Yesterday, I talked about some wonderful benefits of technology. While all this technology is good on so many levels, there are also many dangers. Technology is something that can be used for great good, but it can also be used for great evil.
The church has always been at the forefront when it comes to technology for good. Maybe the best example is how Martin Luther used the invention printing press to help spark the Reformation. But let us beware of the pitfalls that exist.
Distraction
At the forefront is distraction. There is the obvious example of how texting and driving do not go together. We know this is not a good combination. But there are other dangers of distraction.
I rarely buy a real paper book anymore. I almost always buy books on Kindle. I don’t read from a Kindle, but from the Kindle app on my iPad. So when I sit down to read a book, I have Facebook, ESPN, and Angry Birds all screaming for my attention. A half hour goes by before I even open up the Kindle app to begin reading.
Replacement of the Real Thing
Another danger of technology is when we allow technology to replace the real thing. Experiencing the beauty of God’s creation on a screen cannot replace experiencing it in person. Talking to a person through FaceTime is still not the same as face-to-face. Technology is to be used to compliment life but never replace it.
Lack of Inhibition
The benefit of technology is that it breaks down walls. It enables us to connect with people in distant places and from our distant past. I also find that it breaks down the walls of inhibition. People will say things on the Internet they would never say to a person’s face. Most of the time this is not good. Rarely does anything good come from online debate and many times it becomes abusive.
Impatience
It is amazing how quick we can access information today. As a result, we become impatient. We expect immediate results. Our attention spans shrink. Studies show that our brains are altered by heavy Internet usage, leading to increased anxiety. We discover that that almighty Google cannot answer everything.
Lack of Rest
We are continually connected. Many people are reaching for their smartphones before they even get out of bed in the morning. Work is always close at hand. The idea of a true Sabbath rest is missing on many.
Worship of Created Things
I once watched a video that asked the question: “what if we treated God’s Word like our cell phone?” The truth is that many of us have the Bible on our phones, but the point is made. It’s not about technology being evil. It is about the place of technology and the place of God.
Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:25 (ESV)
The First Commandment is “you shall have no other God.” The question is: “who is God?” Many have made technology to be God. But when we try to replace God with something else, it never goes well.
Today I would like to challenge you to take an inventory of your use of technology. Do you see yourself succumbing to any of the pitfalls mentioned above? If so, consider some ways you can intentionally put the first things first.
I know I have convicted myself through these words. One of the things I intend to do is to schedule some days to unplug completely. I think I will call it “no screen” Saturday.
Questions for Reflection
- What do you see as the benefits of technology? What are the pitfalls?
- What struggles do you have with abusing technology?
- What are some intentional steps you could take to ensure technology is used properly?
- Share your comments.
kmw says
Love this idea! I agree with everything you said. It is so easy to succumb to the pitfalls of technology. I recognized this earlier this year and quickly readjusted so that I could spend more of that time I had been wasting scrolling on Facebook to spending time in the word. I would be on Facebook scrolling and clicking on this article or this profile and I’d look up and an hour would have passed. So much valuable time wasted and I realized that I needed to dedicate that time to strengthening my relationship with God. I had completely gotten off of Facebook. Removed the app from my phone so the temptation wasn’t there and whenever I felt the urge to go to Facebook i would open the bible app instead, or pray, or meditate or journal. After a couple weeks I no longer had an urge to go to Facebook. Its been 10 months and I just recently returned to Facebook and now I no longer have the same urges to go on there as I did before. Trying to be disciplined with my faith to the Lord….
Thank you for the article. I will share it as an invitation for others to evaluate technology and God in their lives.
Cheri says
It is so sad to me that no matter where you look these days people are on their cell phones – out to dinner, waiting in line, in the car, on the playground (parents not enjoying watching their children play). They are more interested in taking pictures with their phones than enjoying the scenery or the moment.
Yes, cell phones are a blessing in emergencies and to get directions and to stay in touch when you need to be in 2 places at once, but there has to be a happy medium and some discipline in using them.