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      Social media can be positive and negative. The positive effects of social media are keeping us connected with loved ones, meeting new friends, networking, marketing strategies, fundraisers, endless information on different topics, raising awareness about important issues, and promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The negative effects of social media have contributed to feelings of failure, anxiety, depression, mood changes, suicidal thoughts, isolation, self-absorption, cyber bullying, and placing too much value on likes and followers.  Social media in itself is not the problem.  The way people use it can be problematic. 
      Years ago, a friend from college deactivated all of his social media accounts.  He confessed to having feelings of inadequacy and failure.  He became tired of watching others thrive.  Several of our classmates are extremely successful by societal standards.   They travel the world, live in fancy neighborhoods, drive luxury cars, and appear to have strong marriages.  My friend shared that looking at their posts reminded him of his inability to travel outside of his hometown, apartment living, driving a used car, and two failed marriages.  His mental health began to decline.  Why?  He actually believed that his life failed in comparison to others.  He began to covet our friend’s success and relationships.  He felt pressure to perform which contributed to additional stressors. 
     There are so many people who share a similar outlook as my friend.  Social media can lead to unnecessary pressures and unhealthy comparisons. “Comparison is the thief of joy”-Theodore Roosevelt.  When we compare ourselves to others and what others have, it makes us feel defeated.   Social media helps to create a false sense of identity and false reality for some.   Social media also gives us a bird’s eye view into the lives of others.  In my opinion, social media is a highlight reel into other people’s lives.   A highlight reel is a compilation of the best clips from different times in one’s life.  The goal is to show off the best moments of a person’s life.  
     We are social creatures and the positive effects of social media appeal to the human connectivity we crave.  On the other hand, the negative effects of social media can serve as a distraction.   As with food, shopping, and alcohol, social media should be used in moderation.   If you are spending too much time on social media or being negatively affected by it, find a new hobby and do a digital detox.  A digital detox is simply taking a break from social media.   I suggest spending more time with God and less time on social media. “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11).