Modern media and the distraction of our souls

November 4, 2024

We live in a world where distraction, superficiality, and self-promotion are the norm, yet our calling as Christians is to rise above these things.

Modern media is an integral part of our lives. It encompasses every way we communicate, entertain ourselves, and find information. From our TVs to video games, computers to smartphones, and apps to streaming services, we’re surrounded by technology that has seamlessly embedded itself into the rhythms of our daily existence. We don’t even question its place anymore. Its influence simply is. But as Christians, we should step back and evaluate whether this omnipresent media serves us well or quietly harms us in ways we rarely consider.

How does modern media affect us—spiritually, mentally, and socially? First, let’s examine why media presents both obvious and subtle dangers, followed by a look at the ways these technologies distract us, affect our sense of privacy, compromise our integrity, and distort our search for validation. I’ll start by contrasting two visions of media’s role in our lives, which can frame our understanding of media’s impact on our spiritual priorities.

The dystopian debate between Orwell and Huxley

In 1985, Neil Postman, a prominent media theorist, explored the dangers of media in his book Amusing Ourselves to Death. Postman examines a debate between two famous authors of dystopian novels: George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. Orwell’s 1984 portrays a world under authoritarian control, where society is oppressed through fear, censorship, and an intrusive government that watches and silences dissent. Huxley’s Brave New World, on the other hand, imagines a world that controls its citizens through pleasure and distraction. Rather than suppress information, Huxley’s society drowns people in meaningless diversions that dull their minds and weaken their sense of purpose. Postman sides with Huxley, arguing that we are not being oppressed by an external force that controls us but instead lulled into complacency by an endless stream of trivial entertainment.

Postman writes:

What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism.

Today, it’s clear that Huxley’s vision is closer to our reality. Our culture isn’t one of overt censorship or blatant oppression. Rather, it’s one of distraction and overabundance. If we’re not careful, we risk falling into a passive, distracted life where our focus on what matters most—our faith, purpose, and relationships—fades beneath the onslaught of notifications, images, and breaking news.

Modern media is an unhealthy distraction

Modern media is a powerful distraction. Postman’s critique was aimed at television, the dominant medium of his day. However, his observations apply even more acutely to our present age, where we not only passively consume content but actively engage in it through social media and the Internet. Every day, we encounter an endless cycle of content vying for our attention—news headlines, memes, ads, viral videos, and opinions from around the world. Yet, as Postman argued, this constant stream of information does not enhance our understanding but often trivializes it.

Consider your social media feed. On any given day, it may contain a mix of global tragedies, advertisements for the latest products, inspiring quotes, jokes, and celebrity gossip. The disjointed nature of this content creates mental whiplash, leaving little room for deep thought, reflection, or engagement. It’s no wonder that we often struggle to focus on Scripture, prayer, or quiet contemplation when our minds have been conditioned by modern media to expect constant stimulation.

The Bible instructs us to focus on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Col 3:2). This exhortation calls us to resist distraction and to anchor our thoughts in eternal truths rather than fleeting moments of amusement. The writer of Hebrews similarly urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus rather than allow ourselves to drift into trivial pursuits (Heb 12:2). The question is, are we letting the world dictate what we think about, or are we focused on the things that matter most?

Privacy and the modern media landscape

Beyond distracting us, modern media invades our privacy in unprecedented ways. Most people are now aware that social media and online platforms collect information about us. Yet few of us understand the full extent of this surveillance. Our preferences, habits, and even private conversations are tracked, logged, and analyzed by algorithms designed to keep us engaged.

I experienced this firsthand during a period when I ditched my smartphone and attempted to secure my online presence. Everywhere I turned, it seemed my information was being gathered. In one instance, I was asked to provide my phone number and address just to get a haircut. On one particularly memorable occasion, I found my photo, taken by law enforcement years ago, suddenly circulating on various websites. Although the situation was later resolved, it was a vivid reminder that in today’s digital age, our personal information is a commodity, bought and sold without our explicit consent.

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out” (Pr 10:9). Living a life of integrity means that we should be cautious not only of what we do but also of what we share. Each post, photo, or comment we publish online contributes to a digital footprint that is far from private. Integrity in our digital age calls us to consider whether we are consistent in character, both publicly and privately.

Integrity versus the illusion of anonymity

One of the most insidious effects of the internet is the illusion of anonymity. When we’re behind a screen, it’s tempting to act in ways we wouldn’t in person. The anonymity of the internet lowers our guard, making it easy to indulge in gossip, criticize others harshly, or seek entertainment that we know isn’t edifying. It’s a double life that can easily foster hypocrisy.

The apostle James warns us about the dangers of a double-minded life, urging believers to use their words wisely, as “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” (Jas 3:6). He reminds us that with the same mouth, we bless God and curse others, even those who are made in his image. Integrity demands that our online behavior reflect the same values we profess in person. As Christians, our digital lives should mirror the same love, patience, and purity that we are called to show in all our interactions.

Social media also encourages us to present a curated version of ourselves. We see posts of vacations, meals, and accomplishments, all filtered through a lens of perfection. Rarely do we share the messy, mundane parts of life. This pursuit of validation through “likes” and positive comments can distort our self-worth, shifting it from God’s view of us to others’ approval. Authenticity means resisting the pressure to create an image that is only partially true.

Accountability for our use of media

Scripture teaches that we are accountable to God for all we do, say, and think, whether in private or in public. Jesus himself said, “Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light” (Lk 8:17). God sees not only our actions but the intentions behind them. When it comes to modern media, we should recognize that our online presence is not hidden from God. Every interaction, post, and comment will one day be brought to light.

We are also accountable for the time we invest or waste on these platforms. Paul writes in Ephesians, “Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). If we spend hours on social media but struggle to spend even a few minutes in prayer or Bible study, we must reexamine our priorities. Modern media often leads us to squander precious time that could be spent encouraging others, deepening our faith, or building meaningful relationships.

The danger of seeking attention

Finally, modern media tempts us to seek attention and validation. With social media, we’re constantly invited to share our lives and receive feedback from friends, family, and strangers alike. But this pursuit of popularity and affirmation can easily turn into a quest for self-glorification. Rather than finding our worth in being God’s image-bearers, we can start to measure our value by the number of followers, likes, and comments we receive.

This isn’t a new temptation. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns his disciples not to practice righteousness in front of others to be seen by them (Mt 6:1). Our purpose as Christians is to glorify God, not ourselves. We’re called to live humbly, seeking his approval above all others.

A higher calling

As believers, we are called to a higher standard. We live in a world where distraction, superficiality, and self-promotion are the norm, yet our calling is to rise above these things. Yes, modern media has its uses, and yes, it can be a tool for spreading the gospel and connecting with others. But the dangers it poses are real, and they can have eternal consequences.

If we are to use media effectively, we must do so with a discerning spirit. We must fix our minds on things above and refuse to let our hearts be swayed by the trivial distractions of this world. We have more important things to focus on than the fleeting attention that social media brings. We have people to encourage, a gospel to share, a Bible to study, and a family to enjoy. Let’s not let modern media, however alluring, draw us away from the life God calls us to live.

By aligning our media use with biblical principles, we can avoid the pitfalls of distraction and live purposefully for God’s glory.