, IRL? Maybe, as a social media star, you’re overshadowing a good, faithful influence that the kid would experience except that he’s hooked on your podcast.

Social media is replacing normal human interaction. I belong to two Catholic mothers’ boards on Facebook. I know that one skews very young as far as age of mothers who post. How do I know this? They will come to a FB page and post, sometimes very intimate things, to complete strangers and ask for advice. Several times it was clear that the person was looking for others who shared her opinion on the situation (like we used to do with our friends over coffee). Shockingly, a few said, “Well, my priest told me this when I asked him but I thought I would come and ask you instead.” What does it say when we take the word of strangers; people about whom we know literally nothing, over that of our parish priest? What does it say about our trust in the Church and her workers? What does it say about “I’ll do me, you do you” culture? Aka, I’m not interested in following your rules. Well, I can tell you it’s not good.

A lot of the things you see on social media aren’t even real. At least three times a week there is a discussion with the teenagers who have shared something that is beyond belief. I mean, seriously. It is so clearly faked/AI/whatever that you can’t possibly believe it. Again, funny, except it’s not. It’s very, very scary to watch the kids and how much they are willing to suspend their disbelief just because it’s on one of the social platforms.

Just one example to prove the point. Tina Fey;  movie star, TV star, comedienne, said this recently in an interview with Bowen Yang about social media presence, “Authenticity is dangerous and expensive.” Hmmm. Think about that. If you are authentic, it’s probably going to cost you or endanger your career. Give the people what they want…even if you have to lie through your teeth.

So, what’s the answer? First, if you must be on social media, limit it as an influence in your life. Never let it take the place of human interaction (I’ve been creeping that way so I’m going to start to forget my phone in the bedroom when we’re having family meals). Second, use your God-given intellect to think about what you see. Too good to be true? It probably is. Finally, Be a voice of authenticity in the social media arena. As Catholics, our beliefs on most matters aren’t going to bring much except vitriol (If the world hates you, remember, they hated Me first) so you might as well speak the truth. Our mantra as Catholics online should come directly from 2 Timothy 4:2-5

proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers

and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.

But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

“Through all patience” Ahh, there’s the rub! So, let’s spend less time online and more time praying for patience, shall we? I have a feeling we’re going to continue to need it as we take on our ministry to educate those around us about the truth.