Redeeming Technology, Part 5: Practical Steps
If there are negative effects to using technology, then what should we do with it?
In our technology discussion, I raised significant concerns regarding technological perils, admittedly without offering practical help to avoid these perils. It seems Christians are choosing between two problematic options.
One is to retreat from our technologically dominated culture via a subculture of technological protest. Not necessarily choosing an "ignorance is bliss" posture, but precisely because they are not ignorant of the dangers I have outlined, they see what technology is doing to us, and understandably, they do not want these consequences for themselves and their posterity. While I am sympathetic to this approach, I do not view it as practically possible or principledly suitable.
The other option, which I am far less sympathetic toward, is to simply receive the technological takeover. With uncritical alignment, we adopt the ways of our modern world such that there is no discernable difference between Christians and the rest of society's technology usage. Without making that conscious choice, this is what most Christians are doing, and we are suffering because of it.
If you made me choose between these two, I prefer retreat to receive, but we don't have to make that choice. We could instead choose to redeem. This series is entitled "Redeeming Technology" for a reason. What we are seeking is the use of technology the way God intended. We redeem technology by reclaiming its usage to glorify God and bless creation.
But practically speaking, how is this achieved? There is much to say (I'll go into more depth with practical wisdom when we discuss parenting), but the problem is that much of what needs to be said is answered individually. For example, someone addicted to the envy of Instagram might need to delete the app altogether, but for others, Instagram could be harmlessly used. Thus, advice on technological usage ultimately needs to be answered individually.
However, there are two guiding principles that I wish to apply to everyone. What makes modern technology uniquely powerful? A common theme in all that we have discussed thus far comes down to the boundless and anonymous nature of modern technology. Technology now offers us an increasingly boundless and anonymous virtual world, which is a first for humanity.
There is nothing new about technology. It's fundamental to the quest of image bearers. What is new is the boundless and anonymous essence of our technology. Therefore, these two areas must be the focus of Christian commitments. We must take the necessary steps to place boundaries on the boundless nature of technology and bring exposure to the anonymous nature of technology. If you just implement those two practical steps, it will radically change the nature of your usage and consequently redeem the goodness of technology.
What do I mean by boundaries to combat technology's boundless appeal? You, with the help of trusted community, must be very intentional about screen time usage. Screens are the door to a limitless virtual world, and they will not limit themselves. In fact, they are designed to ensnare you with a limitless offer. Therefore, unlike the real world, which is naturally limited, we must steadfastly limit the virtual world with a thoughtful usage plan.
Currently, my phone is in airplane mode. That is the case for much of my workday. But within my schedule (literally, written down on my calendar), I have time designated to return emails, texts, and even social media. I actually have appointments on the calendar with Twitter because, in my line of work, I need to stay informed on cultural developments and news. Where I need to grow (as my wife has rightly pointed out) is creating the same intentional limits at home that I have established at work. But the point I am making is that although it will look different according to everyone's unique situation, everyone must develop their own boundaries, or you will naturally drift into the boundless. In this way, you are in charge of your screen, not the other way around, which is how God intended technology.
Likewise, we must take steps to bring exposure to the anonymous nature of technology. I don't trust myself to handle anonymity, nor should you. At minimum, my wife knows my phone and account password. In fact, she has passwords for my devices that I do not have, such as those that limit my iPhone content and screen time. Simply put, no part of my online life is closed off and inaccessible to my wife. But I need even more exposure that I have entrusted to my closest friendships.
From my research and experience, Covenant Eyes is the best option for this. It is a monitoring software that gives my friends access to my screen. It will certainly flag any obscene content and send an alert to my accountability partners. But more than protecting me from the more nefarious, my friends can look through my entire report and see how I am spending my time. Am I getting lost in meaningless content, addicted to the trivial, etc.? All of this is incredibly vulnerable, but we were made to live in that vulnerability. Hiding is not good for any, and we must find ways to remove the cloak of anonymity that technology offers us.
In conclusion, rather than a list of Christian rules to follow, I'm boiling it down to just two practical principles. If you intentionally combat modern technology's boundless and anonymous nature, you will naturally use technology well, thus redeeming its purpose.