Has your use of social media been more helpful or harmful to your quality of life? I can personally say there are days I have not used my phone as a phone at all but I spent hours on its apps. I shudder to think of the wasted time, energy and money it cost me. Researchers with the University of Technology Sydney in Australia have been working to identify and categorize the harmful effects of using social networks. Some of the types of harm were secondary consequences to online engagement such as privacy and security concerns and decreased productivity at work and school. Other fields of harm came directly from use, including physical and mental health impacts, particularly from exposure to annoying content, cyberbullying, and social exchanges of comparison that drive depression, anxiety and jealousy.
We used to fight the temptation of comparison among much smaller circles in our homes, communities, TV channels and print media. These days the scale and scope of comparison is global and available 24/7. The dangers of comparison and a competitive mindset are illustrated in Genesis 4, where we learn of the first murder at the hands of a brother suspicious of favoritism and unwilling to repent of jealousy. We get another clear warning in the 10th commandment written in stone by God’s own hand that we should not covet because it will destroy both our relationship with God and other people. How can you fully love God when you think He’s dealt you a worse hand than another? How can you fully love someone you’re trying to outperform? Our identity and value was not meant to be undermined by someone else’s success.
The good news is that awareness and accountability can help moderate our use and curb the negative impacts of social media. When we fall into the comparison trap, we can escape with prayers of gratitude. One I recite comes from Psalm 16:5-6 “The Lord is my chosen portion, my cup of blessing. My lot is pleasant, my inheritance good”. The antidote to comparison is gratitude, praise and worship.