But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
I’ve been struck lately how much people are affected by technology. I find myself longing for the days before my smart phone, the days when I couldn’t imagine why I would need such a device. Yet, here I am, looking at my friends’ “stories,” shopping for everything from boots to cat food, and yes, even playing games. How I managed to comparison shop and travel and communicate before this handy device, I only vaguely recall.
They now can compare themselves and their accomplishments or lack thereof to basically the entire world. No pressure there.
I look at my son’s generation and wonder how they can even imagine life without technology. With all of its convenience, one might think that life should be easier in general, but the ease it presents is really only surface deep. I have to wonder at how rampant chronic depression and anxiety fit into this equation. For so many young people, there’s more than just the old “keeping up with the Jones’” on their street. They now can compare themselves and their accomplishments or lack thereof to basically the entire world. No pressure there.
Some studies have shown that there are some positive effects of technology for adolescents–like providing a means to connect with others, which gives some the support they need to deal with their problems and feel like someone out there knows them and what they are going through. I get it. I’ve felt that way many times, and utilizing social media groups and text chains helps me get through some hard days. On the flip side, however, especially for adolescents who may not have stability in their home lives or friendships, searching for purpose and identity online can be destructive, or even dangerous.
“Some studies suggest that there are positive aspects of online technology, especially in providing opportunities for youth to develop and maintain a sense of connectedness in an online environment, while other studies suggest that young people’s use of online technology creates the opposite and leads to feelings of loneliness, depression and social anxiety, and creates mental health challenges among adolescents.” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40894-015-0013-9
Although it’s rather easy to paint a picture of oneself online that appears to be content and stable, it’s really only a matter of time before that facade breaks down. The discontent, loneliness, self-loathing, or whatever insecurity plagues someone will eventually bleed through. The scary part is that often the signs are vague or unclear, and some people resort to extremes without ever getting the help they need. Only the Lord knows what’s in the heart; I pray for my friends and family, and myself, for wisdom in navigating these deep waters.