Social Sanity in an Insta WorldSample

Five years ago, I traded my apartment for a lovely room with a family of six and a housemate. Before I moved in, they said, “You’re welcome to live here, but know that we’re sinners, and you’ll see that in your time living here.”

They were right. Living day-to-day with someone, sharing bathrooms and washing machines, is the best way I know to get to know someone else—and yourself.

Social media is pretty much the opposite of living with someone. We choose slices of ourselves to show to the world. All people see on my social media is the carefully-controlled space I invite them into.

That doesn’t mean social media is all bad. It offers connection, and we were made for that. Our Creator—Father, Son, and Spirit—is in community with himself. From the marriage in Genesis 2 to the promise of family made to Abraham in Genesis 12, it’s clear that God values relationships.

To that end, on social media we can find Bible studies, career connections, and Christian support groups. We can share ministry updates, organize meal trains, and keep family and friends updated on growing children.

But we must be careful, because social media also keeps relationships shallow. Two-sentence announcements or ten-second stories are liable to take the place of lengthy conversations. Reading someone’s tweet on a political issue without the fullness of an honest conversation can change our opinion of them. And the time we spend online almost always pulls us away from spending time with someone in real life.

What should we do?

First, remember that we are never alone or unseen. We already have the sweetest relationship we could ever dream of. We don’t need to use social media to amass thousands of connections or to make sure all those friends agree with us. Instead, we use social media best when we invite others into the communion we already have with God.

When we do show up online, we Christians should be known by our love. Our interactions should be gracious and generous. When we make assumptions, feel pride, or covet, we need to confess those to the Lord. His grace covers us, and only in him is found the strength and wisdom to do better.

If social media is costing you Christian fellowship, then you may need to leave. Or you may need to limit your social media time to align better with the quality of connection it can actually give.

When we use social media well, it can be a beautiful way to connect with others. Still, may we exclaim with John, “I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face” (3 John 1:14).