Recently, while waiting in my doctor’s office, I found myself scrolling through my Facebook feed. I stumbled upon a meme that read, “All this arguing over my invisible man is more important than your invisible man.” It struck me how social media has amplified our access to a wide range of opinions, judgments and conspiracy theories, which entangle us in trends, social causes and mass movements, sometimes at the expense of our spiritual well-being.

More often than not, social media lures us away from what truly matters—our inner peace and spiritual growth. The meme I encountered garnered over 3,000 likes, illustrating the allure of divisive content. When we immerse ourselves in the toxic “us vs. them” environment social media has become, we risk losing sight of our spiritual journeys, which thrive on acceptance, understanding and personal introspection.

Faiths and beliefs flourish best in an environment where they’re unquestioned. Exposure to differing viewpoints can cause us to question what we’ve been taught. When we see individuals projecting on social media that they are living fulfilling lives based on beliefs different from ours, we may wonder about the validity of our convictions. Despite the enlightening benefits of questioning our beliefs and values, it can also lead to confusion, particularly when we’re introduced to secular content packaged as “this is success.”

Engaging with content that contradicts our principles can erode our faith and lead to moral ambiguity. Our social media feeds can be flooded with negativity, including:

• Pornography that distorts intimacy
• Divisive political rhetoric that creates anxiety and fear
• Incessant comparisons with seemingly perfect lives
• Racial discrimination 
• Bullying by trolls 
• Content design to make us want to buy more
• Media outlets intentionally manufacturing fear

As I’m sure you likely have observed, possibly experienced firsthand, we’re experiencing unprecedented dissatisfaction and hopelessness, largely due to the comparison with others online; hence, one of the most profound ways social media interferes with our spirituality is by distancing us from our personal experiences.

Due to its addictive nature, social media frequently leads us to spend too much time scrolling through content that numbs our senses and overwhelms our minds, inhibiting the self-reflection essential for spiritual growth. The more we become consumed by social media and engage with curated content, the more we risk losing our personal narratives as we’re not exploring our respective history, confronting our emotions and trying to understand our story. 

Instead of turning inward, many, notably our youth, seek validation and inspiration from virtual strangers and neglect the quest everyone should be on, finding meaning and purpose in life, which isn’t to be found on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, et al.

Although many social media accounts promote the notion of positivity and self-love, the ideals promoted tend to be prescriptive rather than liberating. The pressure to conform to certain lifestyles or beliefs hinders spiritual exploration. Moreover, the “cancel culture” phenomenon, along with several other self-claiming “progressive movements,” suppresses open discussions about spirituality. Many people avoid spiritual conversations or expressing one’s beliefs due to a fear of backlash. The possibility of facing hostility and our inherent survival instinct to go along and get along prevent many from exploring their spirituality freely, resulting in a superficial understanding of spirituality.

Ask yourself the following pivotal questions:

• Am I prioritizing my spiritual health with my heart, time and energy?
• Does my identity and validation originate from my beliefs and values or online popularity?
• Do I allow social media to distract me from meaningful connections with the people around me?
• Keep in mind that social media is not inherently detrimental to our spiritual journeys. There are countless inspiring voices, without any self-serving motive, on social media platforms that encourage us to add more meaning, creativity and beauty to our lives. The key is to curate your online experiences to align with your spiritual aspirations.

Navigating the intersection of social media and spirituality requires mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness is how you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors online and offline. This awareness helps you discern when social media is serving you and when it’s detracting you from your spiritual growth.

The benefits of regular self-reflection can’t be overstated. Connecting with our inner selves and clarifying our spiritual beliefs can be achieved through journaling, meditation or simply being present, which, when done with intention, can counterbalance social media’s distractions, fostering a deeper connection with your spirituality.

Ultimately, spirituality is about finding meaning, acceptance and connection in our lives. It’s a journey that can be nurtured online and offline if approached with intention and care. Consciously reducing the influence of social media on your spiritual life requires thoughtfully making ‘yes and no’ decisions, a decision-making exercise that’ll give you a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

As you journey through the digital world, keep in mind spiritually aware individuals lead happier, more fulfilled lives. Engaging mindfully on social media is how you protect your spiritual journey, allowing it to flourish in a world where many benefit from creating distractions and divides. The path to a happier life is achieved by your choices offline and online—choose wisely.

Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on X/Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan.

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We are saved by grace through faith, a gift from God, not our efforts. God’s grace forgives us when we choose to be saved from sin.

To be like Christ, we should follow God’s example. See what He does, then do it, like children who learn appropriate behavior from their parents.

Therefore, become imitators of God as His children.

To be imitators, do more for each other. As God forgives our sins and missteps, we should forgive others. He blesses us with gifts beyond our daily needs, and we should bless others.

God has given us fruits of the Spirit. Experience these fruits by treating others with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

As imitators of God, we can follow the Apostle Paul’s ways to live a wise life in Christ. First, we should take a close look at how we live. Second, we should make the most of our time. Third, we should understand the will of God and don’t act foolishly.

The Message Bible, Ephesians 5:11-20, clearly states the mandate: “Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busy work, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness that no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep. Climb out of your coffins. Christ will show you the light!

Watch your step, use your head and make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!”

We know the world is God’s good creation and that every day is a special gift. This is the time to live in the good works for which God created us.

Seek God’s will. Discerning God’s will involves sifting through our desires and using the data and information gathered about each choice before deciding. When we see an option that increases faith, hope and love, trust it, knowing it’s from God.

“Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is,” (Ephesians 5:17, New International Version).

How then? Prayer puts us in touch with Him. Regardless of what’s going on in life, “a still small voice could be heard,” (Exodus 3:2). God communicates and makes His will clear. Pay attention.

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary piece do not necessarily the express the opinions of The Cincinnati Herald.

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By Gwendolyn Carole

Tipton

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. So, it’s an excellent time to communicate about mental health. Campbell was an author, advocate, and cofounder of the National Alliance of Mental Illness. This designation of July aimed to bring awareness to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face when it comes to mental illness.

Unfortunately, less than 50% of African American adults with mental illness receive any treatment because they tend to encounter negative experiences when seeking help. People of color who experience racial traumas are more likely to have some mental stress. As adults, they pass these stresses on to the next generation. Some can trace the roots of mental health stigma back to long-lasting sadness and social drama in their living environments.

Spirituality can have a positive impact on our emotional well-being. When we pray for wisdom and comfort, we fully believe the Lord will hear and deliver us from our troubles. When we meditate, seeking guidance, we expect to receive a path to overcome disorders related to mental health. Such disorders may include mood swings, excessive fear or worry, and social withdrawal.

Treatment is a factor in recovery. In addition to seeking counseling, a doctor’s advice, and medication, using the Bible as a resource may generate helpful thoughts. Below are three Bible verses that may provide pause when we think we’re entering a phase of mental illness or a family member or friend may be showing signs. These Scriptures are related to mental health and remind us that God is near, even when we’re not sure why we’re crying out for help.

“But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you” (Philippians 4:6).

The National Suicide Hotline for those experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis is 1-800-273-8255.

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