Using Social Media - Blog | Geneva College
Geneva College shield
Blog search

Using Social Media Redemptively

a phone with social media applications open
Everyday Living

In 1 Corinthians 10:31 the Apostle Paul writes, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Paul encourages the followers of Christ to consider how they can bring glory to God even in the ordinary aspects of their lives. As social media continues to grow in popularity, let’s consider how these platforms can be used as tools to bring glory to God.

  1. Use Social Media to Uplift Others: We have many opportunities to use social media to encourage and uplift others. Whether you support aspiring artists through likes, leave a comment congratulating a friend on a new job, or message someone going through a tough time, consider how your actions can be used to uplift those you encounter on social media platforms. When you log into your accounts, be intentional to show kindness in your interactions with others.
  2. Share Your Testimony: Social media can become a highlight reel of the best moments in a person’s life, devoid of any struggles. However, those who choose to share ordinary aspects of their lives, including the hard times they’re going through, can become witnesses to God’s faithfulness in all of life. If you prefer to keep your struggles private, that is not a bad thing. However choosing to share the unfiltered moments of life, even with a preference to keep the deepest struggles private, invites others into an unfiltered view of God’s goodness and grace by your witness.
  3. Share Meaningful Content: Sharing a meaningful scripture passage or worship song on a social media platform can be an encouragement to your friends. If there is a piece of content that is particularly touching, sharing it can give your friends the opportunity to benefit from it as well. Whether you choose to post a meaningful verse, song, piece of artwork, or devotional reading, sharing something meaningful to you allows others to find joy in it as well.
  4. Maintain Connections: In-person contact can be difficult to maintain in some relationships, especially factoring in long distances. Social media can be a wonderful tool for maintaining connections that otherwise might be lost. For long distance friendships, some may even find that, when you are able to meet in person, your conversations are more natural because you have remained connected even while at a distance.

While social media is a tool that can certainly be used for redemptive purposes, we must also be aware of the idolatry that can occur when we are too dependent upon it. Returning to the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 10, Paul warns, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” It’s valuable to consider some of the warning signs that social media is becoming an idol in your life. If these signs seem true for you, it may mean that it’s time to take a break from social media — or at least put some personal limits in place.

  1. Addiction: Many people find themselves addicted to social media platforms. If you find yourself unable to turn off your phone or mindlessly scrolling for long periods of time on a daily basis, you may want to evaluate the purpose of social media in your life. Any type of addiction will result in mental and physical consequences as well as strained relationships with loved ones. Be mindful of your social media usage and be prepared to put limits in place if it has become an addiction in your life.
  2. Jealousy: As some people display only the best parts of their lives on social media, it may seem that all you ever see is exotic vacations and new cars. It can be easy to feel jealous of others and discontented with your own life. However, one of the 10 commandments listed in Exodus 20 is a commandment not to covet. If you begin to feel jealousy when you log into social media, perhaps you need to take a break.
  3. Anxiety or Depression: Social media platforms are often designed to reward those who receive the most likes and comments, and this quality can often cause people to seek validation from others. Likewise, when you see pictures of an event you were not invited to, that may cause you to feel left out. There is significant data that indicates anxiety and depression can be side effects of social media use, so if you begin to experience mental health struggles, consider turning off your social media for a time.
  4. Low Attention Span: When you scroll through videos that are typically less than a minute long, it can be easy to expect to be entertained within a short period of time. Thus, in areas outside of social media, you may find yourself becoming bored or disinterested quickly because you have become used to the fast-paced entertainment that social media provides. If you notice yourself becoming bored easily or with a low attention span, social media may be the cause.

There are certainly many ways to use social media to glorify God and serve others, but it’s also important to recognize the ways that social media can cause you harm. When using social media, try to be intentional and genuine. If you notice some of these harmful symptoms in your life, take a break or set some personal limits. Ultimately, social media is not evil and enjoying it is not a sin. Social media is a tool, and one that can be used for God’s redemptive plans. In all that you do, including the ways you use social media, seek to glorify God and He will make clear your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Mattigan Burleigh ‘24

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Mar 14, 2024

Request Information

Learn more about Geneva College.

Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.

Loading...
Geneva College Pro Christo Et Patria

© Geneva College | All rights reserved