The Editor, Wednesday 6 May 2020

5 minute read

Just over a month ago, Salann reflected on the positives coming about during these bleak days of global pandemic. We noted that there’s been a revival of community, sacrificial behaviour on the part of all citizens for the common good, and a rejuvenation of family life as parents who usually work long hours or travel have the luxury of time to spend with their children. These small blessings, amidst a much darker scenario, are a reminder that there is still much to be thankful for.

Another positive pointed out was the commendable coming together of politicians on all sides to support efforts to fight the virus. In early April there was a camaraderie and a respect in political dialogue that would have been inconceivable before COVID-19 arrived. Our April article stated:

“It’s hard to remember a time in the last few years when the Labour front bench at Westminster praised the Conservative Government for their actions, and lent their unqualified support. Or a time at Holyrood when Jackson Carlaw praised Nicola Sturgeon for her leadership and offered the support of the Scottish Conservatives in whatever capacity they can serve.”

“Just weeks ago, the picture was entirely different. Politicians were locked in bitter and partisan debates over Brexit, and Scottish independence – debates that have dominated the political landscape for years and led to people on all sides feeling bullied, hated, and harassed. These arguments pale in the face of COVID-19, spreading like a wild fire throughout the globe.”

“Small blessings, amidst a much darker scenario, are a reminder that there is still much to be thankful for”

Regrettably, one month on it seems that much of this respectful dialogue has been drained from political life. 

In past days there has been furious bickering over the COVID-19 response at Holyrood vs Westminster. There was a furore over English hospitals allegedly getting more personal protective equipment. Unionists have accused the Scottish Government of oneupmanship in COVID announcements. Nationalists have accused Unionists of exploiting the crisis for political gain. Today, some voices even started comparing the COVID death rate in Scotland and England – a morbid competition that nobody should rightly want to ‘win’. Of course bickering also takes place on all sorts of issues, not just along the usual constitutional lines.

In April, we dared to hope that the new dialogue would continue, and even improve politics in the months to come as the UK faces the daunting challenge of piecing itself back together again. For now anyway, it appears that this optimism may have been misplaced. Politics has in many ways reverted to type – though we can still pray.

Perhaps this is unsurprising given the quality of politics in recent years. There are many reasons why the politics of the 21st century, and particularly the last decade, has been some of the most toxic in generations. Great tomes could be written on the manifold issues – social, economic or otherwise – that have caused toxicity. But surely a huge factor has been the proliferation of social media.

“Surely a huge factor in our toxic politic is the proliferation of social media”

Today, billions of people across the globe can instantly engage in bickering, politicking, virtue signalling and ridicule at all hours of the day and night from any location with 4G or WiFi. The usual constraints that would apply in a face-to-face conversation, the social graces, are absent when the target of frustration is an avatar on a screen. There’s little restraint, little moderation and no let up. Some of the worst of human nature on show and celebrated.

Many politicians engage in such behaviour: highlighting flaws in the opposition, posting sarcastic one-liners about this politician or that, speaking in grandiose terms about some small matter that they say amounts to a ‘travesty’, a ‘scandal’ or a ‘disgrace’. Whilst it is important to hold those in Government to account and to point out mistakes of others, is this aggressive playground-level mud slinging really helpful? And is Twitter really the best forum for such discussions? How many politicians issue Tweets late at night, whilst tired and grouchy, and later regret the substance or the tone of what they said?

Twitter spats carry over into the chambers of Holyrood and Westminster. How likely is it that two politicians on opposing benches who have engaged in a spat on Tuesday night will engage fair-mindedly with one another the next day at Parliament and deliberate in a way that’s beneficial? Social media contributes directly to the tone of debate at Holyrood and Westminster and this has real consequences for decision making.

Christians aren’t blameless either. Many engage in the same hostile bickering online, displaying profoundly anti-Christian behaviour. The fact that you speak impatiently or sarcastically on Twitter rather than in person doesn’t excuse this behaviour. It’s still a sin, and it still hurts others. Remember the words of 2 Timothy 2:23-24: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

“Social media contributes to the poor level of debate at Holyrood and Westminster and this has real consequences for the public”

Some Christians also seem to take great delight in ridiculing others in the church and making it known that their own brand of theology is ‘the right theology’. Whilst theology is profoundly important, engaging in belittling arguments with other believers online, for all the world to see, is a terrible witness. Remember our high calling – to live as ambassadors for Christ, bearing his holy name. Remember too the words of Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Poor use of social media is a contributing factor in the poor state of politics, Christian unity and general societal cohesion. So here’s a radical idea, inspired by the lockdown measures in place today – why not try some ‘social media distancing’?

In the same way we are distancing ourselves from one another in person, due to the risk of transmitting COVID-19, why don’t we distance ourselves online for a while? Or at least apply some restraint to how often we use social media platforms. It could be that a pause and some distance from 24/7 social media outrage leads society to realise just how much harm it is doing. In time, society may even realise that it is possible for people to disagree well.