As we forge into 2014 I’m taking some time to reflect. Is it just me or does it seem like there was a boatload of negativity in 2013? Let me paraphrase my Facebook and Twitter feed from the year:
I don’t like that thing that guy said and if you do you’re stupid.
I hold one political belief and if you don’t agree with it you’re stupid.
I have a set of moral or religious values and if yours are different you’re stupid.
I’m not content with my life so you’re stupid,
I have no patience or grace of offer anyone so you’re stupid
My fantasy football team keeps losing so you’re stupid (ok, that’s just me)
So, to keep up my usual habit of offering advice that no one has asked for, here are my thoughts on internet behavior:
Calm down. I fondly remember a time where people didn’t FREAK OUT and call for someone’s head on a platter over simple disagreements. You don’t agree with my religion or politics? That’s totally cool. I’m not going to call you a moron and post a bunch of Memes to back up my name calling. What’s the point? That certainly is no way to win you over to my side. Never once have I read an ugly hateful post from anyone that has made me think, “Gee whiz, maybe I should join them, they seem like fun”.
Now, I’m not asking the Right and the Left, Atheists and Christians, or Ohio State and Michigan fans to join hands and sing Kumbya. How about we just start off by easing up on the exclamation point key? Or, wait for it…..reserving some thoughts for face to face conversations rather than tweeting them. You remember face to face right? It’s where you say something to someone and you have to deal with their reaction in person. It’s very 90s.
Suck it up. Sometimes life is hard. You didn’t get your Amazon order by Christmas. Someone slid into your car at a stop sign. Your kids were sick for all of Christmas break. Your power went out. I know what you’re thinking “You don’t know me or what my life is like.” You’re right. So with that in mind, why are you airing all of your complaints, issues, and personal problems on Facebook? Either you have a complicated personal life that needs to be worked out with your close friends and family, or you’re just raining on the Facebook parade.
Seriously? Let’s keep in mind that regardless of what’s bothering you, or the latest bit of manufactured outrage that has your undies in a twist- if you have the resources and ability to squawk about it online then you are better off than 90% of the population on earth. OK, stand back-here comes the Jesus Juke….if you want to see people who are in need, people who are suffering, people who have it bad, maybe you should go on a mission trip. Can you get water from your kitchen tap that’s not flavored with Cholera? Then perhaps you should sit down and count your blessings and possibly have a cup of chamomile tea (I hear it’s relaxing)
Look, I’m not saying that you should never ever complain online. This isn’t Panem and we don’t live in District 12. I’m just saying that if you’re a Christian and you make it a habit to complain or fight with people on the internet you may want to rethink your social media presence. Perhaps your dis-contentedness is telling God that you don’t trust him with the little things in your life. The whole premise of following Christ is making him the boss of your life, and He can’t be boss if you always think you know better.
Guest Blogger: Christina Thelen has been serving in student ministry for over 8 years and has been policing Internet idiocy since Al Gore invented it. When she isn’t volunteering with students she can usually be found planning epic events or posting cat pictures to Facebook.
image credited to stark23x
