Living in the digital age is not always as easy as people make it out to be. Every day, my brain is constantly getting fed ads on my Instagram feed and influencer brand collaborations on my TikTok page.
The constant desire to stay be updated by my social media apps has caused me to feel disconnected from the real world, luring me out of the present moment and decreasing social interaction at times. Since social media isn’t going anywhere, I believe more people, especially the younger generation, must take a digital fast once a year.
Some of my fondest memories as a young girl were at summer camp. Each summer, I would leave my phone at my house for two weeks and be disconnected from the outside world. I enjoyed being in the present moment.
Without the temptation to check my phone constantly, connecting with other campers felt genuine and effortless. I left each summer with a clearer mind and a stronger relationship with the Lord.
I found that when I simply put my phone away for a week or two, I was able to fully embrace the present and appreciate all the Lord’s blessings. When my phone is off, I can better see the Lord’s creation and rest easier in the gospel.
In my opinion, my phone can be my biggest source of distraction. The reason for this is the constant desire to be updated on what is happening in the world and what other people are up to.
An article from the Cleveland Clinic says, “On average, Americans check their smartphones 96 times a day and spend more than two hours on social media.”
These enticing features that our devices bring to the table feed off our desire to be known and have made our generation somewhat obsessed with staying up to date on other people’s lives.
This issue has caused me to often get wrapped up in imposter syndrome, and has isolated me from genuine human interaction. Fortunately, the Bible reminds us not to focus on the things of this world.
The Lord tells us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Sleep is a necessity that is very important to me and vital for how my day unfolds. I have noticed that when I am off my phone for the night, my mind is able to shut down easier than when I am still scrolling at 1 a.m.
Lastly, reading my Bible in place of my phone in the morning has increased my reliance on the Lord. Prioritizing spending time in God’s word before all else has changed my perspective and social media is not as important to me now.
Taking time off our phones strengthens our relationship with Christ. When our hands are not holding our phones, they can be folded in prayer. If you feel the need to take a digital fast to grow in your relationship with the Lord, I highly encourage it.
Senes is the opinion editor for the Liberty Champion.