When mankind remains a passive consumer of whatever the algorithm decides to put before it, man is no longer the agent of choice, leading to a scenario whereby our mind is being conditioned to unquestionably accept the suggestion that an algorithm puts before us on any given day.
The challenge that mankind will face, both now and in the future, is the desire for those in the technology sector to turn every non-tech-based activity into a tech-based activity. After all, if technocrats and powerbrokers are able to connect (and keep mankind connected) to emerging technologies, not only does that allow for greater behavioural modification, but it also allows the entrenchment of the use of algorithms as people become wholly reliant on the service being provided.
Little by little, mankind is being discipled by the tech industry in very particular ways—by curating the news we see, suggesting the items we should purchase and the entertainment we enjoy. However, this is not only affecting mankind’s social pursuits but also having a deep impact on our spiritual lives.
As believers, we must warn against the practice of “algorithmic spirituality”. You see, algorithms do not take into account biblical truth when suggesting information to users. The algorithm will identify a common point of interest and suggest the more popular content without an examination of the validity or substance of the information. Therefore, people who are prone to accept what they see without being good Bereans will allow their spiritual life to be shaped more by algorithm than the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, there are enough legitimate studies now to confirm that many young adult Christians are being led to change their theological beliefs due to pressure from other users and influencers on social media. Consequently, they are moving away from biblical truth and adopting subjectivity and relativism.
If this problem continues unchecked, the number of apostates will continue to rise, leaving a small minority willing to stand on the authority of Scripture. The answer? The Apostle Paul’s words still ring true today: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
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