It’s no secret that our world has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. The rise of social media has not only reshaped how we communicate but has also rewired how we think, feel, and see the world. For many children and teenagers, life is now filtered through a glowing screen, with their identity, value, and worldview shaped by an endless stream of images, videos, and “likes.” Social media has created spiritual dangers for the next generation.
Two decades ago, few could have imagined that a small network of online “profiles” would grow into a global web shaping how billions think, feel, and live. Social media began innocently enough—a way to connect with friends and family. Today, it has become a powerful force that influences culture, politics, morality, and even faith. Social media, when misused, has become a spiritual battlefield—especially for our children.
The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days, perilous times would come (2 Timothy 3:1–5). Among the traits he listed were people being “lovers of themselves” and “without self-control.” Social media amplifies these traits like never before. It has become, what I call, the cult of self.
Social media is a breeding ground for this self-obsession. Platforms reward vanity, self-promotion, and the pursuit of personal “followers.” The endless posting of curated photos and videos often feeds pride, envy, and comparison—the very sins that Scripture warns against (Proverbs 16:18, Galatians 5:26). What is the fruit of this? A generation is being discipled by influencers rather than by the Word of God.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat encourage constant self-promotion and comparison. Children grow up believing that their worth is tied to how many followers they have or how many people approve of their selfies. The Bible warns, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Yet, our children’s minds are being conformed to a digital pattern that thrives on vanity and validation.
The Deception Factor
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:4, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Social media is a perfect breeding ground for deception. Images are filtered, stories are exaggerated, and lifestyles are carefully curated to look perfect. False narratives spread faster than truth, and carefully edited posts create illusions of reality. For kids, this often creates deep insecurity and anxiety because they compare their behind-the-scenes reality to someone else’s highlight reel. Prophetically, we know deception will only increase in the last days (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10). Social media normalizes false narratives—about life, morality, and even truth itself—conditioning hearts to accept lies without discernment.
In just 20 years, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have reached nearly 5 billion users—over half the world’s population. Children are joining these platforms at younger ages, and for many, it’s their primary source of information, identity, and interaction. Scripture warns, “The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). The speed at which social media has wrapped its arms around the planet should make us pause and ask: Who is ultimately influencing this flow of information?
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