What does social media want me to share?

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Is social media a good place to share your political views? Is it a good place to reshare the political views of others? What do social media giants want us to share and talk about? 

I think these are good questions to be asking, especially after an election. Do I need to engage in the mudslinging? I read a good article yesterday from Kevin DeYoung called "When You Say Nothing At All". In the article, he talks about this topic. He wasn't saying that politics doesn't matter, and I totally agree with him. He states though that politics is becoming more and more divisive and toxic and lines are being drawn on who I will associate with due to political leanings. This in turn is making the church more passionate about politics and the world's priorities than about the gospel. He gives the example of athletes, movie stars, and musicians sounding off about their political leanings and how many people get annoyed at this. Sometimes it results in people never tuning into them again. Then he talks about us. Why if we don't like hearing the leanings of the famous do we think that we need to also share our political opinions on social media. It may turn some people off again and they may never listen to us again.

I don't post a lot on social media. I'm on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. But, it just made me think again. Sometimes as I'm scrolling I may comment on something or I may share something. I don't know whose feeds it will show up on. I'm also not an expert on political matters. I'm not saying to be silent on the matter of politics. I think we can have an awesome dialogue with others in person or directly somehow.

Kevin wraps up his post this way. "You may argue in reply, I hear you, but the issues are too important. Christians can’t sit on the sidelines as the world argues about the important issues of our day. Fair enough. But consider: is posting your quick thoughts on the daily news cycle really the best way to make a long-term difference? Why not slow down and read some books and comment on those? Or write something online that goes back to first principles? Or write a book if you have the opportunity? Or invest in liberal arts education that draws from the best of our Western tradition? Or simply and gloriously disciple young believers to know their Bibles, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and be committed to their local church?"

And I'll conclude by saying yes.

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