Creating a Better NormalPrøve

Healthy Boundaries With Technology Technology and social media are two of the greatest gifts of our generation. It’s amazing how we can spread the Gospel, stay connected with friends around the globe, and share encouragement all through a screen. But even great gifts require wise boundaries. If we’re not careful, social media can consume our lives, trigger comparison, and increase feelings of anxiety and depression. When we’re too busy scrolling through other people’s lives, we miss out on actually living our own. The truth is, God has given each of us a limited time here on earth, and we want to make the most of that time. So, we have to ask ourselves—is our time on social media honoring God and others, or distracting us from God and others? Brain science tells us that becoming addicted to technology is far too easy. Getting likes on social media gives our brain hits of dopamine—a feel-good chemical that gets released when we do something good. The problem is, our brain isn’t wired to experience that much dopamine so quickly. And social media companies know this. In fact, they design the apps so that every time you open it, you don’t know whether or not you’ll receive any likes. That anticipation—even more than the likes themselves—produce dopamine that’s so addicting researchers have compared it to gambling. Again, technology is not the enemy here. But, as Paul reminds us: You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT It’s fine for us to use technology and social media. We just have to have the right boundaries to ensure social media and technology aren’t using us. We also need to be careful that we aren’t trying to use social media to accomplish things it’s not designed for. It can often start debates and ruin relationships, so it’s good to remember that even in Bible times, people would save important conversations for face-to-face interactions. Just look at this verse in 2 John: I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete. 2 John 1:12 NLT Social media and technology are great gifts, but they require responsibility. Let’s create a better normal by setting the right boundaries, using them appropriately, and balancing our online interactions with face-to-face connections. Pray: God, give me the wisdom to know what boundaries to set on my social media and technology use. Help me to steward my time well and to take every opportunity to serve and love others the way You do. In Jesus’ name, amen. Challenge: Set some boundaries for your social media and technology use. Consider taking a day off social media, and talk about what you learned with trusted friends.