Proverbs 4:20-27 – ‘Guard your heart with all diligence’
There is a Netflix documentary called ‘The Social Dilemma’ that discusses the dopamine addiction that social media platforms create. One of the claims of the documentary is how the creators of social media can identify what triggers the interests of its users and then create algorithms that feed into that interest, creating addiction.
Smartphones were introduced in 2007, and by 2015 fully 92 percent of teens and young adults owned a smartphone. The rise in depressive symptoms correlates with smartphone adoption during that period observes one study’s lead author, San Diego State University psychologist Jean Twenge. In the same period, the suicide rate for girls in that age group increased by 65 percent.
A recent study from the West Virginia Education Association revealed that American teenagers spend an astounding nine hours a day with digital technology. In the words of Simon Sinek, ‘…it’s like we’re opening up the liquor cabinet for our youth, just via technology.’
Christians are called to watch over their hearts with all diligence, understanding that what they fill their hearts with will end up being the overflow of their lives. We are to set our minds and hearts on things above, and on things to come.
Do you find yourself getting distracted by the bombardment of the information age? If we’re going to tune into Christ, and stay on mission, we must practice fasting from that which steals our attention away. If you’re honest, does technology control you more than you control it? One way to find out is by taking days off when possible.
Heavenly Father, help us to take an honest assessment of what has our time and attention. Make us wise in discerning how to best handle the technology of our time. Help us to guard our hearts from that which pollutes our souls and keeps us from fullness of life in Christ, Amen.