Jesus uses many vessels to spread the magnificent Word of God. However, when an outlet’s creators perpetuates everything against God’s commandments, it can be questioned as a viable source. Facebook has been an ongoing point of controversy in the news, particularly questioning its ethics and trustworthiness. Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, recently spoke out against the company stating what she observed during her time with the social network.

Concerning if Jesus would use the infamous social media platform or not, that answer remains up to if their morals align with God’s Word. The following statements against the company align with what God’s Word tells us not to do.

Greed

Regarding the algorithm updates, Haugen stated, “Facebook has realized that if they change the algorithm to be safer, people will spend less time on the site, they’ll click on less ads, and [Facebook] will make less money.”

The Bible states, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) Greed is one of the seven deadly sins that God tells us many times to keep away from. Most of Facebook’s accusations stem from greed and selfishness for monetary gain.

Causing Strife

“The thing I saw at Facebook over and over again was there were conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook. And Facebook, over and over again, chose to optimize for its own interests, like making more money,” Haugen explained, “I’m here today because I believe Facebook’s products harm children, stoke division, and weaken our democracy.”

God warns us against strife and rebukes those who deliberately cause it. The Bible tells us, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” (Romans 16:17) God’s Word condemns instigators and those that “sow discord among brothers.”

Encouraging Self-Hatred

Haugen shared that Facebook was fully cognizant of the harm it’s Instagram app was causing to adolescents’ mental health, self-image, and wellbeing. A research study was conducted in the leaked document that showed that around 30% of teenage girls said Instagram dampened their views on their body image.

“And what’s super tragic is Facebook’s own research says, as these young women begin to consume this– this eating disorder content, they get more and more depressed. And it actually makes them use the app more. And so, they end up in this feedback cycle where they hate their bodies more and more,” Haugen stated about the platform’s negative impact.

The Bible states, “for it was You who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalms 139:13-14). God created each one of us and loves us just as we are. He wouldn’t support a platform that makes people hate themselves. God wants us to have peace of mind, joy in our hearts, and appreciation for His creations.

“The version of Facebook that exists today is tearing our societies apart and causing ethnic violence around the world,” the former employee concluded about the company. “The company’s leadership knows ways to make Facebook and Instagram safer and won’t make the necessary changes because they have put their immense profits before people. Congressional action is needed. As long as Facebook is operating in the dark, it is accountable to no one. And it will continue to make choices that go against the common good.”

When Jesus was on earth, He spread the Gospel to all kinds of people and embraced disciples who had lifestyles scarce of Godly morals. However, after Jesus saved His disciples, they repented and turned away from their old sinful ways to live according to Jesus’ ways. Although the social platform is a fantastic way of connecting with others about God’s Word, Facebook’s leaders need to change their motivations and intentions to be a trustworthy outlet.