Towards the end of March this year, I came across a piece of information on Facebook that the Central Bank of Nigeria was going to issue Naira notes of 5,000 and 10,000. The publisher of the news lambasted the government, wondering if that was a right course of action in the midst of many problems bedeviling the country. It turned out that the information was false. The CBN had to issue a disclaimer through its official handle to counter the rumor. The social media has revolutionized how we share and receive information. What would take months or years to do in the past now happens at the click of a button. The danger is that one misinformation is strong enough to lead to breakdown of law and order.

Until you have established the truth of a matter, never share or act. Due diligence will shield you from destroying yourself or regret being a part of other people’s destruction.

Here are a few guidelines for using social media. Firstly, do not run your life by what people put online. The rule of scripture still applies that man is to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord; not social media. Relying on social media as your principal guide is a recipe for confusion. Secondly, do not put any original content of yours or forward information without caution. Any false content you give out is as dangerous as the one you consume. Your attitude to social media should be based on the word of God. The recommendation of James as seen in our text is salutary. Read or hear everything quickly, but your comment or other actions should be slow. Until you have established the truth of a matter, never share or act. Due diligence will shield you from destroying yourself or regret being a part of other people’s destruction.