When I first connected to social media, I thought it was incredible. I discovered Facebook, then Twitter and eventually Instagram. These platforms allowed me to express my thoughts, share photos and videos, and see a glimpse into the lives of people who have been part of my life. They even gave me access to well-known people in our culture, though as it turns out, they likely only gave me access to paid staff members who handled the accounts of those well-known people.
Twelve years after I created my first user account, I see things much differently. I regret the many hours I have spent scrolling and attempting to formulate that perfect post or reply. Looking back, I would much rather have spent those hours in conversation with my wife and my two daughters, in reading the Bible and other writings that would grow my relationship with God, in prayer, or even just being still and pondering the wonder of who God is.
I no longer value social media. I see it for what it is: a very hollow man-made version of a world designed for real relationships between people created in the image of God.
I no longer value social media. I see it for what it is: a very hollow man-made version of a world designed for real relationships between people created in the image of God. These platforms are designed to keep us engaged with our mobile devices so they can send ads our way, make money and turn a profit. Meanwhile, the people we say we love are wondering why it seems we value what we see on our tiny screens more than we value them.
When I spent a week away from all social media and news media while on vacation last summer, I rediscovered life as I believe it was meant to be. I focused on my wife and daughters. I observed and appreciated how God was working in and through them. I took in the beauty of His creation, and also took photos of my family, the ocean, sky, and many sites … without thinking of a caption. It was as if a veil had been lifted. When I returned home, I refused to allow it to once again obscure my view. I was done with social media.
I have chosen to no longer live my life through the lens of Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. My life is simpler. I am more focused on the things that matter: loving God and loving others. Instead of posting about my family and friends, I simply share life with them. I’ve experienced some amazing moments since June of last year and I’ve chosen not to post about any of them. My time on any of these social media platforms now consists of logging on to share information related to our church family and blog posts such as the one you’re reading … and then logging off. I only use social media as a tool of communication because I know some people rely on it to receive information. Honestly, as a local church pastor in this culture, I would much rather someone use our app or website to watch or listen to sermons and get info than I would they find these resources on Facebook. The last thing I want is to point them to social media and unintentionally cause them to lose moments of their lives as they get caught in the trap of scrolling endlessly.
When I log on, I glance at some notifications but not all. I do not scroll and I do not comment. I’ve realized that the people who I’m really connected to are the people I actually talk to, and that for many years I fooled myself into thinking I was actually connected to anyone who I mainly knew about through social media. I’m not interested in having a “social media presence” because I know that chasing an online presence will make me absent in the lives of the people I love. I share things that I am truly led by God to share with the thought that perhaps these will allow someone else to see Jesus and draw closer to him.
Chasing an online presence will make me absent in the lives of the people I love.
We were created to have a relationship with God and relationships with other people. I now believe one of the reasons digital communication is so destructive is because we simply were not created to interact with others in this way. We were meant for relationships that are built on face-to-face conversation. We were meant to be with one another. And every time we humans attempt to circumvent the creative genius of our loving Heavenly Father, the result is a twisted version of His original design.
I know this has been the right journey for me. While I personally advocate for unplugging from social media, I work hard not to judge those who choose to remain active on these platforms. I only share my journey because I believe God has led me to, and I trust Him to lead you forward.
Imagine life without posting and scrolling … without seeing the world through the lens of social media. You might actually like it.
Dan Londeree 