The Internet Apocalypse

First, I’d like to say I have a love-hate relationship with the internet. Just like anything in life, for everything that’s good about technology, there’s always going to be a bad side. But we as caring individuals should move forward in a godly way and work to mitigate the negative circumstances. 

Australia is taking a bold stand against the perils of internet addiction, recently passing a world-first law banning social media for children under 16. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram now face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million US) if they fail to prevent underage users from creating accounts. The goal is to protect children from online harms, though it has sparked debate about privacy and unintended consequences for vulnerable youth.

In my opinion, internet device overuse is one of the main reasons Australia introduced their new “Right to Disconnect” law, aimed at improving the mental health of working adults. As of August 26, 2024, eligible employees can now refuse to monitor or respond to work-related contact outside of their designated hours, unless such refusal is deemed unreasonable. This law promotes a healthier work-life balance by ensuring workers can truly disconnect when off the clock.

But beyond just the workplace, we must consider the broader ethical implications of internet overuse. Does excessive dependence on devices instigate a sinful nature? Mounting worldwide data suggests internet addiction is destroying the wellbeing of children, teens, and adults alike. Problems arise when technology takes on the role of an electronic babysitter, substituting for quality parent-child time. Research shows early overexposure to devices can negatively impact child development, making it harder to read social cues and feel empathy.

For teens and adults, online gaming disorder is now classified as a disease by the World Health Organization, characterized by gaming taking priority over all other activities and causing significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, and occupational life. Internet overuse lends itself to the concept that behaviors alone can be as addictive and harmful as controlled substances. Psychologists warn that excessive internet and device usage causes stress, anxiety, insomnia, distracted thoughts, inability to concentrate, and emotional issues.

So, what drives people to fall prey to this relatively new phenomenon of internet addiction? The internet’s broad multidimensional nature – used for necessities like communication, entertainment, information – makes slipping into overuse all too easy, especially for younger generations raised on smartphones. Loneliness and lack of offline activities leave dangerous voids for the internet to fill. 

Overcoming attachment to apps and devices starts with replacing bad habits with enriching real-world pursuits that make you truly happy. Shut down little-used social media accounts. Set screen-free times to be present with loved ones. Most importantly, remember that while the internet itself may not be sinful, it’s up to each individual to moderate their usage and exposure to temptations.  

For those in spiritual leadership, the easy accessibility of inappropriate content online poses heightened risks, with many pastors now grappling with pornography addiction fueled by social media. Association-based algorithms mean even a friend’s careless post can become a stumbling block. Ministry leaders must be hypervigilant in curating their virtual circles.

So, what’s the ultimate antidote to society’s growing internet obsession? Perhaps counterintuitively, those same devices could hold the key – if used to spread light rather than consume it. Post uplifting quotes. Check in on struggling friends. Make your online presence a beacon pointing to Christ. Pair that with regular “smartphone fasting” to prioritize balance, prayer and meditation. 

In these perilous times, a little more real-world wisdom and balance could go a long way. Loss of embodied relationships can never be replaced by shallow digital connections. So put down the phones, lock eyes with the humans in front of you, and as they say – carpe diem. Seize the day in the here and now. ~Balance Due