Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #3 — Managing Social Media Time

Picture: Counsel #3 — Managing Social Media Time CLi 42.1

Social media has many benefits, such as notifications of events, schedule changes, learning new skills and building community. Friends communicate and strengthen relationships through social media. CLi 42.2

Unfortunately, however, many young people waste large amounts of time almost mindlessly scrolling through social media posts, which can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, and even self-harm and suicidal thoughts. CLi 42.3

If you feel incapable of managing your time by controlling your social media use, ask God for help! He’s eager to help us break away from whatever addictions or distractions keep us from accomplishing all that we could for His name’s honor.^[38] CLi 42.4

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, make the best use of the time.” Colossians 4:5 ESV CLi 42.5

“God bestows talents upon men, not that these talents may lie unused or be employed in self-gratification, but that they may be used to bless others. God grants men the gift of time for the purpose of promoting His glory. When this time is used in selfish pleasure, the hours thus spent are lost for all eternity.” Ellen White in Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 354 CLi 42.6

Reflect: In what ways can you be mindful of your social media time usage? CLi 42.7