Why I’m on Social Media
I never log out of Facebook, but that does not mean I never stop looking at it. I’m just not sure what my password is!
My social media time is limited. I try to say Happy Birthday to friends, and if I need to post a blog or something about an upcoming event, I do that, but then I usually hop off and go about my day.
For me, social media, in particular Facebook, is a ministry tool that I use to encourage others. In these days when the Taliban is overtaking Afghanistan, when fires are threatening to smoke out northern California and Hurricane Ida bears down on New Orleans, I feel like people need a little good news. Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” so Facebook provides an opportunity to encourage.
What does your screen time look like?
A new study, published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, concludes that there is a “causal link between the use of social media and negative effects on well-being, primarily depression and loneliness.”[1] People generally post only the good on Social Media—the extravagant trips, the touched-up photos or the high points in life. We may forget that no one escapes bad. In Matthew 5:45 Jesus said, God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (NIV). The bad simply doesn’t make it to social media.
Personal Life Coach Roxanne Parks says, “Change your input. Change your output.” Today, will you consider cutting back on screen time in exchange for more time in the Good News, the Word of God? The Bible is designed to encourage, not discourage. It wants to lift your soul and provide hope in a world where hope seems fleeting right now. It’s also a way to connect with the only One who provides stability, our heavenly Father. God is who I want to post about and He is the main subject of my tweets. He’s why I’m on Social Media.
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health-news/social-media-use-increases-depression-and-loneliness#Does-social-media-cause-depression?
Lisa, I was just scripting a post in my mind regarding this same thing. I may still write it but you pretty much did it for me. Thank you!
Annette,
I think you should still write it. You probably reach folks in Oregon!