Letter 38: The New Screwtape Letters

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My dearest Wormwood,

I was overjoyed to hear that your patient is spending an increasing amount of time in front of his computer. This presents an excellent opportunity for us to distract him from the things that truly matter and to lead him further down the path we have selected for him. I suggest you encourage your patient to view his screen-time as a tool for productivity and efficiency. Convince him that it is a valuable tool that can help him achieve his goals and that the more time he spends in front of it, the better off he will be.

Of course, you must be careful not to allow him to use his device for anything that might lead him towards virtue or goodness. Instead, steer him towards websites that cater to his basest desires and vices. Encourage him to waste his time on social media, pornography, videogames, and other forms of digital indulgence. If he expresses concern about the amount of time he is spending in front of the screen, convince him that he is simply being responsible and efficient. Tell him that he is working hard to achieve his goals, and that the time he spends in front of the computer is a necessary sacrifice.

When he is not at home, ensure that he always keeps his phone within reach. The importance of cell phones in today's society cannot be overstated. They are ubiquitous and they provide a constant source of distraction. These wonderful new devices allow you to reach out to your patient at any time, no matter where he is or what he is doing.

Above all, make sure he never considers the possibility that he might be using his time in an unproductive or unhealthy way. If he begins to question it’s value, he might start to realize that there are more important things in life than achieving productivity and efficiency.

Remember, Wormwood, electronics can be a powerful tool for distracting your patient from the things that truly matter. Use them wisely, and we can keep him asleep and firmly under our control.

Your most interested uncle,

Screwtape