Much of our lives is currently wrapped up on virtual interactions through social media. Social media has become one of the main means of communication in the western world. The Orient is different because of its lack of access to modern day technological advances. But has technology really advanced our human relationships? Has it improved the quality of our relationships or exacerbated human division? In some ways it has, in some ways it has not!

Humans, if we are honest with ourselves, yearn for significance. Hence why most people want to have their voice heard on the various social media platforms they participate in. Though social media has its benefits, I would like to focus on the negative effects of its overuse in this article. Social media seems to be distancing others rather than bringing them together. I know I’m making a blanket statement. And, again, I do not think social media is evil or bad. Like anything else, we can use the resources and tools available to us for either good or bad.

Keep in mind, social media itself is only a little over two decades old. The first blogs ever posted were in the 1990s. One of the earliest and most famous social-media platforms created was LinkedIn, which was launched in 2002, followed by MySpace, in 2003. Teenagers today have no clue what MySpace is! Facebook, now the most powerful social media network platform, has 2.3 billion active users. It is a stretch to undermine the influence of social-media in propagating post-modernism and globalism. The human race is now more connected than ever before, and all at the click of a button!

The advent of social media has allowed further freedom of expression. People are able to showcase their thoughts, feelings, creativity, innovation, lifestyles, beliefs, and much more via social media. But much of it is now used for banter and division. Some of its pitfalls include:

1. Casting judgement too quickly upon others without enough evidence of context
2. Expressing our feelings with great disregard for others elevating instead our own egos in the name of intellectualism
3. Feeling like we need to comment on everything, claiming to be experts on all matters of life
4. Seeking validation from others by the number of followers we gather, “likes” on our posts, or number of viewers or comments on things we post
5. Coveting others’ things and relationships, while not realizing we are engaging in covetousness
6. Being angry on social media because everything seems truthful, while at the same time we subconsciously hold on to the idea that nothing can ever be fully trusted

Social media changed social interaction. When hiking on a trail we (at least a lot of times I do) seem more preoccupied with taking photos to capture the moment than actually enjoying it for what it is worth. We try to portray the beauty of life, without appreciating beauty itself. Further, we trivialize tour decisions. We fret over the filter we should use, how many people will “like” or comment on our posts, and how many followers we may gather for our social media platform. We want to go “viral” without realized we have been infected by the malices of social media psychology.

Because we live in the age of global pandemic, we now have to distance ourselves from others. But for many, this is not an issue, because social media had already distanced us from each other. It gave us a false sense of community, and it still does. I’m not sure, if you’re like me. But I need to learn to practice social media distancing. Perhaps a lot of mental health issues may go away if we attempt social media distancing. We may be able to enjoy our kids, marriage, family, and jobs better if we actually engage with folks on a more personal way and spend more time living in the moment. Further, we may learn that reflection, contemplation, and pause may just be the remedy for many of our malices. So how do we begin practicing social-media distancing?

5 Ways on How and Why Practice Social-Media Distancing

First, don’t be angry at everything. Don’t use social media to vent your frustration in public. The Bible reminds us, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Instead of being angry, listen to others more. Be more considerate of others.

Second, spend more time in contemplation. Jesus often got away to pray and fellowship with God the Father (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:46; Luke 5:16). Jesus lived a busy earthly life. He was constantly being pursued by others as crowds gathered around him to be healed, to listen to his wisdom, and to experience his miracles. Yet, he knew social distancing was needed so he could be “recharged” spiritually. If he ever used social, I’m sure he would lay it aside often as well!

Third, be humble. Proverbs 18:12 says, “Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” Humility is displayed to others on social media when we choose not to denigrate people’s characters, bash their views and beliefs, and when we show restraint with the words we type. If you have a hard time being humble, remember these words from Jesus, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2).

Fourth, use the platforms available to you for good. If you are a Christian, use it for the glory of God. Paul once wrote, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Avoid overtly sexual references, inappropriate content, and dubious attitudes. Watch your screen time. On average people spend two hours and twenty-four minutes a day on social-media.

Fifth, make sure you spend quality time with your loved ones. Relationships are built over time, but true relationships are built over quality time. Psalm 133::1 says it best, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, for brothers (people) to dwell together in unity!” So, prioritize quality time with your spouse, kids, family, or close friends more rather than spending time on your phone or computer, and your relationships will become sweeter!

Practicing Social media distancing is not hard to do. It just takes a little bit of intentionality. Try it sometime … You may just find out you’ll be less angry, you will become a better listener, and life will become much less complicated!

Written by Daniel Messina

*https://historycooperative.org/the-history-of-social-media/

Read one of my latest articles here: https://thepreachersdevoblog.com/what-does-revelation-5-have-to-do-with-easter/