Philipose Vaidyar
“There
is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be
made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight,
and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be
proclaimed from the roofs”.
In Luke 12:2-3, Jesus teaches about the inevitable
revelation of truth and the importance of living with integrity. He emphasizes
that hidden things will ultimately come to light, urging accountability before
God and authenticity in both speech and actions. This passage challenges
hypocrisy, encouraging his followers to align their private lives with their
public witness for God's truth.
I would like to draw attention to a potential paradox
or a misapplication that some may mistakenly imply when moving away from the
context of this verse. We don't need to disclose everything that requires
protection, nor proclaim everything from rooftops that should be whispered in
inner rooms. Today, climbing onto terraces or scaling roofs is unnecessary.
Broadcasting has become incredibly easy and accessible, right at our
fingertips.
In today's digital era, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have facilitated the pervasive sharing of personal
moments with a broad audience, most often with strangers. While this may
seem inoffensive, it warrants critical examination due to its potential
pitfalls and dangers. This reflection explores the repercussions of
broadcasting private lives to the world.
In the bustling digital scenery, where every keystroke can ignite a virtual
firework, our ability to discern what to share resembles the delicate art of
tending a garden—carefully choosing what blooms for public view and what
thrives in the intimate shrine of personal connection.
Trying to fit flowers and fruits onto our plants for temporary admiration is
like ornamenting them for a brief moment. The truth is, that such superficial
enhancements will quickly fade, exposing their artificiality. Instead, true
beauty in plants comes from within, growing organically and authentically. Just
as plants naturally blossom and bear fruit, our actions and expressions should
stem from genuine intentions and inner growth, rather than being artificially crafted
to please onlookers for a brief moment. This principle emphasizes the value of
authenticity and integrity in everything we do, emphasizing the importance of
nurturing genuine qualities that endure beyond superficial appearances.
In
today's world, most people can instantly publicize and
broadcast anything they choose, thanks to smart devices that can publish
content at the touch of a button. However, amidst this freedom, it's crucial to
consider who is observing and listening to what we share. What are our
intentions and objectives when we decide to communicate publicly? Our words and
actions should not resemble fireworks shot into the air for fleeting joy;
rather, they should be purposeful and targeted. When it comes to our private lives
and personal moments, discretion is dominant—they should be shared personally,
decisively, sensibly, and with intelligence, directed only to those who
genuinely need to know.
For
instance, celebrating and expressing affection for loved ones, like wishing
your wife a happy birthday or showing love to family members, can be more
meaningful when done in intimate settings (by Face-look) rather than on public
platforms like Facebook. The complexities of personal relationships and
sentiments often lose their authenticity when displayed for the world to see.
It's a reminder that not every aspect of our lives needs to be shared widely;
some moments are sacred and best kept within the sphere of those directly
involved.
Moreover, using social media platforms under the assumption that every
detail of our lives permits public consumption can lead to a misguided sense of
importance. It's crucial to remember that our updates and posts are not like
divine proclamations about the world or ourselves; rather, they are personal
expressions that require thoughtful consideration before sharing.
This
requires wisdom and discernment—to know what should be openly discussed, what
should remain private, and what should be shared only selectively and
appropriately.
In
essence, the ability to broadcast instantly carries with it a responsibility to
handle our communication wisely. Just as one carefully selects what to burn,
bury, or broadcast in physical life, the same discernment should be applied to
our digital presence. This metaphor highlights the importance of thoughtful
consideration in how we direct the intersection of personal privacy and public
sharing in the digital age.
The Illusion of Connection is one major concern. People
often share personal details on social media seeking validation and a sense of
being seen. However, this connection is often superficial, relying on likes and
comments that do not substitute genuine human interaction or foster meaningful
relationships. Instead, they can foster a culture of self-admiration, where
self-worth is tied to online approval rather than personal growth and
connection.
Moreover, the Erosion of Privacy
is a significant issue. Every post and update contributes to a digital footprint
that can be exploited. From targeted advertising to potential security
breaches, sharing personal information online can have far-reaching
consequences. It compromises our ability to maintain boundaries and protect
ourselves from malicious intent, affecting both personal and professional
aspects of life.
Oversharing on social media also poses various risks:
1. Security
Risks: Details about one's location and daily routines can make
individuals vulnerable to identity theft, stalking, or burglary.
2. Emotional
Vulnerability: Sharing personal struggles and intimate moments online
can leave individuals emotionally exposed to negative feedback and trolling,
impacting mental health.
3. Professional
Repercussions: Employers often scrutinize social media profiles, and
posts deemed inappropriate can harm career prospects, demonstrating the need
for discretion and discernment in what we choose to share.
The Cult of Self-admiration perpetuated
by social media promotes a self-centered approach to life, prioritizing validation
and image over authenticity and humility. This can lead to a distorted view of
reality, where individuals present idealized versions of their lives while
grappling with feelings of inadequacy and anxiety behind the screen.
Observations consistently reveal the harmful effects of excessive social
media use on mental health, leading to stress and burnout as individuals pursue
an unrealistic standard of perfection. Thus, privacy becomes essential for
protecting mental well-being and fostering authentic relationships outside the
demands of public scrutiny.
Conclusion
While social media offers a platform for self-expression and connection, it
comes with significant risks. Rather than yielding to the attraction of instant
validation, we should heed the wisdom of preserving what is sacred and
exercising discretion in our online presence. As Proverbs advises, guarding our
pearls from being trampled requires discernment and a commitment to
authenticity in our interactions, both online and offline.
"Do
not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they
may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces”. Mathew
7:6
Like a gold
ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. The desire
of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in
wrath." (Proverbs 11:22-23)
