Summarizing Brian’s position I would like to point out his main statement that Internet causes a big damage for social life of young generation. In my opinion it is not so straightforward. In general I think the question he raises is not groundless but I think that a Internet is very important these days. We have to remember that Internet facilitates connections between people who live in different places and do not have a chance to meet often. Brian claims that spending time with friends in person is rather a rare phenomenon nowadays because social networks swallowed up the communication between young people. This is a problem, according to Brian, as it contradicts the idea of fellowship, which was recognized as the key element of life in the Bible. I agree with these arguments and I think this is a good point as Jesus was always with people, he often went for dinners and, if we can say so, had a very communicative way of living. The culture of common dining which is missing in many families now is very important for keeping family spirit. Also Brian brings out a topic of fellowship which in my opinion is often challenged these days.
One phrase of Brian’s statement particularly stood out for me in this discussion. Talking about internet he says: “they want reality”. The truth is that the same can be said about watching TV. Young TV audience gets something completely opposite – a non-real and virtual life which is not equal with the life without “blue screens”. As it has been proved by various scholarly researches television deeply affects young people making them feel insecure, unsociable, not loved and not perfect. Also it provokes them to do sinful things. Spending a third part of free time in front of a blue screen is a terrifying fact and a signal to do something in order to change the educational system and raise awareness among parents.
Concerning MeArnie’s position I think there is a point is saying that excessive watching television influences a huge damage in the minds of young people. Television represents a greater danger for teenagers nowadays. I agree that television that “has the most external influence on the behavior of adolescents” First of all because it is more accessible, there are TV sets in almost every house. Secondly television is not expensive and does not seem harmful at first sight. Finally, it pretends to be informative and educational therefore parents do not forbid their children spending their free time in front of the screen while parents can see them and be sure children are “safe and sound”.
We can find many quotes from the Bible warning about the problem of TV-watching and becoming dependent on an object. For instance in Psalm 119 verse 37 we read: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways”. I prefer not to watch a TV as I know that it leaves one with sadness and grief instead of happiness and love. Openly or discreetly television encourages teenagers to try alcohol and drugs, it convinces them that having sex outside of marriage is normal, but unfortunately it does not promote a healthy life and Christian ideals. I do not blame the founder of TV for these facts as I think that a person is always surrounded by various temptations and has to make a choice between good and evil.
I appreciate MeArnie’s standpoint and pray that God fills her with joy and supports in every matter. May the Lord bless our minds and finds the way to approach young people in our country and in the world.
References
- Bible, ESV. The Book of Psalms.
