Have you found yourself changed and consumed by your social media use? Edited by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, Social Sanity in an Insta World presents social media’s potentials and pitfalls—along with the biblical principles we need to honor the Lord online.
Social Media Shapes Our Identity
Zylstra opens the book with a brief history of social media. Then in Chapter 2, author Jen Wilkin shows us how social media shapes our identity, and she presents the Bible and prayer as types of social media.
She writes that in a world of sin, social media can be used for the right and wrong reasons. We are to reflect God – not rival him. We can embrace our identity as image bearers who are free to partake of social media in ways that don’t define who we are or why we are here. We can use social media for the glory of God, and use it to make us look more like Christ.
In Chapter 3, Gretchen Saffles shows how social media holds sway over our emotions. We must make sure we are secure in Christ, finding true happiness and lasting joy in knowing and being known by him. Next, Melissa Kruger discusses discernment, examining the time, thoughts, and temptations that come with social media use. And Laura Wifler calls us to follow wisdom, saying we must watch our inspirations and aspirations — making sure Jesus is our primary influencer.
Loving Well in Our Relationships
While this book is written with women as the primary audience, there is much wisdom for men to take in. I was most challenged in Chapter 6, where Stephanie Greer calls us to love well in our relationships in a world that’s heavily impacted by the internet. Because of her words, I am resolved to be more present with my kids. The in-person presence I have with them as children is limited, and I want to give them quality time.
Doing good and getting good rest is the focus of Chapter 7, which is written by Ana Avila. When our goals bow down to the gods of social media, we will find ourselves drained and unsustainable. In Chapter 8, Emily Jensen reminds us that social media is not required. Instead, we should consider the real responsibilities God has given us.
We Are Followers of Christ
My favorite chapter comes in the form of the afterward by Ruth Chou Simons. She gives tips to content creators on fruitful practices for social media use, reminding us first and foremost that we are followers of Christ. This is a sobering book, but one that will give you strength to pursue and preach Christ—in season and out of season, off-line and online.
I received a media copy of Social Sanity in an Insta World and this is my honest review.