Morals in the Spotlight

James Brown

Hey everyone, welcome back to Shutter the Dark Shorts. I’m James, and as always, I’m here with Sunshine. Today, we’re diving into something that’s been on my mind a lot lately—how reality TV and social media have, well, kind of flipped the script on what we consider normal behavior. Sunshine, you ever feel like stuff that used to be private is now just... out there for everyone to see?

Sunshine

Oh, absolutely, James. I mean, it’s wild. There was a time when people kept their messes behind closed doors, but now, it’s like the more outrageous you are, the more attention you get. And it’s not just attention—it’s almost like people are rewarded for it. You see it on reality shows, on TikTok, everywhere. It’s like, “Hey, look at me, I’m breaking all the rules!” and suddenly, that’s what everyone’s talking about.

James Brown

Yeah, and it’s not just talk, right? It’s this whole viral pursuit. I mean, I remember back in my Search and Rescue days—this was maybe, what, five years ago?—we had a situation with some teenagers who got themselves into a dangerous spot, all because they wanted to film a stunt for social media. They weren’t thinking about safety, or even the consequences. It was all about getting that viral moment. And, you know, it’s not just kids. Adults do it too. But it really hit me how much the digital world is shaping what people think is okay.

Sunshine

That’s so true. And it’s not just about the stunts or the drama. It’s like, the more you see these behaviors online, the more normal they start to feel. There’s this mirroring effect—if everyone’s doing it, it must be fine, right? But what we’re really seeing is a lowering of the bar. What used to be shocking is now just... average. And I think that’s dangerous, especially for young people who are still figuring out what’s right and wrong.

James Brown

Exactly. And, you know, Dr. Sam Goldstein talks about this—how the constant bombardment of questionable behavior on our screens actually changes what we accept as normal. It’s like, if you see enough people getting famous for bad behavior, you start to wonder if maybe that’s just how things are now. But it’s not. Or at least, it shouldn’t be.

Sunshine

And it’s not just about fame, either. There’s this whole thing where even negative attention is still attention. So people push the envelope, not caring about the consequences, just to get noticed. It’s like restraint and responsibility have taken a back seat to likes and shares. And honestly, it’s exhausting to watch sometimes.

James Brown

Yeah, and it’s not just exhausting—it’s changing the way we interact with each other. Trust, respect, empathy... those things get sacrificed for a few seconds of internet fame. And I think, as a society, we’re paying a price for that. But, uh, where was I going with this? Oh right—this isn’t just about the internet. It’s about what we value, and how easily those values can slip when we’re not paying attention.

Sunshine

That’s a perfect segue, James, because I think a lot of this confusion comes from the fact that, well, religion just doesn’t have the same influence it used to. I mean, church attendance is way down—like, 30% drops in some denominations over the last few decades. And when you lose that shared foundation, it’s like everyone’s just making up their own rules. It’s moral relativism, right? If truth is whatever you want it to be, then what’s left to guide us?

James Brown

Yeah, and I might be wrong about this, but it feels like when you take away that backbone—those biblical principles that used to shape our sense of right and wrong—you end up with a lot of confusion. People start asking, “Well, who’s to say what’s right?” And, you know, that’s a fair question, but if everyone’s got their own compass, you end up with chaos. I mean, we’ve seen it in the news—crime, corruption, all kinds of stuff that just seems to be getting worse.

Sunshine

And it’s not just the big stuff, either. I’ve seen it up close in youth ministry, especially after the pandemic. We had kids coming in who’d never really been to church, or who’d lost touch with any kind of faith community. Suddenly, they’re facing ethical dilemmas—cheating, bullying, even just how to treat each other—and they don’t have that framework to fall back on. It’s like, “Well, if it feels right to me, it must be okay.” But that’s not how it works. There’s got to be something deeper guiding us.

James Brown

Yeah, and, you know, the Bible talks about this—Romans 1:28, about being turned over to a reprobate mind. When you reject God’s standards, you lose that sense of direction. And I think we’re seeing that play out. It’s not just about losing religion for religion’s sake. It’s about losing the moral compass that helps us tell good from evil. And when that goes, it’s like the foundation of society starts to crack.

Sunshine

Exactly. And I know some people push back and say, “Well, we can be good without God.” And sure, people can do good things. But when you take away the idea of absolute truth, it gets really hard to agree on what’s actually good. That’s where the confusion comes in. And honestly, it’s tough to watch, especially with young people who are just trying to figure out who they are and what they believe.

James Brown

Yeah, and, you know, building on what we talked about in our episode on the fruit of the Spirit, when you don’t have that anchor, you end up drifting. And I think that’s what we’re seeing—a lot of drifting, a lot of searching, but not a lot of solid ground. And that’s why I think it’s so important to talk about how we can start to restore those standards, even if it feels like we’re swimming against the current.

Sunshine

So, let’s talk about that—how do we actually start to rebuild? I mean, for centuries, biblical principles shaped our sense of right and wrong. Things like honesty, respect, valuing life, loving your neighbor—those weren’t just religious ideas, they were the foundation for how we treated each other. But when those get sidelined, you see the results: more anger, more division, less trust. It’s like we’re missing the glue that holds us together.

James Brown

Yeah, and I think it starts with individuals making conscious choices. You know, Dr. Goldstein talks about reflecting on your values and making sure your actions line up. It’s not about being perfect, but about choosing to do the right thing, even when it’s not popular. And, you know, I’ve seen this firsthand volunteering with youth. When you show up, when you listen, when you model integrity—even in small ways—it makes a difference. Kids notice. They might not say it, but they’re watching.

Sunshine

Absolutely. And it’s not just about what we say, it’s about what we celebrate. If we highlight kindness, honesty, and service—if we make those things “go viral” in our own circles—it starts to shift the culture, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. Community engagement, volunteering, just being present for each other—those are practical ways to rebuild trust and encourage ethical behavior. And honestly, it’s something anyone can do, no matter where you are in your faith journey.

James Brown

Yeah, and I always tell the young people I work with—look, you don’t have to be a superhero. Just be consistent. Show up. Do the right thing when nobody’s watching. That’s what builds character. And, you know, I’ve seen kids who started out kind of lost, but when they had a positive role model, someone who believed in them, it changed everything. It’s not about preaching at them, it’s about living it out. And, uh, I guess that’s what gives me hope, even when the headlines look pretty bleak.

Sunshine

I love that, James. And I think, even if we can’t change the whole world overnight, we can make a difference right where we are. It’s about choosing faith, choosing community, and making those everyday choices that add up over time. That’s how we start to restore what’s been lost.

James Brown

Well said, Sunshine. And, folks, that’s all the time we’ve got for today. Thanks for joining us on Shutter the Dark Shorts. We’ll keep digging into these tough topics, so stick with us. Sunshine, always a pleasure.

Sunshine

Thanks, James. And thank you to everyone listening. Keep shining your light, and we’ll see you next time. Bye!

James Brown

Take care, everyone. God bless.