Social media was created to attach and entertain. But over time, its dark side has turn into inconceivable to disregard.
The latest hit Netflix series, Adolescence, confronts this reality head-on, exposing the harmful consequences of unchecked online influence, and offering a timely reminder of why a digital detox may be essential to strengthening our faith.
The four-part series follows Jamie, a troubled teenager combating deep feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Incited by misogynistic ideologies from the ‘manosphere’ and overwhelmed by internalised anger, Jamie is accused of committing a shocking act of violence: stabbing a female classmate who embarrassed him in front of their peers. His arrest soon follows, marking a pivotal turning point in his life.
At first glance, this might look like a cautionary tale strictly for folks and teenagers – a wake-up call to observe online content more rigorously. But Adolescence speaks to all of us, no matter age or stage in life.
Why? Because daily, we scroll past toxic posts that tell us what success should seem like, how much we must always earn, why we’re not desirable enough, and what we’re supposedly lacking.
These constant messages mirror the very temptations Jesus faced during His 40-day fast within the wilderness: the lure of wealth, status, and love (Matthew 4:1-11). Like Jesus, we, too, are recurrently tempted.
While we could also be strong for a time, constant exposure to those voices may begin to shape us. We may not even realise that we’re beginning to seek validation within the unsuitable places until our self-worth is tousled on the earth’s opinions.
That’s why sometimes probably the most spiritual thing we are able to do is step away.
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you’ll give you the chance to check and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and excellent will.”
The key to resisting conformity is renewal, and renewal requires stillness, silence, and space. A digital detox creates room for God to talk truth back into our lives.
So how did Jesus overcome temptation? Though fully divine, He was also fully human (Philippians 2:6-7). He felt the pull of each offer Satan made (Hebrews 4:15). But what grounded Him was His unshakable identity because the Son of God (Matthew 3:17).
And here’s the gorgeous truth: as Christians, we share in that identity. We are God’s children (Romans 8:16-17).
Our worldview have to be rooted within the God who made us. Our heavenly Father knows our needs, and His love is limitless (Matthew 6:31-32 and Psalm 103:11). If He guides us toward something or away from it, we are able to trust it’s for our good (Jeremiah 29:11). And after we forget who we’re (because we do forget), we only must look to the cross. That’s where God’s love was poured out (John 3:16).
Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is similar yesterday, today, and perpetually.” That means our identity in Him never shifts, even when our emotions do, or when the algorithm says otherwise.
So, during this digital detox, take time to take a seat on the feet of Jesus, like Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:39). Soak in His Word. Pour your heart out to Him in prayer. Let Him wash away the digital toxins and renew your mind through the facility of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
We’ve been free of sin through the cross (Romans 6:6-7), so we don’t have to be confined or defined by worldly opinions.
Jamie’s story is tragic, but it surely’s also a cautionary tale. That could possibly be any considered one of us if we’re not careful.
With nearly two weeks left within the Lenten season, perhaps now could be the time to try a digital detox. Not only for peace of mind, but for the renewal of your soul.
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