The time has come for a confession, now that I am retired and have had more time for reflection. During my ministry, I was, at times, euphoric over the possibilities of modern digital technology in the service of the church. Yes, from Windows 95 and the early Microsoft Office Suite, Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, YouTube, Mixlr Internet Radio Broadcaster, etc., I have used many software platforms and programs. It truly had some positive outcomes. Communication was faster, editing was easier, connections were less expensive. I retired in 2018, but when the pandemic restricted worship for many churches, my former pastoral charge was already “geared up” because of my use of supposedly free obsolete computer equipment that now ran on Linux instead of Windows. Streaming to folks unable to physically attend services was already taking place via Facebook. Earlier, our Internet radio station had provided audio-only “live feeds” to people with computers. All of this was connected to the website that I created in 2010. Indeed, some members were given the laptops that I revitalized through Linux to access these features after I visited these “shut-ins” to set it up and train them in its use. I thought all the problems were answered, that is, until the Internet’s evolution into its present form.
With the explosive growth of toxic social media platforms, bots, AI slop, intrusive data collection, data breaches, restrictive paywalls, the disaster of planned obsolescence of millions of perfectly good computers, the increase of mental health problems, screen addictions (the dopamine fix), and the paradox of loneliness in such a connected world, the negative features seem to make me stop viewing the state of modern technology as such a wonderful benefit, as I had felt in the past.
Lately, I find myself trying to determine what has happened to the very character of church as we mirror the secular world’s use of this technology. Have we altered the character of the church as the collective “body of Christ”? My conclusion, after much prayer and study, is that yes, we have become probable dopamine addicts just like the “scrollers” of the secular world. Are we not focused on how many viewers we have on our YouTube videos, or our “friends” on Facebook? Do we not try devise our own “brand” as do TikTok influencers? It is true that not all congregations fall into this trap, but generally western Christianity, from the Pentecostal Church to the Eastern Orthodox church, and denominations in between that I have visited over that last few years have done so to some extent. It is truly a battle of “attention gathering”, but the problem is that none of these churches have pockets deep enough to compete with the secular world. Even the school systems are recognizing this problem, as they try to limit screen time for their students.
So, I wonder what it would be like if a church started to have a “phone basket” at their entrance to try to detoxify worshipers, so they may better focus, pray, and listen without digital distractions? Well, I can only attest to my own experience. I now use a “dumb” phone. No apps, no emails, just texts and a phone, that’s it. I do have a computer to check my emails, but only once a day, just like going to my postal box across the street. Of course, I still use technology to produce and send items, and refurbish computers to Linux for folks, but I do my best communication through handwritten letters. It is a product of my continuing effort to write out the entire Bible with a dip pen and bottled ink. I have even picked up the hobby of producing my own ink, and have also developed my skill at cutting quills out of large bird feathers to accompany the ink. I have found that slow is sometimes better. In many ways analogue is better than digital. Face to face is more effective than texting. The result is that there is less stress, anxiety, and FOMO (fear of missing out), and that has got to be good for everyone’s health. Does this hybrid approach make me a “fossil”, or a “missing link”?
Rev. Martin Dawson (retired)