Hello again, ladies and gentlemen! We are so glad you remained tuned in. Welcome to part 2 of our Social media series, where we discuss the various consequences of social media, and how we as a society can reverse those damages created that so-severely impact our youth today. Let us continue where we left off!

We left off giving you the different ways you, as a person, could help with the damages caused by social media (if you don’t recall, please go back to the second latest article).

So, secondly, another way to reverse the damages caused by social media (or, in other words, another way to break an addiction to social media/technology) would be to find other things that bring you joy and distract yourself from social media! Whether that be serving in the community, painting, drawing, dancing, sports (basketball, softball, baseball, football, and etc.), making a change, or just doing something you overall enjoy, these things could not only distract you from the toxicities of social media, but it might also help you find a new hobby, or talent, and etc.! Personally, we find it that when we serve in the community (whether that be the elderly, youth, foster kids, or etc.), we feel SO much better, considering the matter of fact we made a change, we made someone smile, and someone was able to feel Christ’s love because of us (and that we’re doing what Christ would want us to). Take my word when I tell you that the contentment you feel after helping others, is better than any like, comment, or subscription on social media.

It seems as if society (respectfully) does not know how to sit in a room quietly, without any distractions. It’s as if society doesn’t know how to be bored, as if something always has to be constantly going, and going, and going. This, although, is not a good thing, because if you’re constantly going, and going, and going, you have no time to meditate, or to even think on things for yourself. Most of the time, today, when people are bored, instead of doing something they enjoy, or helping in the community, they automatically run to their phone, or their computer, or their tablet. Technology has become an enabler, or as I like to say “a place of comfort.” Now, I’m not saying to be lazy. Please do not sleep all day from 10:00pm at night to 6:00pm at night and go, “Well, that article said people don’t know how to rest in a room and be quiet.” That is not what I mean. I’m saying that it’s good to rest for a while, away from all the distractions and physical rushing, which is something society seems to run away from.

So, before we continue, we would like to give an indepth look of cyberbullying, which will be the base of this article.

 For those of you who don’t know, cyberbullying is the act of bullying someone through online communication (social media platforms). This can be extremely severe due to the fact that since the bullying is occuring online, most harassers believe they can get away with their comments because their faces, locations, and names are (unfortunately) not shown. As many bullies have in common, they are being abused, hurt, and etc., and usually have no outlet, which leads to them bringing their frustration out on innocent people. Cyberbullying is just as severe as bullying in real life, and as stated in the previous article, can lead to depression, self-harm, and even suicide if continued for long enough. Honestly, as long as you utilize social media, there will be consistent cyberbullying. Many desire to be famous and have glorified platforms, but are not aware of the consequences that come with being constantly put in the public social eye (AKA- the spotlight). This often leads to a ruined self-image, and low-self-esteem, not only due to the comparison many social media users have in their hearts, but because of the degrading comments about their bodies, the way they talk, the way they carry themselves, and etc. 

In order to stop this for yourself (to those who struggle with insecurities), you must acknowledge not only your worth, but realize that God is the only one who defines you. The words of others who know nothing about you do NOT define you, so please do not let them. The Bible says that we are beautifully and wonderfully made- that we are works of art, specifically molded in God’s image.

Now, we are limited as to what we can say per article, so stay tuned as we continue to talk about….. *drum roll please*

Comparison and self-esteem (part 3 of our social media series).

Psalms 139: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, and I know that full well.”

As you continue throughout your day, we hope this impacted you. I hope you decompress and spend time in God’s presence. Remember to be a part of the resolution, not a part of the problem. 

To be continued….