What are some signs I need to unplug from social media?

Psalm 39:4-5Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.

Discern how to best use your time on earth, remembering that our time on earth is brief.

Philippians 4:8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Evaluate what fills your feed. Is it shaping your thoughts in a way that honors God?

1 Corinthians 6:12“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

Social media is not bad in and of itself. But if it’s consuming your thoughts or dominating your days, it may be time to step back and take a break.

Psalm 46:10Be still, and know that I am God!

When stillness feels impossible or your screen is always in hand, you might need to unplug to reconnect with God’s presence.

Proverbs 27:2Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—a stranger, not your own lips.

Challenge yourself to resist the pull of self-promotion and instead live for God’s approval.

1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Consider how to use the tools of technology for the glory of God.

Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Pay attention to what social media stirs in your heart. If it’s jealousy, anger, or restlessness, that’s a warning sign.

Galatians 1:10Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

If you’re constantly checking likes or craving validation online, it may be a sign to root your identity back in God’s approval.

Proverbs 18:21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Consider whether your posts are giving life or tearing others down.

Galatians 5:22-23But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Is social media helping you be more loving? Joyful? Peaceful? Does it encourage patience and kindness? Does it stir you to be good, faithful, or gentle with others? Can you control how much time you spend on it? These questions serve as a good litmus test to discern whether it’s time to take a break.

Galatians 6:4Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.

When social media causes unhealthy comparison or discouragement, step back and reflect honestly on your own journey. Unplugging helps you focus on God’s unique path for you.

Colossians 3:2Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Consider whether your feed or social media in general draws you closer to God and His ways or pulls you away from Him.