For some people, social media has opened a portal of fame, opportunity, and success. For others, it’s a game of constant critiques and comparison. Whether or not you realize it, with every post you write you are trying to obtain some form of praise; the pleasure of seeing all those “likes," or to show off an event that just occurred in your life. The self-gratification that comes with every post is thrilling! Whether you get the most number of likes or the least number of likes, you can sometimes carry baggage with each post. Loneliness, selfishness, pompousness, insecurities, doubt— the list goes on (and breaks my heart). Social media can mentally destroy you.
Of course, we know the media’s expectations of “beauty” exists because of filters and airbrushing. But now we go online, and it has all become a display of your friends’ lives, boyfriends, girlfriends, talents, bodies, luscious hair, and perfect eyelashes! The feelings of worthlessness can feel heavier than a pound of bricks.
Here are some ways to help prevent yourself from falling into the dangers of social media, with the Lord’s help of course.
Know your worth before you post.
Stop being obsessed with the number of likes you get. Some people never truly know their worth because they try to find their worth in everything but God (crush, friend, lover, ex-lover, likes, social status, etc). This goes for self-confidence, your talents, knowing you’re beautiful and knowing you are enough. God made you perfect, why would you offend Him by disliking yourself? He says you’re wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14) so why do you need constant reassuring ‘likes’ from other people to know that? Present yourself as perfect as you are now. Doesn’t it hurt to think the people you try to gain approval from are the same people who are not concerned about your well-being? Once you gain this strength you will know how to portray your beauty in the lives of the ones around you (on and off social media).
“Am I now seeking human approval or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please other people? If I were still pleasing other people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10.
Unfollow anyone whose posts inflict negative thoughts in your mind.
Unfollowing spree anyone? If you’re trying to figure out what fancy filter will work best, or if you’re looking at that famous skinny Australian model who made you regret eating cheese fries, you can’t help but let your emotions run wild. There is too much pressure to be “social media perfect.” Do not idolize any “famous” Instagrammer for that will cause internal harm on yourself. Likewise, you do not owe anyone a “follow for a follow” nor do you need to prevent “hurting someone’s feelings.” The approval of others is a temporary satisfaction. It will never satisfy you infinitely.
“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 26:1
Enjoy the moment.
Not on social media, in real life. Do your actions in the picture and emotions you portray in your caption actually reflect how you feel? Is it all for show? You get dolled up, practice that cute pose and after 40 (or more) pictures you finally have the perfect award winning shot, but was it worth it? Did you even enjoy where you were at? Did you even enjoy the company of those you surround yourself with? This may sound ludicrous to some, but it’s a harsh reality and it’s what we’ve come to.
“I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves for as long as they live. Moreover; it is God’s gift that all should eat, drink, and take pleasure in all their toil.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Quit comparing.
Every life changing moment is a time to mature as a person and comparing yourself to others stops you from developing. “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms” (Zen Shin). Do not feel the need to compete with everyone. Be yourself and the right people will always ‘like’ you. Here’s another thought: compare yourself to God instead. Imitate His ways. By doing this, you’ll resemble pure inner beauty—the kind that comes without a filter.
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, they do not show good sense.” 2 Corinthians 10:12-13
Post positive.
Now do not mistake me for a hater because I am on all social media sites, but instead of using social media for an instant gratifying platform, use it as a way to positively express yourself! I mean that is what it’s for, besides keeping grandma up to date on your life. If you’re a photographer, show it off. If you’re a makeup artist, sparkle that eyeshadow. If you’re religious, caption scripture (guilty!). Anything with good intentions, in moderation, is worthy of a humble applause.
“Let no corruptive talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Stay off social media as much as possible.
I wrote this one last because it just might be the hardest. When you’re in the car, bored, on break, sitting in class, at work, on the toilet, literally everywhere you go you have instant connections to these apps. That’s why they have become so time-consuming! What’s even worse? You cannot hang out with friends or talk to people without them being on their phone as well. Limit yourself to only checking certain apps at small periods of time. Maybe even turn off notifications for specific apps. It helps limit your use because you’re not being constantly reminded they are requiring all of your attention. Many days will become spent absorbed in social media— go enjoy yourself instead!
“So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times. So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17
Pray for God’s strength in renewing your mind. At one point, we were all living our lives peacefully without our phones. We managed without constant communication, and we talked to people about our days instead of tweeting about our days. Putting the phone down for a little while won’t kill you.
