November 5, 2026
By Leah Heim (BS 27) and Lukas Nier (BS 26)
Social media is woven into nearly every part of our lives. It’s how we stay connected with friends, celebrate milestones, learn new skills, and follow current events. But it’s also where comparison, distraction, and pressure can quietly shape our hearts.
For Christians, the question isn’t whether social media is good or bad. The better question is: How can we use social media in a way that honors God?
Although the Bible doesn’t mention Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, it has plenty to say about our words, our thoughts, our relationships, and the things that influence our hearts. Those truths should help us navigate technology in a way that honors the Lord.
Instead of allowing algorithms to shape identity and worth, Scripture reminds us that our identity is found in Christ.
In this guide, we’ll explore the world of social media, identity, comparison, and the psychology behind.
For anyone who has spent even a few minutes scrolling through a feed, it is no secret that digital platforms alter our perception of normal life. The contrast between social media vs. reality is the modern breeding ground for what psychologists call the “comparison trap.”
A direct answer to this problem is in understanding that social media presents a highly curated highlight reel, not real life. When we compare our messy lives with someone else’s polished public profile, our mental and spiritual health is bound to suffer.
Let’s settle this debate about whether society was better before or after social media by admitting that there’s no clear answer. Yes, it was better for our eyes and when we weren’t spending so much time in front of screens. But technology has also brought us to a new level of productivity…
At the very least, it has allowed for a larger distribution of information. The information coming at us may be about celebrity activity, DIY hacks, politics or the most recent natural disaster. The reality is, because of the expedient nature of social media, we can respond in real-time to things happening around the world.
However, this constant influx of curated data shapes how we view ourselves. When we stack a peer’s glossy, filtered world against our lived reality, discouragement quickly follows. We have an opportunity to rejoice in the good happening among our friends, but human nature often defaults to envy.
We find ourselves comparing the ordinary and mundane moments of our offline world with the absolute best, highly edited moments of someone else’s online world. We forget that we do the exact same thing, only post our best and most aesthetic moments.
Getting swept away in this trap of keeping up with friends through social media can be exhausting.
To ignore social media and the comparison game entirely is easier said than done, but there are better ways to defeat this psychology trap.
Spending less time on social media would be the easiest, set time limits you can’t ignore, have friends keep you accountable, delete the apps completely for a month and journal how you feel. Spend time with friends brainstorming how to create other activities rather than scrolling. Replace your nighttime and morning routine to cut off screen time when you wake up and before you go to sleep.
It might not be easy at first, but it will be rewarding in the long run.
Every day we’re making choices about what we post, what we consume, and how we respond to others. Scripture gives us wisdom for each of those decisions.
One of the clearest principles is found in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Social media can shape our perception of ourselves and the world around us. If an app consistently leaves you feeling anxious, jealous, or dissatisfied, it may be time to set healthier boundaries.
The Bible also reminds us that our words matter. Ephesians 4:29 encourages believers to speak in ways that build others up rather than tear them down. That applies just as much to a comment section or direct message as it does to an in person conversation. Before posting, it’s worth asking, does this reflect the love and truth of Christ?
Comparison is another challenge that many face online. It’s easy to assume everyone else has a better life when you’re only seeing their best moments. Yet Galatians 5:26 warns us not to become consumed by pride or envy. Our identity and self worth is found in Christ, so the only approval we should be seeking is His.
Social media isn’t inherently good or bad. Like any tool, it’s shaped by how we use it. It can spread negativity and hate, but it can also encourage others and point people to Jesus.
The Apostle Paul used every opportunity available to share the Gospel; similarly we have a golden opportunity of reaching a previously unheard amount of people in a click of a button. However social media just as easily can be a slippery slope to pride, jealousy, and hate. So how do we use it as a witness?
For those who believe or feel called that social media is not the best use of time; don’t use social media. For those who feel its use as a mission and not be tempted by everything in between; find these tips to help you in this journey:
Ask for Prayer Requests:
How many people are struggling with no outlet or haven’t had anyone ask them for prayer requests that day? Oftentimes maybe more than you realize. A quick post that others can swipe up and give their burdens, praise, and everything in between is an amazing opportunity.
Share Church Information
Likewise how many people are not plugged into a church or small group activities on a regular basis? Posting events, worship nights, and small group opportunities could be the push someone needs to get involved.
Pray for The Other Side of The Screen
If you are someone that is already on social media often, take some time to pray for those that you see online. A quick prayer for their faith, health, or a potential future conversation can go a long way; prayer is powerful.
Get connected with those online! Social media is a powerful tool when used correctly to reach the far corners of the earth, you never know when a conversation can spark if you never reach out or post.
Although social media can be used to represent Christ, it is important to understand how easily it can become an idol in our lives. Social media isn’t just an innocent platform for connection; its algorithms are designed to keep us wanting more.
According to comprehensive data from the Pew Research Center (2023–2025), 95% of teens and young adults ages 18–24 use platforms like YouTube and TikTok daily, with more than a third admitting they use these apps “almost constantly.” Needless to say, social media has people hooked. What starts as a way to connect and unwind, can easily turn into something that consumes our time and isolates us from what matters most.
Sharing our lives with friends is a great thing, but there is a hard line between posting with good intentions and just seeking approval from others. Posting to celebrate memories and build community keeps us present, while posting to chase validation or maintain an aesthetic quickly turns real life into a performance.
That distinction matters because social media isn’t all bad. We have more access to connect with people today than anyone has had in human history. What an incredible gift God has given us to build genuine relationships and spread the gospel to places we could never reach otherwise.
Studies show that social media is bad for mental health, but in what ways? During the pandemic researchers at North Carolina Chapel Hill studied college students and their use of social media during the lockdown. These studies started before the pandemic lockdown allowing them to see results from before, during, and after the pandemic.
The results might surprise you, large usage of social media did not relate to any signs of depression or anxiety over the course of two to three months. Signs of poor mental health started to show after eighteen months of high social media use. However the studies truly found that high social media was worst among isolated students.
Students who used social media to stay in touch with peers and connected were not as affected by social media. As economist at UNC, Jane Cooley Fruehwirth reported, “they were using it in a different way.”
The research shows that social media isn’t inherently bad but increased use in isolation is the bigger root cause of mental health issues. That being said, the increased use can easily lead to more isolation.
Knowing the spiritual and mental health risks, how should a Christian use social media responsibly? The answer is not ignoring it, but using it in an intentional way.
Navigating faith with technology is not something you have to do alone. Finding a community that keeps Christ at the center and understands the challenges of living in a digital world can keep you accountable and grounded in your faith.
Grace College integrates a biblical worldview in every aspect of student life. We seek Christ together to understand our role in representing Him to the world and don’t shy away from complex conversations. No matter what you are studying, our faculty are dedicated to helping you develop the skills needed to thrive in this digital age.
Scripture instructs believers to guard their hearts against comparison (Proverbs 4:23), build others up with their words (Ephesians 4:29), and find their ultimate identity and self-worth in Christ rather than human approval (Galatians 1:10). Even though there is no direct instruction regarding social media, it is clear how the Lord wants us to use it.
Heavy social media use among college students is strongly linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. This can happen because social media is designed to expose them to unrealistic standards and constant comparison. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 93% of college students use social media at night before bed, heavily affecting their sleep cycles.
No, using social media is not inherently sinful. It is a powerful tool that can be used to share the Gospel, maintain long-distance relationships, and encourage others. However, it becomes harmful when it dominates our time, fuels envy, and replaces real world Christian communities. Being careful of how we use social media and how often we use it is important.
Be secure in the fact that your identity is in Christ and not on a screen. We are created in God’s image and deeply loved by Him. If social media begins to make you question your worth, consider stepping away for a while. It is important to use apps intentionally in a way that glorifies the Lord, rather than scrolling mindlessly or comparing yourself to others.
A Christian worldview views technology as a way to reach people and spread the gospel (Genesis 1:28). If the time you are spending on your phone is not honoring the Lord, then you should consider why. Is it becoming an idol? Is it causing you to compare yourself to others? It is important to acknowledge that because of the Fall, technology can be easily idolized or used destructively. Christians are called to steward technology wisely, ensuring it serves God and neighbors rather than controlling the heart.
Grace College understands the risks and habits that have been building around phones and unhealthy screen time. Having activities, clubs, and fun events is a fun way to encourage students to get out of the dorms and around students for healthy interactions. Studies show depression and anxiety trend down when students engage in healthy interactions outside and with other people their age. Read about the activities and clubs to see what you can get involved with.
Yes. At Grace College, faith integration is not isolated to just Biblical majors; it is woven into every single class, from business and communication to engineering and behavioral science. Students at grace learn exactly how to apply scriptural truth to their careers and everyday challenges.
