19 February 2023
We live in an era in which social media provides just another way for humans to present a false image of the self. A company now offers to help you do it…
You don’t have to pack, deal with security lines, or face jet lag in order to show off your vacation pictures on social media. Just fake it! A Nebraska-based business is offering to bolster social media pages with expertly faked photos of the user on vacations they never took. The company, Fake a Vacation, offers packages starting at $19.99 for a service to superimpose the photos of a social media user in front of famous landmarks at popular vacation spots including Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, and Walt Disney World.
The company’s ad reads “Make your friends envious of where you were and have them thinking of being where you are. Fake vacation is a perfect Meme for bragging to your friends.” The packages also include some facts about each destination to help the customer concoct the story of their fake vacation.*
The company cited a study that suggests more than half of Millennials have lied about taking vacations for reasons ranging from last-minute cancellations, the high price of travel, and the desire for social media recognition.
In contrast to this, Ephesians 4v25 says: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully…
Sometimes it’s not just about telling lies, but just intending to deceive. Instead, we are called to move towards being a people who openly and lovingly walk in the light with one another. May God help us to always feel safe as a community to live this way with each other.
Sue and I are off to Phillip Island for a few days this coming week and we will post some real pictures (honest!).
*Source: Ben Hooper, “Company Offers to ‘Fake A Vacation’ With Doctored Photos,” UPI Odd News (4-25-19); Angie Sharp, “Forget “Staycations” – You can now FAKE your next vacation!” WQAD8.com (4-24-19)
Julian Holdsworth
BSBC Pastor