Social Media, A Tool or Trap For Christian Youth?- A Summary From My Speaking Session During ICGC Restoration Temple Youth Week.
It’s Youth Week at my church, ICGC Restoration Temple, and I was invited to speak on whether social media is a tool or a trap for Christian youth. Interesting topic, isn’t it? Even though we couldn’t exhaust it all in the given time of one hour, it nevertheless was an opportunity to highlight the major areas. I was joined on the panel by two other church members: Dr. GoLightly and Etornam Foadey, who were brilliant in their presentation as well.
I decided to share a summary of what we discussed last night for my online audience and Christian parents who come across this post also. Social media has vastly evolved in speed and visuals, with most major apps pushing short video content over photo-based ones. We live in a time where access to adult material, inappropriate explicit content, violent videos, etc., is so easy and is literally in the palm of our hands. Cyberbullying, gender stereotyping, racism, and peer pressure are rife, and let’s be honest, many Christian youth are being misled away from the church due to these pitfalls.
Below are some questions asked and my responses to those posed to me.
How has social media shaped the way Christian youth view their identity and self-worth?
Our identity should always first come from Jesus Christ. We are children of God, and our validation comes from who He says we are. Your identity doesn’t come from Instagram likes, followers, or trends. Don’t seek validation from strangers on the internet. Know who you’re in Christ so that if you get 1 like on your photo, you aren’t moved to tears of frustration or insecurity.
• 📖 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
• 📖 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10)
Social media often fuels comparison, envy, and low self-esteem as you’d see photos and videos of your classmates going on trips with their family, someone wearing the trending fashion, or going out to eat at certain restaurants. The flesh will tell you you’re missing out, creating feelings of insecurity and feeling insufficient and discontent with what you have. You start to compare yourself with others without having the knowledge of the source of their funding for their lifestyle. You’d see your friend in a relationship, but you’re still single, and you spend hours stalking people in relationships instead of chasing after God.
More and more youth are chasing popularity and fame because they’ve bought into the lie created by adults and society on social media. They’ll learn the hard way how life isn’t about having a million followers.
2. Does the online world promote spiritual growth, or does it encourage worldliness more?
It’s both ways and also depends on your usage. Using social media as a tool to promote spiritual growth means choosing who to follow and engage with online. Who are you following? What is that person showing or telling you? Is this in line with God’s Word? Is that person’s content making you grow spiritually or creating idols in your life? What kind of comments are you posting online? Does it edify Christ or satisfy your flesh? Are you trading insults with strangers because someone said something contrary to what you believe about a celebrity or politician you know?
Social media can help you grow spiritually when you find true men & women of God to follow for daily sermons & spiritual guidance and motivation. And always use the Bible to double-check on whatever messaging you read/listen to online. Use WhatsApp groups to organise prayer meetings/sessions, go live on TikTok or Instagram Live to share a testimony of what God has done for you. This is a powerful way to draw others to Christ.
3. Do influencers on social media shape Christian youth more than pastors and mentors do?
Social media influencers have strong voices which easily influence today’s youth who aspire to be like them. Why the aspiration? Because they see influencers wearing flashy clothes, driving flashy cars, and eating out at fancy restaurants when the truth really is that most of those clothes are rented and borrowed, the car is borrowed, and they have sponsors for eating out. Optics creates an illusion and makes digital consumers feel like they aren’t working hard enough or not living well according to the ‘social media’ standards. You never know what goes on after the camera is switched off. Don’t be misled.
But not all social media influencers show this lifestyle. There are Christian social media influencers who share God’s Word in relatable or funny skits . Often times, the message is lost in the humour, and that needs to be worked on. Young people will say, ‘Oh, the pastor is boring or not interesting enough’ because social media content thrives on the 5-second attention grab. Short media thrives more on social media because of the short attention span of most users.
Life is much more than this. Our lives here are temporary, and we build treasures which moth and rats cannot eat or destroy. Focus on eternal treasures. God knows your needs, so don’t create anxiety for yourself if you don’t have the latest iPhone or trending fashion. Study hard in school, trust God in all you do, and those things will come at the right time.
4. Does Social Media distract the youth from other things? How can this be addressed?
When you open an app like Instagram or tiktok, you’d be shocked how your intention to be on it for 10 minutes would expand into 45minutes. That’s time you’ll never get back. It’s gone. That same time you could have used to check up on a friend, encourage your church friend, read your bible or prayed, read a book or worked on a talent.
Use lock out time management features on the your phone to close an app when you've reached your limit.
Get an accountability partner to share your progress on screen time management.
• Steward your time wisely—social media should serve you, not enslave you.
• 📖 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
• 📖 “Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)
5. Should the church guide young people on healthy social media habits?
Absolutely, the church can organise awareness sessions and workshops which combine faith, digital skills, and digital health. They can integrate regular youth ministry sermons with healthy social media habits.
Youth pastors and leaders, parents must be engaged and trained on the various tools of social media and how they can look out for signs of mental health issues caused by social media.
Social media is a tool which can serve the youth in learning about developing their skills , learning new trades, increasing their knowledge and understanding of education, the economy, personal growth, and more. The church can’t be silent and also needs a presence on social media to engage the youth.
6. What practical steps can Christian youth take to ensure social media is a tool for good and not harm?
Block harmful ungodly content
unfollow people who post harmful, ungodly content (do not stand around with sinner, or join in with mockers Psalm 1)
Follow godly content , pray for the spirit of discernment to know who to follow and unfollow.
Alot lies on parents to consent on access for the youth to social media. In America the age of consent for access is 13 whilst in Austrailia its 16. However it’s a personal decision for parents to make based on several factors.
Know which features to activate to hide ungodly content.
Follow podcasts and persons creating content which elevate your thinking, gives you ideas for personal development, talent growth and building a positive mindset. Watch videos on how to be a public speaker, how to craft and develop good hobbies.
To Christian parents reading this, please as a matter of urgency, learn how to develop your digital skills so as to protect your children from harmful content on social media and the internet as a whole. Don’t leave them to their devices. Engage with them on it, create separate profiles for them on any device, be aware of the content they’re consuming and suggest Christian-centered content which inspire and elevate.
Do you have any question on this article, please do post it up in the comment box below.