What Would Jesus Say About Social Media?

Social media has transformed the way we communicate, consume information, and spend our time. However, it also creates serious challenges. Because Christians are called to follow Christ in every area of life, we should ask an important question: What would Jesus say about our use of social media?

Jesus never addressed Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or smartphones directly. Nevertheless, His teaching gives us timeless principles for navigating them wisely. In particular, Christ calls us to guard our attention, purify our hearts, and treat other people with genuine love.

Jesus Calls Us Away From Constant Distraction

First, consider Jesus’ invitation to His disciples: “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Christ recognized the importance of withdrawing from the noise of daily life. Therefore, His invitation applies remarkably well to our digital age.

Today, many people spend hours scrolling, watching videos, reading comments, and following an endless stream of information. As a result, social media can consume the very attention we could otherwise give to God, family, friends, and our responsibilities.

Consequently, Christians should intentionally create periods of silence. Put down the phone. Step away from the screen. Open a physical Bible, spend time in prayer, visit a church, or simply take a walk. In this way, we create room to hear God’s voice.

Jesus Warns Us About Anger and Division

Furthermore, Jesus challenges the way we treat other people. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches that anger and contempt can seriously damage our relationships with others (Matthew 5:21–22).

That teaching becomes especially relevant online. Behind a screen, it often feels easier to insult, mock, stereotype, or condemn someone we have never met. Instead of seeing another person as someone made in God’s image, we can reduce them to a political position, a comment, or an opinion.

However, Christ calls us to something better. The Catechism teaches that every human person possesses dignity because God created humanity in His image (CCC 1700). Therefore, even when we strongly disagree with someone, we must still treat that person with charity and respect.

Before posting, ask: Does this build up my neighbor, or am I simply trying to win an argument?

Jesus Calls Us to Purity of Heart

Likewise, Jesus warns against allowing lust to control our vision of other people. He teaches, “everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

Social media can make this struggle even more difficult because it constantly places carefully curated images in front of us. Consequently, Christians must learn to see other people as persons rather than objects for consumption.

This requires more than simply avoiding certain content. Instead, Christ calls us to a transformation of the heart.

Use Technology Without Letting It Use You

Ultimately, Christianity does not require us to reject technology. Rather, we should use technology according to its proper purpose. Social media can spread the Gospel, encourage people, build community, and communicate truth. Nevertheless, we must remain free enough to put it down when it begins to control us.

Therefore, perhaps the most practical question is this:

Is social media helping me become more like Christ, or is it pulling me away from Him?

When necessary, step away. Pray. Rest. Seek silence. Spend time with real people. Go outside. Return to Scripture. Above all, remember Jesus’ invitation: “Come away… and rest a while.”

In a world that constantly demands our attention, Christ offers something far greater: His presence, His peace, and freedom from the noise.