I recently finished watching a Netflix documentary called “The Social Dilemma.” The social dilemma movie combines a documentary style with a thought-provoking story. Insights from tech insiders reveal a troubling truth: the appealing services offered by Big Tech, like search engines and social networks, are just bait. When we engage with these platforms, the true product they offer is their ability to sway and control our behavior.
Watching The Social Dilemma inspired me to share my own experiences with technology and social media. Growing up in the 2000s, I can hardly remember a time without access to technology. As a child, I enjoyed playing various online games, like spa and Disney games, which I loved. By middle school, I began using social media without my parents knowing. Technology has been a constant presence in my life, whether through computers, televisions, or phones, shaping my experiences and memories.
The Downside of Social Media
While many associate social media addiction primarily with teenagers, the reality is that it affects people of all ages. One of my favorite Bible verses, Proverbs 21:5 “Careful planning leads to profit. Acting too quickly leads to poverty.” Through my research across various industries, I’ve found that social media can indeed harm businesses, not because the platforms themselves are detrimental, but due to the way many business owners misuse them. For instance, I’ve observed numerous small businesses sharing viral negative content in hopes of increasing engagement. As a business owner, I understand the desire for attention, but I firmly believe that maintaining ethical standards should take precedence. The notion that “all publicity is good publicity” is misleading; such actions can damage a brand’s reputation. Moreover, going viral doesn’t guarantee successful conversions, leaving one to question the value of such posts. I believe that any content shared should align with the desired brand image, as once it’s out there, it can never be completely erased. This highlights the importance of using social media thoughtfully, as it can pose risks for anyone, including myself.
- Prayer and Fasting: There are many different forms of fasting. A friend of mine once undertook a 40-day social media fast, and as someone whose job and passion involve film & social media, I truly admire his commitment. I encourage you to consider fasting as well, as it can help detoxify us from our addictions and challenges, allowing us to seek the Lord’s assistance in overcoming them, so we are not held captive by these challenges.
- Maintain Balance: Limit your exposure to social media by designating specific time windows, such as during your lunch break at work or for one hour before bedtime. Additionally, incorporating a hobby into your daily routine can reduce the temptation to be online. If you don’t have a hobby, consider spending quality time with friends and loved ones, and be fully present during your interactions.
- Have Intention: It is essential to identify your “why.” Reflect on your reasons for using social media and create a list of social platforms that align with those goals. For instance, as a small business owner, I utilize social media primarily for marketing my agency. By recognizing this purpose, I narrowed my focus to four platforms that effectively reach my target audience.
- Take note of your emotions after using social media: How do you feel? Your feelings can indicate the influence social media has on your life. If you notice feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, or sadness, it’s crucial to reflect on the online content you consume and its effect on your mental health. You might want to curate your experience by unfollowing accounts, blocking unwanted suggestions, or even stepping away from social media entirely
My journey of deepening my relationship with Christ began in 2023, despite having been raised in a family of believers. While some may see me as a newcomer in my walk with Him, I vividly recall the isolation I experienced during my initial moments of coming to God. I had anticipated that coming to God would bring an abundance of blessings, and while I did receive many, I found myself so consumed by my own pain that I struggled to recognize them. Like many people, I focused on my losses, which caused me to overlook the blessings that surrounded me.
In the early stages of my relationship with Christ, I engaged in numerous fasts. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, it became clear to me later that these fasts were instrumental in allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of self-control within me. Throughout my season of isolation, I not only learned about self-control but also about the importance of taking up my cross daily and practicing self-denial.
In relation to this topic, I have found that developing self-control has enabled me to overcome challenges I never realized I had. I have been liberated from the grip of social media, and I have deleted all my personal accounts. As a small business owner, I still maintain a presence on social media, but my focus is primarily on business. At times, I find myself praying for strength to avoid falling back into old habits of seeking attention and validation from others. Instead, I now use social media as a platform to share the glory of God and promote the mission of my agency, which I feel blessed to lead.
I want to clarify that my intention in writing this article is not to discourage you from using social media. Like many aspects of life, it can be utilized for both positive and negative purposes. My aim is to encourage you to seek God’s guidance, as He can help you cultivate self-control. Overcoming an addiction is not something one can achieve alone; as stated in Matthew 19:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ Now that you’re informed, make sure to take the necessary steps to protect yourself while engaging on social media.
Resources
- “The Social Dilemma.” IMDb, 9 Sept. 2020, www.imdb.com/title/tt11464826/.
- “Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use.” Psychology Today, 2022, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-relationships/202202/strategies-healthy-social-media-use?msockid=1e18bdfbe59a66a62cb7aebce4b66744. Accessed 8 Sept. 2024.
- “Positive and Negative Impacts of Social Media on Business» Hubvela.” Hubvela.com, 4 Dec. 2023, hubvela.com/hub/technology/positive-negative-social-media/business/.
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