The Unseen Dangers of Technology: A Call to Action for Christian Parents
In today’s digital age, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. We use it to communicate, access information, and entertain ourselves. However, as Christians, we must be aware of the potential dangers that come with it. The recent revelations about social media companies’ research on their platforms’ impact on mental health are staggering. The results show a correlation between usage and increased depression and anxiety.
As a parent, I (Andrew) had a personal experience with this when I had to stop reading the daily news on my iPad during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself doomscrolling through the news, which affected my state of mind and shaped how the day would unfold. Companies have learned to benefit their bottom line by manipulating people’s emotions. This is evident in the pornography crisis, which deadens society to the sanctity of marital intercourse.
The Dark Side of Technology
The digital ecosystem allows politically correct sex trafficking—pornography—to prey on our instincts. The anonymity of keyboards has also been weaponized to fuel toxic polarization. Furthermore, the next frontier of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents yet-to-be-discovered possibilities that can either benefit or harm us.
A Guide for Christian Parents
In a world filled with cultural confusion, it is essential for Christian parents to have a guide to navigate these complex issues. The book “What Do I Say When…?” provides busy Christian parents with quick and trustworthy answers to questions their children may ask about life’s toughest topics, including abortion, sexuality, technology, and more.
The Importance of Active Engagement
The most important lesson we want to draw out is simple: carelessness toward technology will see you and your household swept up in its power. If there’s any call to action that we want to convey, it is the importance of active engagement with your child’s (and family’s) technology use.
Biblical Principles for Technology Use
Here are some basic biblical, theological, and philosophical principles that every Christian parent should know:
- Technology’s value is measured by whether it is pointing us to God and his word or away from it.
- The home is central to the development of the next Christian generation.
- Active engagement with technology use is crucial to avoid being swept up in its power.
A Framework for Conversations
To help guide conversations with your child, we use a framework of “floors” that correspond to a home. First-floor children are probably between the ages of four and eight, second-floor children are probably between the ages of eight and twelve, and third-floor children are probably between twelve and sixteen. This framework is not rigid and is intended to guide you in discussing the topics thoroughly as your child grows and help you to keep ahead of culture.
Stay Vigilant and Keep Ahead of Culture
Remember that you want to be the first person to have the conversation with your child to be able to lay the biblical foundation. Otherwise, culture will form the foundation for you. Stay vigilant and keep ahead of culture.
Conclusion
Technology is a powerful tool that can either benefit or harm us. As Christian parents, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers and take an active role in guiding our children’s technology use. By following biblical principles and engaging in conversations with our children, we can help them navigate the complexities of the digital age and point them to God and his word.
Leave a Reply