We Are Being Formed: Is Your Smartphone Shaping You?
We are all being formed by something. At times we become more like our friends. Growing up, we often take on traits of our parents as they form us. The goal of spirituality is to be formed into the image of Christ. Inadvertently, many of us have allowed a powerful discipleship resource into our lives that is forming us into the image of a lonely, anxiety-ridden world: the smartphone.
Years ago, Neil Postman, in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death," focused on the danger of people mindlessly watching television. He argued that the shift from community to screen and from print to visual would shorten our attention spans, reduce relationships, and lead to loneliness. Forty years later, in a world where people carry a mini-TV on steroids in their pockets, his insights seem prophetic. Research is piling up that shows the dangers of mindless smartphone use for people of all ages:
Dopamine Addiction: Just like slot machines, social media apps are designed with "intermittent variable rewards" to keep us hooked. Every notification, like, or comment triggers a dopamine release, making it hard to resist the urge to check our phones, even when we know we should be doing something else. This constant anticipation and reward cycle can lead to addiction, impacting our attention spans and relationships. As Patrick Miller of The Gospel Coalition points out, “Dopamine media is a digital Las Vegas,” constantly vying for our attention with digital slot machines. This is how Candy Crush brought in $1,084.29 million last year!
Decreased Attention Span: Constant notifications and endless scrolling train our brains to crave instant gratification, making it difficult to focus on tasks requiring sustained attention, whether it's reading a book, engaging in meaningful conversation, or even participating in worship. Nicholas Carr, author of "Superbloom," highlights how online interactions can disrupt the natural development of friendships, leading to suspicion and polarization. He notes the way that “...the personal information that circulates in such abundance through social networks can act as an attractant. More often, it acts as a repellent.”
Increased Anxiety and Depression: Studies link excessive smartphone use to higher levels of anxiety and depression. The constant comparison with curated online personas can lead to feelings of inadequacy and social isolation.
Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens interferes with our natural sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. This impacts our physical and mental health, as well as our ability to be present in our daily lives.
Reduced Social Interaction: While smartphones can connect us virtually, they can also disconnect us from the people physically present in our lives. Face-to-face interactions are crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community.
Impact on Spiritual Life: The constant barrage of information and distractions can make it difficult to find quiet moments for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Teen Risks Amplified:
For teenagers, these dangers are amplified. The developing brain is particularly susceptible to the addictive nature of smartphones. Social media pressures, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content can have devastating consequences on their mental and emotional well-being. A recent study by Seattle Children's Research Institute found that teens spend a quarter of their school days on their phones, averaging 1.5 hours in a 6.5-hour school day. They are forming their identities, and the phone offers a very poor model.
Swimming Against the Tide
All this is why this Sunday, we'll be handing out the Digital Fast workbooks. I know I've written about this a few times, but I truly believe that this is an essential part of the future of the church's witness.
Reclaiming Our Focus: A Call to Intentional Living
We are not powerless against the pull of our smartphones. By intentionally engaging in a Digital Fast, we can reclaim our focus, deepen our relationships, and cultivate a stronger connection with God. This isn't about shunning technology altogether, but about using it with wisdom and discernment. As Catherine Price, author of “How to Break up With Your Phone” says: “The goal isn’t to dump your smartphone completely (unless you want to). It’s to create a healthier relationship with technology in which your phone makes your life better, not worse.”
The Digital Fast workbook provides practical tools and strategies to help you:
Set healthy boundaries with your smartphone.
Cultivate mindful screen habits.
Rediscover the joy of face-to-face interactions.
Create space for prayer and reflection.
Help your children to set healthy boundaries.
Make your phone boring.
Create phone free spaces.
Start and end your day on your own terms.
This is a journey we can embark on together as a church community. Let's choose to be formed by the things that truly matter: faith, love, and meaningful connection. Join us this Sunday to pick up your Digital Fast workbook, and let's work together to build a community that reflects the image of Christ, not the image of a screen.
With You;
Pastor Tim
