Turning Points in Spiritual Growth October 21, 2019 Issue

Social media—how metaphysics now informs my views

Mandy-Kay Johnson

Social media is one of the most prevalent collective voices in society today, creating expectations for all aspects of life. As a twenty-something woman who is an avid social media user, I’ve found that it can be far too easy to become obsessive about a posting schedule, and also to judge your worth based on how big your following is or how others comment on your appearance or achievements. I have sometimes subscribed to this competitive landscape wholeheartedly, while also knowing that this attitude is not so healthy.

And yet, recently I’ve asked myself what is good about regular use of social media. Can we, as users and consumers, contribute to social media being good in our everyday lives? And if so, how? I have grappled with these questions many times, disheartened by the many voices claiming that social media is the slow destruction of in-person communication and relationships, and that it is also a platform for divisiveness (which it can be, and this is something to be aware of).

When I began an internship focused on social media and promotions at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, I found that the need to answer my questions became more urgent.

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