Friday, 1 November 2019

Discerning the Dangers



Some considerable time ago, I posted on my blog ‘Life in the Echo Chamber’ (http://suitcasesojourner.blogspot.com/2018/01/) in which I made mention of the dangers of some uses of social media, although – in the end - that particular post took a slightly different turn, and did not end up focussing on social media.

But recently I have returned to thinking about this issue.

I have a huge amount of respect and affection for my circle of family and friends, not to say trust in them to be respectful and tolerant.

...and yet...

I am aware of very distinct and even diametrically opposed views being expressed on social media by close friends or family, which is fine if it is done respectfully and responsibly and if it is all about the ‘issue’ and not about the person. But when it comes to matters of politics (yes, including Brexit and Scottish Independence!) or matters of ethical or faith positions, then it is too easy for us to feel threatened or angry or dismayed, and then ‘personalise’ the argument.

And, anyway, nuanced dialogue and respectful listening are not easy on social media!

We need to discern the dangers!

This was brought home to me some time ago when I sat down (mobile phone in hand) to watch a documentary on TV. I had been looking forward to this documentary as it looked like it would present the case for something in which I strongly believed (oh, yes, I know, back to the echo chamber!).

In truth, it did present the case!

But (in my view) the editing and production did it no favours and seemed (IMHO!) to make the presentation of an excellent case theatrical, unbelievable and almost cartoonish.

I made the mistake of expressing some of my dismay on social media. But not well enough to avoid finding  myself the focus of accusations of somehow attacking the case being presented (which I support) or of deriding those presenting the documentary (whom I know to be very good, fine and knowledgeable people for whom I have a lot of respect and whose views I largely agree with).

People had confused my criticism of the production (which I saw as undermining the case it sought to present) with the issue itself and those who were presenting it. But – of course - I now see that this was way too subtle a distinction to be attempting on social media, especially when fired off one one’s mobile phone while sitting getting irritated on one’s couch in the middle of the broadcast!

Careful listening, focussed attentiveness, nuanced understandings and respectful dialogue are not easy in our world.

Social media does not help.

But careful listening, focussed attentiveness, nuanced understandings and respectful dialogue have never been more necessary.

Yes, we need these things, but they are not best served by our current social media/sound bite/spin dominated information provision. (And, sadly, that seems to increasingly affect and infect the church too).

There may be times and places for quick fire responses on social media. But they are limited.

We need to discern the dangers.

And we also need to find and make spaces and places for careful listening, focussed attentiveness, nuanced understandings and respectful dialogue.