Seven Deadly Sins: Online Version
Many a times, we have seen the 7 capital vices being practiced around us. This story evaluates their possible translation into the ever-changing Online World.
Before starting the discussion on 7 sins and doomsday , lets get you up to speed onto what actually means by the so called 7 Sins.
Scripture does not have an explicit list of these 7 deadly sins, but it does speak out against all of them in one way or another. Proverbs does contain a list of seven detestable things the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16–19), but the Lord hates all sin. A sin, whether lying or lusting, sets a chasm between a person and the Lord, in which only Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection can bridge.
Nevertheless, although God hates all sin because it separates us from Him, the popular 7 deadly sins do play a leading role in today’s modern world.
Now, Coming to the Context of today’s day and age. These sins get transformed into our daily activities that we may or may not consciously realize. Although, like a tool, these sins are not detestable by the meaning themselves. But when left unchecked , they take control over your mind and ultimately consume your soul/consciousness.
Below are some examples that according to my opinion are the equivalent of online sins.
Lust: It is basically a craving for more. More often than not we find ourselves drooling over pictures and carnal desires on the internet. Tinder, for example is one of the apps where people swipe each other in good fun. But how much is too much? Swiping leads to Stalking which is actually lusting over someone and can destroy not only the stalker but also the one who is being stalked. Its a virus that grows inside and quickly takes over your way of life. Online world has opened different pathways for stalking somebody and definitely it’s not healthy.Moreover it’s eliminating the process of soul connection and limits the interaction to satisfaction of only carnal desires.
Gluttony: It is the over indulgence into something so much that it gets the better of you. Indulging into anything without any control of yourself gets you hooked onto it very quick. It may be food/Cigarettes or even Content.
Yes, Content consumption is a practice where more and more people are giving in, without realizing the outcome value of the same. We consume so much Content nowadays on Youtube, that it is hard to stop. Also, most of the time there is no value addition by this content. We keep on consuming and thus came the term “ Binging” onto something. Moderation is not practiced and hence little by little rather than controlling which content to watch . Content starts controlling us ,when we have to watch it.
Pride: Now, just by pride alone it doesn’t do us any harm. But excessive pride turns to arrogance and we have seen how arrogant people are growing on social media. The ratings / follower count / Likes decide your stature on a platform. And it turns fills you with fake pride and a sense of omni-potent being. Better the performance of your post, better are the chances that you start making content just for validation and likes. Also being proud of your vanity consumes you resulting you to be arrogant towards others. Instagram, for example, gives you an inside of how beauty of the skin is driving the like count higher and higher. This is definitely affecting more creators to be aesthetic rather than authentic.
Sloth: Everything today is a means to reduce effort. But sloth is the excessive reduction in any effort whatsoever. So people who are just active on social media about issues and topics of societal concern. But haven't yet even stepped outside their house to support anything they believe in are its culprits. Pretentious beings who are too lazy to make a change gets dragged by the monotony of life. Then even living , which should be a privilege seems like a struggle to them. Online it is trough apps like Watsapp/telegram/wechat. where we all have become complacent even to wish someone on their birthdays , so we just drop a message rather than taking a minute to call. Yet our expectations from others are rising with every passing moment.
Wrath: We have seen even in mythological stories about the wrath of Lord Shiva, which is capable of destroying the entire universe. We also believe that there is a part of god inside all of us. Hence, the destruction can come from inside us too. Today, apps like Twitter, gives you a vent to release your anger onto the world without probable consequence. Letting the anger consume your intellect is the sole reason to making of bad decisions in moments of crisis. Everyone is angry, Everyone wants to avenge the wrongdoings with them. But Expressing Wrath uncontrollably only makes you lose focus from the real issue and consumes your rational self.
Greed: Money, Fame, Validation, Love. Greed is one of the most basic human tendencies. As much as its important for survival, greed is one of the deadliest virtues that can destroy your life completely. Wisdom to understand when greed starts consuming you from inside is very important. Greed is said to be the building block of our social life and Content is said to be the goal. Apps like , Casino blocks, even Shopping apps like Amazon take the advantage of your greed to be able to survive. Its important to know when to give in to greed but even more important to know when to resist.
Envy: Comparison robs us of all joy in our lives. We make unrealistic standards and keep on judging ourselves with respect to them. Rather than realizing that each of us has a different yardstick , we still keep pushing ourselves to conform to the same standards
The last of the Ten Commandments warns us against coveting our neighbors’ possessions (Exodus 20:17). Envy, in essence, means dissatisfaction with one’s own possessions in comparison with others
Perhaps , you have more imperfections than others. Or your friend has better relationships than you. Or your colleagues have a better pay package. Whatever reasons you might give yourselves, they all result in self deprivation and no good can come out of it. Apps like , Facebook and other social media interactive apps act as enablers to make you resent yourself rather than trying to carve a niche for yourself.
To conclude. Social Media is a tool in your hands. We are all bearers of Sin and maybe we’ll have to answer for our actions when our time comes. But , understanding the reasoning might help us reduce and control our desires. So that we control them rather than being controlled by them.
