Have you ever noticed that social media can be a bit of a double-edged sword? We can find connection, encouragement, and even some laughs when we need it. If we aren’t careful, though, it can distract us, steal our focus, and negatively affect our mental health.
I have opened socials to quickly check something, then forty minutes later I am deep in the scroll hole, and I can’t quite remember what I was looking for in the first place. I have also found myself watching TV and scrolling and then I have no clue what I just watched.
So, how do we keep social media in its rightful place, where we control it and it doesn’t control us?
Unfollow Without Guilt
It’s not mean, it’s wise. If someone’s posts consistently leave you feeling less than, anxious, or annoyed, it’s okay to unfollow. Your social media feed is just that – your feed. You don’t owe constant access to everyone. It doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with their posts. It could be that you have something you need to work through, and that’s okay. The Bible says to guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). Sometimes, guarding your heart looks like curating your feed.
Get an Analogue Alarm Clock
Charge your phone outside of your room at night and start your morning well. When your phone is your alarm, you immediately start your day off by being tempted to jump straight into the digital world. Start the morning off slowly, walk outside for a couple of minutes, read the bible or write a gratitude list before you even pick up your phone.
Bonus tip: try no social media before 9 am or after 9 pm. Give your mind space to wake up and wind down in peace.
Make your Feed Meaningful
Social media reflects what’s happening in the world, but you don’t have to match its mood. You get to set the tone. Be someone who brings light, hope, and rest — even online. Create a social media account that brings life to other people and shares joy. Set personal values for your account and use them to check yourself before you post.
Take Breaks from Socials
Sometimes the best way to reset is to step away. Pick a day of the week and use the do-not-disturb function on your phone. You’d be amazed at how much peace can return when the noise dies down. It’s not just about detoxing from content — it’s about reconnecting with God, the people in your life and yourself. Sometimes our socials distract us from what is really important in life.
Remember, It’s a Highlight Reel
Although there is a trend for people to show a little more of a real-life view on their socials, it’s still curated. You don’t see the behind-the-scenes, kids screaming, family fighting, house a complete disaster, and everything upside down. Someone else’s curated square doesn’t compare to our big, beautiful lives, lived on purpose in all of their messy moments. God sees it all, and he’s not expecting perfection; he’d rather the honesty of the mess.
Social media is not bad, but like most things, we do need boundaries around our social media use. And those little decisions — unfollowing, starting your day with intention, posting with clear guidelines — they’re not just about boundaries. They’re about rest.
We are not meant to carry the weight of every news story, every injustice, jump into every fight, or compare ourselves to every person who is seemingly doing it better than we are. We are called to walk with Jesus and learn from him, finding rest as we do, not scroll ourselves into stress and anxiety.
If you have been feeling the weight of social media and all it represents, Today is the day to make one small shift. Start with one, and see what a difference it will make.
Article supplied with thanks to Life FM in Adelaide.
Feature image: Canva
About the author: Lorrene McClymont is a writer and photographer who lives in the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia. You can connect with her on Instagram.
