You know how phone apps shake when you tap-and-hold on your home screen? That’s how I used to feel after an hour of scrolling social media or reading the news. As that sensation lingered, it helped me recognize when I needed a screen time break.
So I would delete my social media apps. And then a few weeks later, I’d reinstall them. But pretty soon, I’d feel the need to remove them all over again. Ever been there?
I found myself in a spiral where I’d want to use my phone to stay connected with friends and family, but more often than not, I would fall into more comparison traps than connection opportunities. Plus, I’d routinely check social media throughout the day, but I could go days without opening my Bible App.
I knew there had to be a better way. So I started finding ways to stay spiritually grounded online.
Finding a Healthy Way to Use Social Media
To be clear, social technologies are great, and online communities like Life.Church Online make a huge impact for good. I'm not here to tear apart social media use. Social media, when used well, can help every generation (not just young adults) grow their faith, build communities, and use their influence for good.
So today, let's explore how we can have a healthier relationship with social media—one where we can engage in culture while staying grounded in our faith in Jesus.
Feeling Spiritually Off? Social Media Might Be Playing a Role
I grew up with a smartphone and social media. My teenage years included connecting with my friends in person at school and online through apps like Instagram and Facebook. Then when I became a follower of Jesus, I learned about the YouVersion Bible App, where I could find daily devotionals and reading plans to help me grow in my faith.
For a few years, I felt my faith take off. I’d read my Bible App in the morning, complete my devotionals, use the Guided Prayer feature, and more. I used social media too, but the notifications didn’t consume me—and I even eventually turned them off to be even less distracting.
Are Faith and Social Media Competing for Your Attention?
As I got older, though, I began noticing a shift. I’d pick up my phone to check social media, YouTube, and the news way before I’d even think about opening my Bible App. There’s so much more to our day-to-day faith than completing a devotional, but reading the Bible was (and still is) a foundational part of my routine and how I stayed spiritually grounded throughout the day.
So as my time in God’s Word began to decline, I found myself more frustrated, hopeless, and angry with the world around me. And for a while, I couldn’t figure out what had changed.
What the Bible Says About Guarding Your Heart and Mind
What I realized was that I was slowly replacing prayer, trust in God, and discernment with the convenience and ease of things I saw on Instagram. Or I’d find quick encouragement from a quote or 30-second reel instead of opening God’s Word to find hope in His eternal truth.
Instead of believing the truths about who God says I am, I was listening to the half-truths I’d find on social media.
Instead of believing the truths about who God says I am, I was listening to the half-truths I’d find on social media or comparing myself to the influencers I’d follow or see in my “For You” feed.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul talks about the importance of thinking about the things we think about in his letter to the Philippians:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:4-8 NIV
I was feeling spiritually “off” because I had unintentionally rejoiced in the things I saw on social media before rejoicing in the Lord. And the things I was thinking about were rarely true, right, or praiseworthy. I was thinking about news headlines and friends’ highlight reels instead of the things of God.
How to Stay Grounded in Faith While Living in a Digital World
Earlier, I shared how I’d find myself in a cycle where I’d feel so frustrated with social media that I would delete it from my phone … only to redownload it a few weeks later. Part of this cycle was due to the dopamine that was released when I saw something encouraging, good, or helpful on social media. After all, it’s hard to be angry when you’re watching a funny raccoon video.
But part of this cycle also had to do with me wanting to stay connected with long-distance family and friends. I wanted to know about the engagements, birth announcements, and cute family photos. I had to learn to reshape that desire to stay connected into a healthy rhythm—after all, my friends weren’t getting engaged, having babies, and sharing photos every day.
3 Ways to Stay Spiritually Grounded Online
1. I audit the accounts I follow.
I don’t know about you, but it only takes one good video in my “For You” feed for me to hit “follow.” The majority of the time, these accounts help me with snack ideas for my toddler or ways to maximize my grocery shopping. But sometimes an account sneaks in that isn’t beneficial or helpful.
So every so often, I’ll go to the list of accounts I follow and audit them, using the following questions:
- Is this someone I know personally?
- Is this account helpful?
- Does this account help me cultivate the fruit of the Spirit?
- Does this account grow or challenge my perspectives in a healthy way?
If the answer to all of these questions is “no,” then I’ll simply unfollow. This helps me manage the type of content I look at, while allowing me to experience a diversity of perspectives and ideas.
2. I set time limits.
I’ve noticed a shift in myself when I spend more than an hour or so on social media on any given day. When I spend excessive time online, I end my day feeling more like a zombie than a grounded individual. Most days, I follow a time limit using the settings on my phone. Occasionally, I like to take a longer break by doing a social media fast.
3. I remember everyone is a child of God.
This one might sound cheesy or cliché, but it’s probably one of the most helpful mindsets I have when I get on social media. I’ve learned that everyone arrives at their opinions and preferences because of something they’re passionate about—even if those passions are different from my own passions and ideas.
Genesis 1 reminds us:
... God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them … Genesis 1:27 NLT
When I’m online and starting to feel frustrated or confused by the way people are acting in the comments, I remind myself that they’ve gotten to their perspectives through passion. Regardless of how people behave or share, I can still view and treat them with dignity. Often this means I avoid engaging with the comment section on social media—not as a free pass, but as a way to offer grace.
Set Boundaries That Work for You
If social media is hurting your faith, you’re not alone. While there are endless ways social media can be helpful and beneficial, it’s not without faults. With practice, prayer, and discipline, you can find ways to stay spiritually grounded online.