Escaping the Spiritual Dangers of Social Media
Ever scrolled through your social media feed, feeling a pang of inadequacy as you compare your life to the seemingly perfect journeys of others? Or perhaps you’ve found yourself neglecting your day-to-day tasks for “just a quick check” which turns into an hour lost in the online abyss.
Social media has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, offering connection, information, and entertainment at our fingertips. However, beneath the veneer of connection lurks a potential minefield for our spiritual well-being.
While social media offers opportunities for faith-based interaction and inspiration, its inherent design can also pose significant challenges to our relationship with God.
The Comparison Trap
Social media feeds can create a distorted reality, leading to envy and hindering genuine spiritual growth. As young adults in this generation, we often struggle with self-esteem issues as we compare our lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others.
Seeing peers engaged in church activities or mission trips might make us feel inadequate in our own spiritual journey. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of envy and discouragement, making it difficult to focus on our personal relationship with God.
As 1 John 2:6 reminds us, “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”
Social media can tempt us to chase an outward image of piety rather than focusing on the inward transformation that Christ calls us to.
Reminder:
For am I seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
Time Management Challenges
I can safely say that I’m guilty of the constant pull social media has on me, where it sometimes if not most of the time takes priority over spending time with God.
Scrolling through my feed can easily consume hours, leaving little room for God. I often find myself spending excessive amounts of time on social media, scrolling mindlessly on TikTok and Instagram, sometimes even during church services. This distraction can lead to a lack of deep, meaningful engagement with my faith.
Focus on the Superficial
Do you fall into the trap of focusing on your likes whenever you share something that you are proud of?
Likes and follower counts, especially on platforms like Instagram and Facebook can overshadow our values of humility, service, and love for thy neighbor. This can lead to a preoccupation with outward appearances rather than inward spiritual growth.
An example that I can admit that I am guilty of is prioritizing posting a Bible verse or a picture of my church activity to gain likes or to prove something to my followers, rather than focusing on the actual message or service involved. This superficial engagement can detract from the true essence of the values that Jesus teaches.
Reminder:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Erosion of Real-life Community
The increasing prevalence of technology has made it unavoidable to rely on online platforms for engagement and interaction. However, it is also important to remember that online interactions can never replace the depth and connection of a real-life community.
True fellowship requires personal, face-to-face interactions that will help build stronger and more meaningful relationships.
As Matthew 18:20 reads “For when two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Just a few years ago when the lockdown was just lifted, I was hesitant to go back to church. Why? Because I was comfortable. Why take the time and energy to travel to church or cell group when I can do church through YouTube, right from the comfort of my own home? That might be true to a certain extent but I realize that I am missing out on the deeper connections formed through in-person services and fellowship activities. This reliance on technology led me to a sense of isolation.
Exposure to Negativity
Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, hindering our ideals of hope, forgiveness, and compassion.
Arguments, divisive content, and harsh comments can erode a spirit of peace and understanding.
Reminder:
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
Distraction From God’s Presence
Constant notifications and the urge to check updates can distract us from being present in God’s presence during prayer or worship.
This divided attention can weaken our connection with God. I often struggle with maintaining focus during church services or prayer and worship, due to the constant pull of social media.
Reminder:
Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
False Sense of Community
While online groups can provide support, they may also give a false sense of community, where interactions are superficial and lack the depth of real-life relationships.
Authentic community requires vulnerability and accountability which is harder to achieve online. You might join numerous online faith groups, but still feel lonely and disconnected because these interactions lack the depth and authenticity of real-life fellowship.
Overemphasis on Digital Validation
Seeking validation through likes and comments can lead to an unhealthy dependence on others’ opinions rather than seeking affirmation from God.
This can distort our self-worth and divert our focus from God’s purpose for our lives. We might post about our faith experiences hoping for likes and positive comments, leading to a dependence on digital validation instead of finding our worth and purpose in God’s eyes.
John 12:43 reads “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
Compromise of Values
Exposure to secular content and worldly influences can subtly compromise our values as Christians.
Engaging with or being influenced by content that contradicts biblical teachings can lead to a weakened faith and moral confusion. We might encounter content that challenges our beliefs, leading to confusion and a gradual drift away from our faith principles.
Reminder:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Finding Balance and Spiritual Nourishment
However, social media is not inherently detrimental. It can be a powerful tool for our Christian growth, offering access to inspirational content, and sermons from pastors which are easily accessible through YouTube and online communities of faith.
Many churches utilize social media platforms to deliver sermons, host online Bible studies, and foster a sense of virtual fellowship. Additionally, social media can connect us with other Christians from diverse backgrounds, enriching our understanding of the faith.
The key lies in striking a healthy balance. Here are some ways you can implement to mitigate the spiritual pitfalls of social media:
- Set Time Limits: Be mindful of how much time you spend on social media and establish clear boundaries. Utilise tools to limit daily usage or schedule specific times for checking feeds.
- Curate Your Feed: We shouldn’t be afraid to unfollow accounts that leave us feeling drained or leave us with a negative feeling. Instead, we should follow faith-based accounts that offer uplifting content or content that connects us with our church community, or provide access to sermons and messages.
- Maintain Perspective: Remember that social media portrays a curated reality. We should always keep in mind that we should never compare our entire Christian walk to someone else’s highlight reel.
By following these steps, we can leverage the potential of social media to enhance our Christian walk while guarding against its pitfalls. Social media can be a helpful companion on this journey, but it should never be the sole source of our spiritual sustenance. Our true growth lies in cultivating a deep and authentic relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and participation in a supportive Christian community.
