The Perils of Publicizing Private Lives

 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)