How To Optimize Your Content For Good | By Roger Bunnell

The endless battle for our attention and screen time has led every media outlet and content creator to produce whatever gets the most “likes.” This shows up in countless ways, some of which are dangerous - misinformation and lies about current events, demeaning and degrading posts disguised as comedy, perverse and manipulative posts that leads us to lust and shame, hateful and hurtful comments designed to divide us, and so much more.

There is a way out of this negative cycle, but it doesn’t come without effort. The internet is an ever-expanding world that is filled with information, positivity, and blessings, if you know where and how to find them. Galatians 6:1-10 gives a reminder that we harvest what we plant, and reading it through this lens, can give us a guide to better habits. By asking for help, being intentional, and contributing in a positive way, we can take back the power in our pockets, and use it to uplift, inform, and encourage ourselves and others. Here are 3 ways to optimize your content for good:

How To Optimize Your Content For Good

By Roger Bunnell

Ask For Help - Asking for help is terrifying. The thought of admitting, to ourselves and others, that we need help can stop many people from even starting anything. As Christians, however, we love and strive to help each other. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” So, find someone trustworthy, and talk about it; tell them that your content or viewing habits are a problem, ask for recommendations of positive podcasts, have them share informative or uplifting videos with you, give them your phone to see who/what you’re following and what type of creatorsmight be contributing to the problem. Even let them set a password on your phone, so to download apps or view untrusted websites, they can provide accountability. In whatever way you need help, ask, and let others share your burdens.
Be Intentional - While partnership is an integral step in the process, intentionality is just as necessary. It is necessary to be intentional about what we are viewing, and where we are giving our time. Galatians 6:5 tells us that “we are each responsible for our own conduct.” Let that sink in. Whatever you are viewing, is your choice. Whatever is being suggested on your feed, is based on your habits. That isn’t a condemnation, but a recognition that we have the power to decide, so find what’s enjoyable! If it’s sports, spend time watching highlights and commentary. If it’s comedy, find comedians that are funny without being degrading. If it’s more Christian content, follow more Christian creators, listen to Christian podcasts, read Christian blogs. No matter what, with all of these things, be intentional. This is where you get permission to scroll on your phone for a couple hours! Phones, apps, computers, will remember your screen time and search history, and will suggest more content based off of that, so find an uplifting version of your interests, and go on a deep dive.
Be A Contributor, Not Just A Consumer - Now the first two steps are done. Asking and receiving help, andbeing intentional to shift content habits and screen time. The work, however, isn’t finished. Remember Galatians 6:7 says, “you will always harvest what you plant,” so now comes the moment to shift from consumers to contributors. This is not a cry for everyone to make a podcast, write a blog, or make videos. There are multiple ways to contribute, big and small, long and short-term, and all of them are meaningful. When it comes to content, share the Gospel on your timeline, provide informed questions and answers in the comment section, share posts that are uplifting to those around you, and create content if called to do so. When it comes to people, lead a small group to teach others that might be struggling with these same problems, serve with high schoolers and young adults who are at the forefront of this topic, and share the burdens of those around you.

The internet, like any tool, can be used to create incredible things when placed in the hands of someone who has been equipped. It can be used to create and spread informative, uplifting, and positive content and creators. So, ask for help and go in partnership, be intentionally with your time and interests, and contribute to the positivity that you find by giving it back to those around you. We will all harvest what we plant, so take Galatians 6:10 as a final reminder, “therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith.”