Social Media and Stress/Anxiety

September 15, 202

We live in a constantly connected world. A world where no question goes unanswered and no information goes unshared. There are many benefits to this: we can connect with loved ones, we can share important news quickly and easily. We may be able to learn new things start new hobbies or even find a career. That said there is a danger that comes with instant access to the world through a screen. 

  1. Not all of the information being shared it true.
  2. Even some information that is true is not helpful.
  3. We can perpetuate our own bad habits and ideas by focusing on these things and or allowing an algorithm to manipulate us into focusing on them.
  4. The lack of face to face contact can make us more likely to say things that we wouldn’t say in person.
  5. We perpetuate an unhealthy obsession with 24hr news where many things that don’t deserve attention get it just because there is nothing else going on.

I Thess 5:21 Test everything hold fast to what is good

I Cor 10:23 All things are lawful, ”but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

Phil 4:8 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.

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends, share encouraging stories or jokes, have some fun in a little debate or check in on that person you met that one time. 

It can also be a way to disseminate lies disguised as credible information. It can cause those who struggle with stress or anxiety to be bombarded with more worries and concerns than they can bear. It can cause frustration and even aggression.

Use social media to keep in touch and catch up. Share encouragement, check in on people who may need help, have a group devotional via Skype or Facebook. Make sure that you are checking the things you read with verifiable facts. Make sure you hold up religious meme’s to the standard of scripture. 

Make sure you are taking a break, getting enough exercise (that’s probably more than you usually get), eating healthy meals, spending time with family, working on home projects. It may surprise you to know that none of these things require an internet connection. 

God Bless

Kevin Cleary