Social media has become a ubiquitous aspect of modern life. While it has revolutionised communication and interaction, with the youth being one of the most active users, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok have significantly impacted the way young people interact with each other and the world at large. While social media has its advantages, it can also have negative psychological effects on young people’s self-esteem, body image, and mental health, just to name a few. This article will explore how social media can impact young people’s self-esteem, body image, and mental health.
Perfect or Imperfect Profile Pic
Have you ever struggled to take the perfect profile picture. The one in which you “look the best”?
We understand that your social media profile picture is the first impression you make on people who visit your profile, therefore we also understand, that it is important to choose a picture that represents you well and gives off the right impression.
There is a lot of pressure to present oneself in a certain way on social media. Young people are often aware that their online profiles can be viewed by peers, potential employers, or even strangers, which can make them anxious about how they are perceived.
The Bible teaches us however that, we – human beings – were created perfect in the image of God. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 This verse affirms that, before sin, we were reflecting the character and nature of God. Man’s creation in God’s image is a testament to the inherent value and worth that God has placed on humanity.
The Bible also teaches that God’s perfect creation was marred by sin. As a result of disobedience to God, man was separated from Him and lost his perfect character and spiritual eyesight. This separation from God caused a fundamental shift in the way humans view and interact with the world. Instead of seeing things as they truly are, humans began to view everything through the lens of sin.
This separation from God and the consequences of sin affect every aspect of human existence, including self-worth, relationships, and mental and emotional health. Today’s youth often falsely boost their self-esteem through the use of social media. Social media platforms provide a space for individuals to curate and present their idealized self-image, showing only the best aspects of their lives, leading others and eventually themselves to the belief that their life is in perfect order.
Individuals may also seek validation through the number of likes, comments, and followers they receive, which can lead to a false sense of self-worth based on external validation rather than internal factors such as character, integrity, and values based on Biblical principles. Unfortunately, this false sense of self-esteem can be short-lived and may even result in anxiety and depression when the individual is unable to maintain the facade they have created on social media.
However, in the Bible we find hope for reconciliation and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we can be reconciled to God and experience the fullness of our original perfect creation. To achieve this we need to spend more time in studying the word of God and understand just what the value of a soul is in the eyes of God.
The value of the soul is immeasurable. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asks, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” This verse emphasizes that the soul (a human being) is of greater value than anything else in the world, as nothing can compare to its worth. We also know that Jesus payed a very expensive price, laid down his own life in order that you and I may be called the sons and daughters of God. We don’t need to try to paint a different image of ourselves, of our character or even our look: in the eyes of God we have a value that cannot be measured or compared with any earthly value.
Perfect or Imperfect Body Image
Social media can also impact body image, particularly in young people. Social media platforms are full of images that promote unrealistic beauty standards. Young people are constantly exposed to these images, which can lead to dissatisfaction with their bodies and even body dysmorphia.
The constant pressure to conform to societal beauty standards can also lead to harmful behaviors, such as extreme dieting or excessive exercise. Furthermore, the use of filters and editing tools on social media can give a false sense of what is considered beautiful or desirable.
The Bible teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.”What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
This means that our bodies are sacred and should be treated with respect, regardless of their outward appearance. If we take care of our bodies and treat them with honour in all of the aspects of heath principles found in the Bible, the Holy Spirit will dwell within us. As followers of God, we should not conform to the false standards of society, including those presented on social media, in order to find happiness or acceptance. Instead, we should focus on cultivating inner beauty, including qualities such as love, kindness, and humility; a character that will long outlast any temporary fame on any social platform. By doing so, we can honour God and show reverence for the temple of the Holy Spirit that is our body.
Perfect or Imperfect Mental Health
Social media can also impact mental health negatively. Studies show that social media use is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and stress in young people.
Social media can also cause addiction, leading to decreased productivity and a sense of emptiness. It’s easy to get caught up scrolling through feeds, clicking on links, and watching videos, and before we know it, hours have passed. In fact, studies have shown that people spend an average of 2-3 hours per day on social media, which can add up to over 1,000 hours per year.
Research has shown that people who use social media excessively are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who use social media in moderation. This may be due to the constant barrage of information and stimulation that social media provides, which can create a sense of overwhelm and lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Social media can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. While social media platforms can help us connect with others, they can also contribute to feelings of disconnection and loneliness. This is because social media often presents an idealized version of life that may not accurately reflect reality, leading people to feel disconnected from their real-life experiences and relationships.
The Bible teaches us to focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8). This means that we should be mindful of what we consume on social media and avoid negative content that can impact our mental health negatively. We are encouraged to observe and study nature, where the power, majesty and love of God is revealed to us all.
“The evidence we have of God’s care and love for us is expressed in the lessons Christ gave to His disciples upon the things in nature…. The eye is not to be fastened upon deformity, upon the curse, but upon the riches of the grace of Christ that has been provided so abundantly, that we may live in this world, and act our part in the great web of humanity, and yet not be of the world. As pilgrims, as strangers looking for the bright things of God, the joy that is set before us, seeking a city whose builder and maker is God, and by beholding the provisions made for us, the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for us, talking of the blessed home, we forget the annoyances and the fretting cares of this life. We seem to breathe in the very atmosphere of that better, even the heavenly country. We are soothed, we are comforted; we are more than this, we are joyful in God.” The Upward Look 15.3
By taking a break from social media and instead admiring the natural world, we can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, boost our physical health, and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation. As the Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” Psalm 19:1. By us spending more time outside, then we can experience the wonder of God’s creation and cultivate a deeper connection with Him.
He is longing to be connected with you! He wants you to study a bit more his social profile and as the Bible teaches, behold the glory of God, which is his character. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 This way you too, can have a better social profile, not according to what’s currently trending but according to the unchanging eternal profile of a loving God. This is what we wish you from the bottom of our heart.