You are scrolling through your social media feed at dinner. Highlights, hot takes, memes, family photos—everything is instant. And overwhelming. With a few taps, you are deep in conversation with someone halfway across the world…

Social media is not just a way to connect. It is the way we connect. According to datareportal.com, 63.9 percent of the world’s population uses social media—that is over 5 billion people! It has become the new town square—a place where ideas spread fast, influence runs deep and everyone has a platform.

But with great reach comes great responsibility. Sharing an article you did not actually read can spread misinformation in seconds. A heated debate in the comments can quickly spiral into personal attacks. Without careful thought, what we post can undermine trust and damage reputations. No wonder so many question whether social media is even worth the trouble.

The Bible does not overlook this part of life. It offers clear principles we can apply to the online world.

Paul’s words set the standard: “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31).

This means every action—including what we post and how we scroll—should reflect God’s standards. Here are five timeless principles to guide how we use social media.

(1) Practice Contentment

As you scroll through your feed, it is natural to see people sharing some of the happiest moments of their lives—a graduation, a job promotion, a long-awaited family vacation, a newborn baby, or simply a beautiful sunset.

These posts can uplift others and spread positivity. Celebrating life’s blessings can build connection, community and mutual encouragement, especially when they come from family or friends.

However, constantly seeing other people’s life accomplishments can also stir feelings of envy or inadequacy. Frequent social media use can subtly lead us to compare our everyday lives, including difficult situations we may be going through, with someone else’s best moments. We may even come across posts from influencers or other people we do not know, whose best moments could be either exaggerated or entirely made up for attention.

God commands us to guard our hearts against jealousy and vanity. Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Social media often fuels exactly that—either pride in how we appear or jealousy toward others who seem to have more. It is in these moments that we should pursue contentment.

Paul also wrote, “I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). Contentment is something we grow into. It is about learning to rest in the knowledge that our value does not come from what we post, how much we have or how glamorous our lives look online. True worth comes from who we are in God’s eyes.

Instead of falling into the trap of comparison, you should intentionally choose to focus on gratitude.

Maybe a friend just bought a beautiful new house. This can be an opportunity to thank God for the roof over your head and the memories you are making right where you are. Choosing to rejoice with others (Rom. 12:15) and appreciate your own blessings helps reframe the way you experience social media.

So celebrate with others. But guard your heart from comparison by remembering and appreciating your own blessings.

James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (1:17).

When we remember this, we see social media not as a measuring stick, but as an opportunity to praise God for His goodness in every life—including our own.

(2) Speak with Care

Social media has made it incredibly easy to communicate but also alarmingly easy to be unkind. Behind a screen, people often say things they would never say in person. The digital world tends to blur lines, remove filters and diminish empathy. Bullying now happens 24/7 in comment sections, group chats and anonymous posts.

The stakes are higher than we often realize. The emotional toll of cyberbullying has been linked to anxiety, depression and, tragically, even suicide.

In response to this growing crisis, some governments are beginning to take action. In late 2024, Australia announced plans to ban access to social media for children under the age of 16, citing mounting evidence that these platforms are harming young people’s mental health. Their move reflects a growing global concern over the psychological and emotional strain that social media can place on developing minds.

Whether or not similar policies emerge elsewhere, the message is clear: We must take responsibility for the tone and culture we help create online.

Every post, comment and shared meme becomes a reflection not only of who we are, but of the values we represent. Whether we are joking with friends, weighing in on a news topic or sharing something personal, our words carry weight.

Jesus Christ explained just how serious our communication is to God: “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). Other translations render “idle word” in verse 36 as “careless word.”

God expects us to choose our words carefully. Before you post anything, pause and ask: Will this honor Him? Will it build up others or tear them down?

A small act of kindness can make a huge difference. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Checking in on a friend or family member with a well-timed direct message, comment or even a simple “like” on one of their posts can remind them that they are cared about.

Be the one who offers gracious words and refuses to participate in cruelty. This is especially important for people we know, but we can also apply this to our interactions with anyone online.

Also, most social media platforms allow you to block or mute accounts. Use these and other tools to protect yourself from those who spread negativity.

Choose to make social media a space where love speaks louder than hate, where encouragement outweighs criticism, and where no one feels isolated or unseen.

(3) Think Critically

In a world overflowing with information, discernment is essential. Social media platforms are saturated with news stories, personal opinions, clickbait headlines, viral videos and clever ads all competing for our attention. But not everything that grabs our eye is grounded in truth. In fact, much of what circulates online is misinformation.

Sometimes it is obvious—a blatantly fake news headline or deceptive product ad. Other times, it is subtle: a misleading statistic or a quote taken out of context. Social media thrives on emotional reactions and an undiscerning audience.

Be careful not to be gullible, impulsive or easily influenced. Proverbs 14:15 offers a clear warning: “The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.”

In other words, the naive readily accept whatever they hear without questioning or verifying it, making them more vulnerable to deception and manipulation. Instead, we should strive to resemble the person described in the second half of the verse—a discerning individual who makes wise and thoughtful decisions.

God’s Word instructs, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thes. 5:21). That means thinking critically, verifying sources and resisting the urge to react or share before knowing the truth.

For example, if you see a viral post claiming a celebrity died or a new law was passed, take a moment to check a credible news site before reposting it. Rely on reputable news outlets when engaging with content on social media. Look up reviews before trusting miracle products. And firmly refuse to spread anything that could mislead others.

Knowing what is true is essential. But so is knowing what is appropriate to share, and what is better left unsaid.

(4) Share with Discernment

One of the greatest dangers in today’s online culture is the ease with which people share personal information. Social media platforms encourage openness, transparency and frequent posting. But what some rarely stop to think about is how something shared in a moment could live online indefinitely.

Even if a post is deleted, it may already have been saved or archived. And once it spreads, especially if it goes viral, it is nearly impossible to undo.

Something meant to be lighthearted or heartfelt can be taken out of context, turned into controversy or used against you in the future. For young people especially, this can be overwhelming and deeply discouraging.

Oversharing also poses serious safety concerns. Personal details like your location, daily routines or private struggles can make you a target for online predators or scammers. Even seemingly harmless content can expose you or your loved ones to risk.

This is where wisdom is vital. Ecclesiastes 8:5 tells us that “a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.” Wisdom allows us to know not only what information to share, but when and how to share it—or whether to share it at all!

Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.” There are times we should say less to avoid getting into trouble.

Being wise teaches us to pause and ask hard questions like: Should I be saying this? Would I be okay with this being seen by strangers, my employer or my family?

Before you hit post, take a moment to consider the consequences. Ask God to give you discernment not just about what is true, but about what is appropriate, safe and edifying. Of course, something you post on a public or work account would involve different considerations than a post on a private account restricted to your friends and family.

In a world where digital decisions can have lasting consequences, godly wisdom is your strongest safeguard.

(5) Stay Balanced

Social media platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive—using algorithms, notifications, endless scrolling and personalized content to capture our attention and hold it for as long as possible.

Without healthy boundaries, what begins as a quick check-in can easily turn into hours of mindless scrolling, pulling us away from the things that matter most.

Proverbs 25:28 paints a striking picture: “He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Without self-control, we become emotionally and spiritually vulnerable. A lack of discipline opens the door to distraction and dissatisfaction.

It is also helpful to remember Paul’s words in I Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Social media is not inherently wrong, but if it begins to dominate our focus, time or priorities, we need to re-evaluate its place in our lives.

Practical steps like setting screen-time limits, turning off notifications, having phone-free zones or hours, and prioritizing face-to-face conversations can make a significant difference. These actions remind us that we need to live purposefully and not be overtaken by distractions.

In a culture that encourages constant connection, choose intentional disconnection. Step away when needed.

That might mean leaving your phone in another room during dinner, taking a weekly “digital detox,” or setting aside time for prayer and reading without distraction. If you feel overwhelmed by too much social media, try taking a few minutes to simply stop and think. Psalm 4:4 says, “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.”

Reclaim your time. Protect your peace. Let self-control shape your online habits so that social media remains a tool, not a trap.

Use Social Media with Purpose

Social media is one of the most powerful tools of our time. It can connect, inspire, educate and entertain. But without direction, it has the power to distract, discourage and mislead.

We will not get everything right all the time. But if your goal is to live by what God commands, even small changes in how you use these platforms can make a lasting impact. You may never see who is encouraged by a quiet act of restraint, protected by your caution, or uplifted by a kind word of yours. But it is all worth it.

The Bible sets a high standard: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Eph. 5:15). This includes how we engage online. Our digital presence should reflect the same wisdom, care, and purpose as every other part of our lives.

Whether you scroll, post, share or comment, remember this instruction: “Let all your things be done with charity [love—outgoing concern for others]” (I Cor. 16:14). And never forget the words of Jesus Christ: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

In a digital world filled with noise and confusion, those who live by God’s Word stand out. Use social media in a manner that reflects His Way—and encourages others to do the same.