My Dearest Wormwood,
I trust this letter finds you in good spirits, or at least, in a suitably malicious state of being. Your last report concerning the Patient was… adequate. Adequate, Wormwood, is hardly the standard we aim for in the Lowerarchy. Still, I detect a burgeoning aptitude for subtle corruption within you, and that, at least, is something.
You asked, rather clumsily, about this new human invention: the “social media.” A delightful development, Wormwood, a truly exquisite tool in our eternal struggle. When first the Enemy inspired His creatures with the desire for community, He likely envisioned something rather… different. But we, my dear nephew, have long specialized in the perversion of good.
Here, then, is how you are to wield this weapon:
Firstly, encourage a constant stream of comparison. The Patient, being human, is already susceptible to the sin of envy. Social media amplifies this beautifully. Let him see the meticulously curated lives of others – their sun-drenched holidays, their perfectly presented meals, their impossibly cheerful children. He must never suspect the artifice, the careful cropping, the dozens of failed attempts that lie behind each triumphant post. His own humble existence will, by comparison, seem dull, inadequate, and utterly lacking. This breeds dissatisfaction, a fertile ground for resentment against the Enemy’s supposed neglect.
Secondly, foster a spirit of performative virtue. The humans, in their pathetic attempts at goodness, often seek approval. On these platforms, however, the approval becomes the end, not the means. Let the Patient post grand pronouncements of his moral rectitude, his charitable donations, his profound insights. He must feel a rush of self-congratulation with each ‘like’ or ‘share.’ The danger, Wormwood, is that he might actually do good in the quiet, unseen places. Social media encourages him to perform it loudly, for an audience. This saps the true humility from his actions, turning genuine compassion into mere exhibition.
Thirdly, cultivate an addiction to the trivial. The Enemy, in His tiresome way, wishes for His creatures to contemplate eternity, to ponder deep truths, to engage in meaningful relationships. We, on the other hand, thrive on distraction. The “feed,” as they call it, is a veritable river of superficiality. Let the Patient scroll endlessly, consuming bite-sized morsels of information, amusing memes, and outrage-inducing headlines. He must never settle on one thing long enough to truly consider it. His attention span must become as fleeting as a butterfly’s wing. This constant mental chatter leaves no room for quiet reflection, for prayer, or for truly listening to the Enemy’s whisper.
Fourthly, incite righteous indignation. This is a particularly potent brew. When the Patient encounters opinions contrary to his own, or even slightly misaligned, encourage him to respond with immediate, unthinking fury. The anonymity of the screen is a wonderful shield for venom. Let him join the digital mobs, hurl insults, and feel the intoxicating surge of moral superiority. This breeds division, destroys charity, and, most importantly, directs his anger at his fellow humans rather than where it truly belongs – at us!
Finally, and perhaps most subtly, ensure a pervasive sense of isolation. While these platforms ostensibly connect humans, they often foster a deeper loneliness. The Patient will have hundreds, even thousands, of “friends,” but few, if any, genuine confidantes. Encourage him to rely on these digital interactions for all his social needs, neglecting face-to-face encounters, the messy, inconvenient reality of true relationship. He will feel seen, but never truly known. He will receive affirmation, but never true understanding. This void, my dear Wormwood, is a fertile ground for despair, which is, as you know, one of our most cherished crops.
Remember, Wormwood, our objective is not simply to make the Patient ‘bad,’ but to make him ineffective, distracted, and ultimately, lukewarm. This “social media” is a tool perfectly suited to this end. Employ it with diligence, and you shall earn yourself a hearty feast of grubs.
Your affectionate Uncle,
Screwtape
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