In today’s digital world, the phrase “going viral” has become synonymous with instant fame, widespread influence, and, more often than not, outrage.
Social media platforms, governed by algorithms designed to maximize engagement, feed off humanity’s basest impulses. Outrage is the currency of the internet age—a phenomenon that preys on our emotions, shortens our attention spans, and prioritizes reaction over reflection. But while technology may amplify the problem, the root cause lies with us. Left unchecked, social media can distort our perspective and rob us of peace, making it imperative to ground our lives in something eternal.
The Outrage Trap
Social media thrives on division. Platforms like X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram are programmed to prioritize content that generates strong emotional responses. Posts that spark anger or fear are more likely to be shared, commented on, and promoted. The algorithm learns from this behaviour, creating an echo chamber of sensationalised content that keeps us scrolling, reacting, and consuming.
Outrage, by nature, is impulsive. It rarely takes time to consider the full context of a story, weigh the facts, or empathize with others. It demands immediate action—whether that be a fiery comment, a “cancelling” tweet, or a flood of ridicule directed at a stranger. This cycle of reaction and counter-reaction escalates conflicts, leaving behind a trail of fractured relationships, reputational harm, and spiritual emptiness.
In this landscape, restraint feels countercultural. Yet, the inability to pause before responding is symptomatic of a deeper issue: the pride and self-righteousness that lie at the heart of sin. Social media may amplify this tendency, but the problem is as old as humanity itself.
Outrage Carries A Cost
The unrestrained participation in digital outrage carries a cost, not just for society but for the individual soul. Scripture repeatedly warns against the dangers of unchecked anger. James 1:19-20 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Yet on social media, this wisdom is often ignored.
When we engage in outrage culture, we become consumed by bitterness, resentment, and division. This can erode our ability to see others as fellow image-bearers of God. Instead of loving our neighbour, we dehumanise them, reducing them to caricatures of their worst moments.
Moreover, a steady diet of outrage can desensitise us to the quieter, more profound workings of God in our lives. Constantly scrolling through drama and discord can drown out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, leaving us restless and disconnected from the peace that Christ offers.
What Would Jesus Do?
Living in relationship with Christ offers a radically different approach to navigating the world of social media. Jesus himself lived in a time of social and political turmoil, yet he modelled a life of humility, grace, and restraint. His response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) exemplifies this. While the crowd demanded judgment, Jesus paused, writing in the sand and defusing the situation with wisdom and compassion.
For Christians, the call is clear: we are not to conform to the patterns of this world, including its outrage cycles. Instead, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This transformation begins with recognising that our identity and worth are not tied to likes, retweets, or the approval of others, but are grounded in Christ.
Practically, this means:
Practicing Discernment: Before reacting to a post or sharing a controversial opinion, pause and ask: Is this true? Is it helpful? Does it reflect the love of Christ? Proverbs 15:1 teaches, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Let your words be guided by wisdom and gentleness, not impulsive emotion.
Embracing Silence: Not every argument requires a response. Jesus himself often chose silence over confrontation, trusting in God’s timing and judgment. In the same way, we can resist the urge to jump into every debate or “set the record straight.” Silence can be a powerful witness to a watching world.
Focusing on Eternal Values: Outrage culture thrives on the temporal—trends that will fade in days or hours. As followers of Christ, we are called to fix our eyes on eternal truths. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This shift in focus can protect our hearts from the toxicity of social media.
Extending Grace: Social media is often devoid of grace, but as Christians, we are called to be its ambassadors. When confronted with someone’s mistake or offensive opinion, choose to respond with kindness rather than condemnation. Remember the grace that God has extended to you and let that fuel your interactions with others.
Lights in the Darkness
Living in relationship with Christ does not mean disengaging from the world or ignoring injustice. Rather, it means responding with a heart aligned with God’s purposes. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This love is not passive or weak; it is transformative, capable of breaking through the cycles of outrage and offering a better way.
In a culture driven by the algorithm of outrage, the life of a Christian offers a striking contrast: one of restraint, grace, and hope. By grounding ourselves in Christ, we can resist the pull of anger and division, choosing instead to be lights in the darkness.
The world doesn’t need more outrage; it needs more of Jesus.
Let us reflect his love in all we do, both online and off.
