For many of us, social media is a pretty significant part of life. These online platforms have become so popular and mainstream, you can even find a Christian social network to join.
Our loved ones use it to share written posts, photos, and their own original videos of their families and travels. Businesses use it to keep us up to date on products and events. Our favorite artists and performers share their work and promote performances.
Social media is a way to stay connected! Unfortunately, this visual media not only inspires us but has an almost infinite potential to distract us.
Here at YWAM Orlando, we believe that Christians can leverage the power of media to advance the Kingdom of God. We focus on this in detail in some of our missions training experiences, like the Discipleship Training School Media Track, or the School of Photojournalism. We believe that social media can be used as a powerful tool - learn how to digitally share prayer requests or dive into discussions about Bible verses.
However, if we’re not careful, it can become something that dominates us, crippling our creativity and thwarting our vision. Read on as we discuss three common unhealthy social media habits and explore not only how to avoid them, but how we can instead use social media for our benefit.
Ready to learn how to use your photography and other media skills to create Christian content and help build God's Kingdom? YWAM Orlando's Discipleship Training School is for you! Apply today to get tailored training in our new Media Track.
How to Use Social Media for Inspiration, Not Validation
Social media is a powerful tool that connects us with artists that inspire us. As creatives, we use social media to celebrate our work, as well as gather fresh perspectives and new ideas from other artists and photographers.
Nothing inspires me more than intentional time exploring talented artists' work online or in person at art galleries and shows. However, social media can quickly lead us into a trap, comparing our own work to what we see on the internet. We can easily become discouraged.
The cure? Look to the work of others for inspiration and not for validation.
Creatives have a tendency to compare their art to what they see online, and when it doesn’t quite stand up to the work they admire, it can be devastating. We need to remember that when people post online, they likely only share their best work.
We don’t get to witness their growing pains. Plus, it's important to remember that there will always be art that is better than ours. That doesn't mean ours is bad, though!
On the other hand, when we find creatives who we consider "worse" than us, we often get a boost to our egos. However, the feeling is fleeting and prompts us to seek it out again and again, constantly scrolling through social media instead of investing in our work.
Promoting Mental Health Online Through God
This mindset is neither healthy nor sustainable, and for good reason: God didn’t design us to measure the success of our creativity by comparing it to others. Instead, we need to look to the Creator as our main source of validation.
When we recognize that God’s opinion of us is what really matters, it frees us from the fear of failure and can remove social status pressure that is at the core of online forums. At DTS, you'll learn all the ways that keeping God close to your heart helps you display and use your art boldly and with confidence both online and in everyday life.
If you find that your time on social media is leaving you feeling discouraged, it might be time to take a little break from it. A couple of days away from the screen and immersed in your art can be refreshing. When you revisit your socials, make sure you use your time online wisely.
How to Use Social Media for Inspiration, Not Validation
Social media is a powerful tool that connects us with artists that inspire us. As creatives, we use social media to celebrate our work, as well as gather fresh perspectives and new ideas from other artists and photographers.
Nothing inspires me more than intentional time exploring talented artists' work online or in person at art galleries and shows. However, social media can quickly lead us into a trap, comparing our own work to what we see on the internet. We can easily become discouraged.
The cure? Look to the work of others for inspiration and not for validation.
Creatives have a tendency to compare their art to what they see online, and when it doesn’t quite stand up to the work they admire, it can be devastating. We need to remember that when people post online, they likely only share their best work.
We don’t get to witness their growing pains. Plus, it's important to remember that there will always be art that is better than ours. That doesn't mean ours is bad, though!
On the other hand, when we find creatives who we consider "worse" than us, we often get a boost to our egos. However, the feeling is fleeting and prompts us to seek it out again and again, constantly scrolling through social media instead of investing in our work.
Promoting Mental Health Online Through God
This mindset is neither healthy nor sustainable, and for good reason: God didn’t design us to measure the success of our creativity by comparing it to others. Instead, we need to look to the Creator as our main source of validation.
When we recognize that God’s opinion of us is what really matters, it frees us from the fear of failure and can remove social status pressure that is at the core of online forums. At DTS, you'll learn all the ways that keeping God close to your heart helps you display and use your art boldly and with confidence both online and in everyday life.
If you find that your time on social media is leaving you feeling discouraged, it might be time to take a little break from it. A couple of days away from the screen and immersed in your art can be refreshing. When you revisit your socials, make sure you use your time online wisely.
How to Use Social Media to Increase Creativity, Not Decrease Productivity
We spend a lot of time on social media. The average user will spend over five years on various social media platforms. Sadly, much of this time isn’t used thoughtfully.
A lot of our online time is spent "vegging out," mindlessly scrolling to occupy our attention during bits of free time. But with a good Christian platform or digital discipline, we can use this free time on social media to develop our own creativity.
Unchecked, our social media use can keep us from getting stuff done. I want to challenge you to use social media to increase creativity, not decrease productivity.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we give up social media altogether. Instead, be mindful and intentional about how you use social media.
Tips to Turn Social Media Into a Creative Tool for Young Users
Social media can be beneficial instead of something that steals time for our days. It's all about how you use it. Here are a few ways to be more intentional about your social media use:
- Schedule social media time: Resist scrolling whenever you have the impulse, and instead try scheduling designated social media time throughout the day. Limit yourself to 10 minutes in the morning to view new posts or keep up with your favorite artists' work. Then, schedule some time in the afternoon or evening to work on your own profile. If you stick to a schedule, you'll discover how much more you can do with your free time.
- Know your purpose: If you’re not focused on the task at hand when you get online, you can quickly find yourself distracted. Don’t let the time you set aside to work on your Instagram post turn into thirty minutes lost on YouTube. Set goals for what you want to accomplish through your social media use for better productivity.
- Be a thoughtful viewer: Don't be a passive participant. Social media is a social network - a space for people to interact and connect. It only works if everyone participates positively. So don't view or share inappropriate content or absentmindedly scroll - take time to think about the specific content you want to see and seek it out. Then, take the time to study and talk about the work you like most.
- Be present: If you find yourself bored in between classes, on a break at work, or on the bus, don’t immediately reach for your phone. Instead, take that time to brainstorm for your next creative project, keep your eyes open to inspiration around you, or just be in the moment.
Jesus Christ didn't have social media, but now that we do, we have a responsibility to use it in a God-honoring way.
How to Use Social Media to Enhance Your Relationships, Not Replace Real Conversation
Social media isn't a solo activity. From exploring Christian entertainment to uncovering inspiring content, we can often get wrapped up in how social media affects us and our personal lives without considering those around us.
Social media is important to enhance our relationships as well. God designed us to be present. If we're not careful, social media can hinder us from experiencing both of these to the fullest.
By spending time on social media in life's quiet moments, we can miss out on real-life moments and conversations. These in-person moments contain the stuff creativity is made of. A conversation can lead to ministry or a new friendship, or even become a stroke of inspiration that dramatically informs your next work of art.
Thoughtful use of social media is the key to maintaining relationships with friends and family from afar.
How to Discover Inspiring Content and Avoid Harmful Content
In a digital landscape brimming with endless possibilities, uncovering inspiring content while sidestepping the pitfalls of harmful material can be challenging.
It's essential to be intentional about the content we consume. Not only can it influence our minds and hearts, but it can also affect our creativity. While we can't completely hide contact we don't want to see, we can take some proactive steps to reduce our exposure and choose not to engage.
First, you should curate your feed with accounts that align with your values and aspirations. This helps foster an environment rich in creativity and positivity. Actively seek out content that ignites your passion, whether it's uplifting stories, a prayer request section, thought-provoking art, or motivational messages.
When active online, be sure to exercise caution and vigilance. You can learn the red flags to look out for and use these to swiftly disengage from toxic sources. Remember, your digital consumption profoundly influences your mindset and creative output.
A Real-Life Christian Social Network Is Waiting at DTS
Social media is just another tool to keep in your creative toolbox. It shouldn't take up your entire basket.
At DTS, you can learn how to use every tool at your disposal, including Christian social media platforms, to be an effective creator for Jesus Christ. The missions training experience of a lifetime is waiting for you! Are you ready to kickstart your next creative process?
Apply for YWAM Orlando DTS today.
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Written By:
Tommy Rutt | YWAM Orlando Staff