We will all agree that it is no good to hold grudge and hatred against someone. But it will be worse to hate someone even if you do not have any firsthand knowledge of the person. Unfortunately, this worse case occurs more frequently in recent years thanks to social media. Mass media producers such as broadcasting companies and newspapers are trained and regulated for objectivity in their reports. But social media contents are mostly not filtered and screened for their veracity or objectivity. Furthermore, social media contents are not reviewed for their contribution to the common good of society. So much of social media content is not beneficial to anyone, no newsworthy but only inciting unnecessary curiosity and voyeurism. But even worse, much of social media distorts facts, instills suspicions, stimulates anger, provokes hatred, and causes divisions. Not only public figures but also ordinary individuals fall victims. Not only adults but also youth become targets of bullying and public shaming.

Jesus warns us of judgment and punishment over our anger and hatred toward our neighbours. Of course, we can have just anger against injustice and corruption. And we may also have disgust and abhorrence of sins and crimes. Moreover, we can understand the emotional distress and trauma from manipulation, exploitation, or violence. It is not natural to feel glad to see perpetrators. But if you feel nauseous of someone you have never met, you should ask yourself if someone or something has control over you. Many people let social media dictate what they should see and hear on an hourly basis. If you find yourself angry at someone or some group of people thanks to what you have read or watched on social media, blame yourself first for your naivety and gullibility.

What is tragic about anger and hatred induced by social media is this: reconciliation is almost impossible. Certainly, we have victims. But most often, we cannot identify one single responsible perpetrator. When someone lost a job because of wrongful social media accusations or comments, even after his name is cleared, nobody is responsible for the damages.

Nonetheless, let us not forget the harsh condemnation that will follow. Jesus says, “I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.”