Keeping the Faith in the Digital Age- The Impact of Social Media

There are now 3 billion social media users in the world- that’s roughly 40% of the earth’s population. The amount of social media users is growing too- in 2005, only 5% of American adults reported using social media. Now? 70% of them do.

 A technology that enables humanity to communicate and share life together all across the globe seems like a positive, life-giving thing. But is there a dark side to this technology?

Limited research has shown that social media use actually has a significant impact on our stress levels, anxiety, mood, sleep, relationships, and overall happiness and well-being. In fact, some studies seem to indicate that the more we use social media, the more unhappy, lonely, and superficial we become.

But is there a way for us use this technology responsibly? Can we as followers of Jesus harness its power to spread the Gospel and witness to the truth of who Christ is in our lives? Is it all-together an “evil” thing? Or can it be used for good?