Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #17 — Media Influence

Picture: Counsel #17 — Media Influence CI 56.1

Today, social media is at the forefront of most people’s culture. You post a picture or update something you’re proud of, and minutes later, you’re checking to see who’s looked at it. If you expected to get hundreds of likes, but you only got a handful, how would that make you feel? CI 56.2

It may not seem like a big deal to older folks, but for a young person, this would definitely sting. Questions like, “Was I not interesting enough? Pretty enough? Funny enough?” will start to creep in, and that’s the trap! Social media takes moments of your real life and turns them into a performance, and before you know it, you’re measuring your worth by comments, likes, and views. As Christians, remember that Jesus didn’t live for approval ratings. The affirmation He leaned on wasn’t from a crowd; it was from His Father: “This is my Son, whom I love.”^[55] If you find your self-respect rising and falling based on digital feedback, try replacing scrolling with stillness - prayer, journaling, or calling a Christian friend. Spend more time being present in your own story instead of putting on a presentation for others.^[56] CI 56.3

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Galatians 1:10 NIV CI 56.4

“By wrong habits he loses his power of self-appreciation.” Ellen White in With God at Dawn, p. 110 CI 56.5

Reflect: When was the last time you posted something just to be seen? CI 56.6