The downside of technology

For example, someone may be sitting with a group of friends and instead of actually talking to them, that person is focused on their phone. While the person is there physically with friends, the individual is not really there perceptually. These kinds of situations can isolate people because this habit takes them away from what is truly occurring before them, and they are missing out because they are entranced by their devices.

Second, I believe technology can make people lonely through social media. Honestly, I think social media is a whole other can of worms, but it does fall under the technology category and needs to be addressed. Social media’s purpose is to share about one’s life, see what other people are posting and connect with people all over the world, but social media could also leave people feeling depressed, anxious and, dare I say, lonely. While it’s fun to share current events, see what others are doing or watch funny videos, sometimes — and I know that I

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am definitely guilty of this — people just keep scrolling for hours when they could actually be out doing something. Even social media companies recognize the addiction that comes with their networks.

Take TikTok for an example. They have videos for users who are scrolling for too long that tell them to get some sleep or take a break. I feel like when the source of the problem is telling their own user to leave their platform and take a break, then it is truly problematic.

Do not get me wrong, I love technology as much as the next guy, and I do not plan on giving it up any time soon. However, it is important to recognize the dangers that come with technology’s use so that one can steer clear of them and use it wisely. So, yes, I do think technology makes people lonelier, but if used efficiently, then it can be a true asset to anyone.

MATTIE POWERS is a student writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at mpowers2@harding.edu.

Perhaps you’ve noticed what I have: People who pray, fast, study scripture and worship are more aware of their surroundings and of the brokenness around them. Yet, we often hold those who volunteer at food banks, donate to nonprofits, buy food for the unhoused or stay at the hospital with their friends in even higher esteem as someone who “gets it.” The command to love God is an invitation to exist, to feel the presence of sin all the more deeply, to be saddened or enraged by the incomplete state of creation. The command to love thy neighbor is an invitation to exist outside of yourself, to help heal sin where we can see it and to live as if we have already reentered the Garden of Eden.

I think Socrates was on to something when he said “to perceive is to suffer,” because the man who understood more than anyone else the sins of the world suffered as much as anyone could. To perceive is to partake in the suffering of Christ, to look at sin, to feel it in your body, your mind, your relationships and your words. We can only love as Christ did if we exist enough to feel what is wrong. We only experience the new creation by knowing the old one. We are only resurrected when we are crucified by our own sin.

Perhaps we should all take our AirPods out, give an awkward smile to the person we bump into on the stairwell and ask forgiveness from the person we insulted. Only when we look up and perceive can we know where our love is needed — and it happens to be needed everywhere. You’ve asked me all year long, “What’s good, Malachi?” and I’ll tell you. There are no things greater than to love and to exist. To love is to be like our creator, and to exist is to be loved by our creator.

MALACHI BROWN is the opinions editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at mbrown33@harding.edu.

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